The connection and trust in talking through a vision with like-minded souls is the secret sauce.
what we do
Emotional Pictures is dedicated to creative collaboration in television, video content, and music. Founded in 1995 by producer/director Sara Nichols, Emotional Pictures has established solid relationships with the most sought after talent in the entertainment world.
Emotional produced programming for Sundance, Sony, ABC, MTV, VH-1, Discovery and Logo as well as several projects for today’s top music artists, including Beyonce, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Evanescence, Christina Aguilera and Usher. Advertising work includes Brita, HP, Honda, Lexus, & AOL.
The project I'm most proud of was also my first feature doc, I Was A Child Bride: The Untold Story (A&E/Hulu/ ITV). This two hour documentary explores the disturbing issue of children who are forced into marriage in the United States,
executive producer & founder
Sara Nichols
- I'm a Buffalo girl now living in Jersey.
- I'm obsessed with vintage homes (renovated 2 so far).
- I adore hydrangeas and currently have more than 50 at our farmhouse.
- My two kids also work in the entertainment industry.
- My first job out of college as a music coordinator, also led to standing in for Zippy the chimp, as monkey hands in the show's open.
- I'm a classically trained pianist.
- Shortly after college I got a development deal with a record label as a singer/songwriter.
- I directed my first musical at the age of 14 and it aired on the local cable channel in Buffalo.
- I may be a little obsessed with fonts and web design, something I've begun doing for clients, including political campaigns.
As Showrunner, my work includes: My Little Life (TLC), Southern Charm Savannah (Bravo), Sing It On (Pop!/Netflix), Extreme Guide to Parenting (Bravo), Festival Dailies (Sundance), Uncovered: Hidden Lives of Miss USA (E!), MTV’s Room Raiders, Gastineau Girls (E!), and Growing Up Gotti - The Holiday Specials (A&E). My very first series as showrunner was also one I created: Total Access 24/7 for ABC Family (now Freeform).
I began my career at MTV Networks, back when MTV focused on music, working at both Nickelodeon and MTV for four years. Shortly after, I began directing music videos, concerts and commercials. I've had the honor of working with multi-platinum artists including Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, and Justin Timberlake.
My college years were spent at Syracuse University, earning a bachelors in television production and music theatre.
I love re-imagining story, developing new concepts that connect with underrepresented audiences, and making powerful music selections that emotionally enhance and deliver a compelling visual experience. Working with talent to bring their best selves is a rewarding process to be a part of. I am a recent graduate of Ithaca College with a fine arts degree in Writing for Television, Film, and Emerging Media, and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.
I am a trained musician and love jamming out to artists like Tame Impala, Meg The Stallion, and Mac Ayres. My huge love for singing and piano started young
producer
Alex Eisenstein
and it never stopped. Music is a huge part of my soul, it heals, it awakens, it lights my fire.
I have a tiny (OK, HUGE) obsession for YouTube’s food vlog and food-ASMR categories as well as all things self-care. I adore animals, specifically my mini goldendoodle Ellie, a furry bundle of love!
“Creativity is not just for artists. It’s for business people looking for a new way to close a sale; it’s for engineers trying to solve a problem; It’s for parents who want their children to see the world in more than one way.”
“Creativity is not just for artists. It’s for business people looking for a new way to close a sale; it’s for engineers trying to solve a problem; it’s for parents who want their children to see the world in more than one way.”
— twyla tharp