Our Story
HMNTY Studios brings workforce development and film production together. We envision building a system in the film industry that works for everyone.
Our studio trains and prepares the next generation of filmmakers, especially those coming from under resourced communities, by providing hands on production experience through professional film and commercial projects.
Through our work we create jobs, develop talent, and produce original story-driven content that inspires our shared humanity while opening pathways to long term careers in the creative economy.
MISSION
OUR PURPOSE
To train and prepare the next generation of filmmakers by creating real jobs, hands on production experience, and pathways into the creative economy while producing films and content that inspire humanity.
OUR PROGRAMS
Film Production Apprenticeship
The studio apprenticeship is a 12-24 month comprehensive paid creative workforce development program designed under the training hospital method. Fellows will work in their desired production track on professional productions under the guidance of our full-time experienced department heads and studio staff to gain hands-on training and experience that meets union and professional production standards. Once the program is completed fellows are pipelined into their next creative position to move their career forward.
Emerging Talent Fellowship
This program provides grant funding and assistance to under-resourced writers, producers and directors with the goal of producing their episodic, short or feature independent projects. Fellows will participate in a designated training and prep period led by HMNTY Studios to prepare their projects for production. They will then partner with HMNTY Studios and their professional production staff and apprentices to produce their projects. HMNTY Studios will then work with each fellow to distribute their projects through film festivals and independent networks and facilitate studio pitches of each project in order to grow their productions and business.
Our Impact
Economic Prosperity
We create pathways out of poverty by connecting underrepresented talent to dignified paid work in the creative industry. Our goal is to fuel income, stability, and long-term opportunity.
1
Job Creation
We create real jobs. Through hands-on training and paid storytelling projects, we open doors for creatives who have been overlooked by traditional industries.
2
Opportunity for All
We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We expand access to meaningful work, helping people gain skills, earn income, and thrive on their own terms.
3
Stories That Matter
We produce content that reflects the truth of lived experience. By hiring creatives from underrepresented communities, we bring forward stories that are honest, human, and often overlooked.
4
Our Founders
Jobelle Gacuya Powers
Co-founder & Executive Producer
With over 12 years of experience as a serial social entrepreneur, Jobelle has dedicated her career to leveraging business, entrepreneurship, and innovation to tackle global poverty. As the founder of Ameur Amor, HMNTY, and Humanity Labs, she's worked closely with underserved communities worldwide, including Southeast Asia and Latin America. When the pandemic hit, she brought her work to the United States, serving communities in the Bay Area, Boston, and Chicago. Over the past few years, she has consulted and advised diverse social entrepreneurs and social enterprises around the world. Currently, Jobelle is most interested in impact investing and workforce development, believing that business can be a powerful driver for social good.
Nick Powers-Gomez
Co-founder & Chief Creative Director
A passionate and accomplished filmmaker with over 10 years of experience crafting impactful narratives and compelling commercial content. Nick excels in all aspects of filmmaking, from initial scriptwriting to directing, producing, and editing. This well-rounded expertise allows him to translate ideas into visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories. His dedication to his craft has garnered him international acclaim. His short films, including "Caged" (2016), "The Crossing Shore" (2020), and "A True Nature" (2022), have received numerous awards and recognition. Nick is a sought-after collaborator, bringing his expertise to both narrative and commercial projects.