Creators and Writers
Nic tenBroek - Co-Creator & Composer, arranger for “The Nightingale Sings”, the Opera Girl theme
Nic tenBroek, co-creator and principal composer for Opera Girl, infuses the series with his profound musical talent and versatility. A Juilliard-trained musician and producer, Nic's journey in music began with piano lessons at age 9 and led him to perform alongside legends such as Santana, Frank Sinatra, and Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and many others. His versatility is showcased through collaborations ranging from jazz and classical genres to working with contemporary artists and symphonies.
Nic's deep understanding of music's narrative potential is evident in Opera Girl, especially in the series’s theme, "The Nightingale Sings." This piece epitomizes his skill in blending classical sensibilities with modern storytelling, providing a compelling auditory backdrop that enhances the narrative's emotional depth.
Beyond his remarkable performance career, Nic has thrived as a producer and arranger, working with industry giants and contributing to a variety of projects in film and television. His collaborative efforts with Grammy award-winning producer Val Garay and other prominent artists reflect his adaptability and creative vision. In Opera Girl, Nic's rich musical background and innovative compositions are key to bringing the story's complex world and its characters to life, offering audiences an immersive and unforgettable experience. Nic is a principal at www.makemyrecord.com.
Ken Richard - Co-Creator and Writer
Ken merges the meticulous attention to detail of the seasoned trial lawyer he is with the lyrical sensitivity of a contemporary classical composer in his creation of Opera Girl. With decades of experience crafting compelling narratives in the courtroom, Ken has honed his ability to weave intricate storylines and develop dynamic, multifaceted characters that resonate with audiences.
His legal background, characterized by persuasive argumentation and rich storytelling, has seamlessly transitioned into his scriptwriting for Opera Girl. This transference of skills from the legal world to the creative sphere has endowed Ken with a unique prowess in developing tight plots, engaging dialogue, and high-stakes scenarios, ensuring that Opera Girl captures the drama and tension that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Beyond his legal career, Ken is an accomplished pianist and composer with a portfolio of 44 contemporary classical pieces. His deep understanding of musical structure, tempo, and emotion deeply informs the rhythm and flow of his scripts, infusing Opera Girl with an authentic musical heartbeat.
Ken’s inspiration for Opera Girl was sparked in New York City in 2019 during a chance meeting with Stephanie Melzi, a virtuosic, New England Conservatory - trained opera singer. The interaction ignited a passion for the musical-storytelling world and led him on a journey to create a narrative that would do justice to the power and beauty of the operatic voice.
As a principal at www.makemyrecord.com, Ken collaborates with some of the finest producers in the industry. His company provides high-end music production services, garnering endorsements from renowned figures in the music world. This has allowed Ken a unique insider perspective on the music industry, which he skillfully portrays through the intricate tapestry of Opera Girl.
Melissa Roen - Pilot Spec Script Co-Writer
Melissa Roen, screenwriter and award-winning American author of the dystopian book series Last Call of Caviar and its sequel Maya Rising, winner of Best Science Fiction at the 2017 New York Book Festival, brings a wealth of storytelling expertise and accolades to co-writing Opera Girl’s pilot script.
Due to a fortuitous encounter at the Maison des Scenarists during the Cannes Film Festival, she expanded her craft to visual storytelling. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Melissa was hired by a French production company to write the screenplay for an English-language feature film. The film’s script development consultant was the former President of Physical and Post Production at Universal Studios with more than 150 films to her credit, including Schindler's List and Casino, allowing Melissa to work with, and learn from a legendary industry pro.
In the ensuing years, Melissa lent her screenwriting and story development talent to US and international filmmakers on a variety of film and TV projects ranging from true-life fictionalized dramas, screen adaptations, and political thrillers to sci-fi fantasy, Urban and Latino themes, and a docu-reality show for a successful US franchise.
Residing on the Côte d’Azur in France for over thirty years, Melissa's immersion in French language, literature, and civilization at the Faculté des Lettres in Nice, coupled with studies in Italian at the Dante Alighieri in Florence, and art at l’École des Artes Plastiques in Monaco, enriches Opera Girl with nuances of European culture and aesthetics that contribute to its depth and global appeal.
