Person Biography:
H. M. Coakley is a renowned independent film producer and director, having spent many years producing hundreds of music videos and commercials before making his feature directorial debut with the horror-comedy HOLLA. Coakley co-wrote and directed HOLLA, which was later acquired by Lionsgate Films and became one of their top-selling urban horror titles, helping to launch the career of rising star Kali Hawk.
As a producer, Coakley has co-created and executive produced MECCA, an hour-long drama series for HBO Original Programming, as well as produced acclaimed independent films such as TEN BENNY and RESTAURANT, which helped to launch the careers of Academy Award winner Adrien Brody and Emmy Winner Simon Baker. TEN BENNY, which was Coakley's MFA thesis film, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and both films have garnered rave reviews, with RESTAURANT also being nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
Coakley has recently completed HOLLA II, the sequel to HOLLA, which he wrote and directed, as well as the urban comedy CLEAVER FAMILY REUNION for The Asylum. He was tapped by the partners of The Asylum to write and direct their first urban film. Both CLEAVER FAMILY REUNION and HOLLA II were released in theaters last spring, making Coakley the first African-American filmmaker to have two indie films in theaters at the same time.
Coakley's most recent feature is AVOUTERIE, his fourth feature as writer-director-producer. His award-winning screenplay, THE JUMBIE, was one of only four finalists at the 2014 Urban World Film Festival Screenplay Contest.
Coakley holds a magna cum-laude degree in Physics from Howard University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting and Producing from Columbia University School of the Arts. He has also worked periodically as an UPM, Line Producer, and Production Supervisor.
