For inveterate globetrotter Mel Gee Henderson and her talented film crew, travel is like air. They cannot live without it! Mel thrives on serendipitous encounters, embraces the unexpected adventure, and charms locals everywhere. Mel’s background as a seasoned journalist and Washington Congressional staffer, combined with her philanthropic activities, introduced her to the globetrotting lifestyle, and took her everywhere, from gatherings on the French Riviera to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Along the way, Mel’s winning personality opened doors and created lasting friendships with people we would all love to hang out with – from scholars to international royalty to celebrated chefs, to maverick fashionistas, to musical artists, and even some of Hollywood’s A-list stars. It’s the desire to share these amazing experiences with others to inspire and demonstrate that they too can explore our beautiful world, and embrace other cultures and people everywhere, that has motivated Mel to create the breathtaking new television series ESCAPESEEKER.
ESCAPESEEKER introduces viewers to the most luxurious adventures, and to the people who live these adventures. It’s Conde Nast –beautiful exotic locations filmed in high-def–-meets Iconoclasts–-intimate conversation with the culture makers, ‘movers and shakers’ of our time.
In each episode, Mel will introduce us to people and destinations so unique, we’ll learn that travel isn’t about where to take your next vacation–it’s about how to envision your new lifestyle!
At first glance of this petite host of ESCAPESEEKER—you would never guess that Mel is the mother of 6, step-mom to 2, and grandmother of 8! Mel made the decision that she would “re-write the way Grandmas are supposed to be perceived” she remarks with a smile. She concludes by saying, “There is so much to see in this world and I want to demonstrate that it is never to late to pursue your dreams!” As writer, Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Mel is definitely with Henry on this one!
ESCAPESEEKER, THE TV SERIES
ESCAPESEEKER is an entertaining, inspiring, educational, joy-filled travel program. Series creator and journalist host, Mel Gee Henderson, along with her talented film team, seek out the world’s amazing dream destinations to create 12, 26-minute stand-alone episodes that highlight the extraordinary experiences available to all who desire to seek them—and it’s all captured in spectacular high-definition cinematography.
WQED is pleased to be the official “National Presenting Station” for ESCAPESEEKER, offering the new series to PBS’ 356 member stations. PBS offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 65 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, travel, and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life.
ESCAPESEEKER is thrilled to be part of the PBS/WQED’s quality programming. WQED, which brought us the wildly popular “Mr. Rogers”, is credited with many of the longest running programs in America. “What a tremendous honor it is to be part of “Mr. Rogers’ ‘neighborhood’”, Mel adds.
More about our Presenting Station, WQED Multimedia:
WQED Multimedia, established in 1954 in Pittsburgh, PA, is America’s first community-supported public broadcaster to provide free high quality public service media for southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and eastern Maryland- supporting and enhancing the image of the region worldwide.
However, WQED is more than just what you can see or hear every day on television or radio, or what you can read or see or share on WQED.org.
WQED has broad experience in working with partners in managing complex media projects that involve television, radio, educational video, teacher training modules, integration marketing communications/promotions, and accompanying printed and web-based educational materials for teachers, students and general audiences. WQED creates products such as books, DVDs and other merchandise for consumer and educational use. The multimedia enterprise is noted for creating award-winning and quality partnerships in promotion and distribution, community engagement partnerships, economic development partnerships and job training, and an increasing array of interactive and multimedia products for local and national audiences.
Throughout its history, WQED has been consistently devoted to developing, producing and presenting programs and projects of the highest quality, and in recognition has won more than 450 local, national and international awards for production excellence, including 90 Emmys, 12 Peabodys, Edward R. Murrow awards, Gabriels, and two (2) unprecedented Emmys for Station Excellence in the Mid-Atlantic region.
WQED’s future also holds continued expansion and strengthening of local programming, the WQED Education Department and WQED.org to promote lifelong learning; an increase in service made possible by conversion to digital technologies in HD makes WQED one of the “Elite 5” in high-definition production in the country; the continuation of local content development through the nightly newsmagazine program OnQ and Black Horizons, the country’s longest-running minority affairs program; and national-scale projects such as American Soundtrack, America’s Home Cooking and The War That Made America have their beginnings locally but have expanded to global distribution
WQED’s success is based on a measured, fiscally responsible strategy to develop programming with local and national appeal and by working, when necessary, “accordion style” with contract staff on a studio model to be responsive to production opportunities that reflect our community.
The WQED team–including on and off-air talent and expertise– boasts an average of 500 years of experience in the respective areas of expertise, including non-profit and commercial media, government, and the private and corporate sectors. Minorities and women comprise more than 65 percent of the WQED staff and management.
