Three filmmakers. One shared vision.
We combine award-winning, human-centered storytelling with decades of creative leadership experience to offer best in class global production capabilities (without the usual bloat).
Kristen Lewis
As a director, creative director and writer, Kristen has over 20 years of experience bringing the worlds of advertising and documentary storytelling together for some of the world’s most notable brands, including leading documentary and short film content in-house at Google Brand Studio and Google Creative Lab. Since 2020, Kristen and April have worked together as a directing team, garnering awards from the Webbys, One Show, Art Directors Club, Shots, Vimeo Staff Picks, Camerimage, Anthem Awards, D&AD, Brand Film Awards and more.
More info
kristen-lewis.com /
lewis-hayes.com
Michael Smith
As a director, story consultant and writer, Michael has over 20 years of experience bridging storytelling together with editorial strategy through long-from writing and film across music, publishing, and tech—most recently at Airbnb and Google. Michael consulted on the Sundance documentary, The Disappearance of Shere Hite, and is currently developing a docu-series and a feature film. He has won literary awards for fiction and nonfiction writing, and published work in several magazines and anthologies.
More info
bsidesnarrative.com / otherwords.com
April Hayes
As a documentary filmmaker, April’s films have been honored by The Emmys, the Sundance Film Festival, Human Rights Watch, the ACLU and more. Parallel to her independent film work, April’s work in the branded space includes a stint at Google Brand Studio where she helped lead innovation in nonfiction storytelling, and directing award-winning branded films alongside Kristen Lewis. April is a proud member of the media advocacy organizations FWD-Doc (a global, intersectional community of disabled filmmakers and allies) and the Documentary Producers Alliance (a coalition of filmmakers advocating for inclusive, sustainable and equitable practices in the documentary field).
More info
aprilhayesfilms.com / lewis-hayes.com
