WE INSPIRE
Forge Media is the Hudson Valley’s first and only apprenticeship production house, producing cutting-edge video content and empowering aspiring filmmakers.
Forging ahead of what’s trending in film production and video marketing is about more than embracing innovative techniques and acquiring buzz. Connecting with audiences requires high-quality content that motivates and inspires viewers through engaging storytelling and superior cinematography. We work with you to capture your vision, produce customized, compelling media, and revolutionize your marketing.
As an extension of The Art Effect, Forge Media employs advanced, young film producers to work alongside experienced producers. This next generation of videographers, especially those who excel in the Spark Studios program gain valuable experience in professional film production, build their portfolios, further develop their skills, and expand their relationships in the film industry. Proceeds from Forge Media contracts support 100% of our apprentices through this creative media mentorship program.
Forge Media provides young filmmakers with invaluable opportunities, giving them an edge as they continue on a path toward becoming media industry leaders.
Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson, Associate Director of Media Workforce Programs, is the director of Spark Studios and lead teacher. He has actively worked in the film industry since graduating from The College of Saint Rose with a BA in broadcast media and film. Paul has produced web commercials, creative shorts, and short documentaries for Hudson Valley businesses and organizations, including the Westchester Library System. Paul also has experience as an employment specialist for Ability Beyond, where he was responsible for providing individuals with disabilities the necessary skills to obtain and maintain employment. Paul has used his degree, as well as his experience in human services and video production since 2015, to help create a growing, creative and expressive environment through Spark Studios working closely mentoring youth in our community. In Paul’s spare time, he enjoys going to food and film festivals.
NICOLE FENICHEL-HEWITT
Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt is the Executive Producer of Forge Media and Executive Director of The Art Effect. She previously served as the Executive Director of Spark Media Project, and prior to that as the Director of Communication and Individual Donor Relations at Women’s Studio Workshop. Nicole works to support a large number of youth, community organizations and local businesses through workshops, exhibitions, production services, and an international film festival. Nicole also serves on the Media Smart Libraries National Advisory Board and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum Advisory Board. Nicole is a recipient of an Athena Award (2017); Dutchess Chamber Headliner Award for “Outside the Box Innovator” (2015); Forty Under 40 Award for young “movers and shakers” (2012); Vassar Brothers Medical Center Spirit Award (2011); Richard K. Wager Workplace Inclusiveness Award (2010); and Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards, Arts Organization (2008). She received her degree in Professional and Technical Communication from Rochester Institute of Technology.
ABERENI OPUIYO
YOUTH PRODUCER
ALERIA GONZALEZ
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
JOHAN HERNADEZ
YOUTH PRODUCER
JALEN HARRIS
YOUTH PRODUCER
CHIKEZIE ROBINSON
YOUTH PRODUCER