Jennifer Paone
Jennifer Paone is an award-winning Creative Director, filmmaker, and strategic storytelling partner based in Keene, New Hampshire. A graduate of Keene State College with a degree in Film Production, she has been working in the field since 2001 and founded The Production House in 2015.
From a young age, Jennifer knew she wanted to pursue a career in film. Growing up in the Monadnock region, with access to a strong college film program, helped lay the foundation for her creative journey. While building her skills as a filmmaker, she spent many years working full-time in human and social services, supporting children facing mental health challenges, while producing wedding and event films on weekends. This unique combination of experiences deeply shaped her approach to storytelling, giving her a strong foundation in empathy, communication, and human connection.
Today, through The Production House, Jennifer works as a strategic storytelling partner for nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, and businesses, helping them communicate their purpose with clarity and impact. Her work often supports initiatives such as fundraising campaigns, brand storytelling, internal communications, and educational content. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to understanding each client’s mission, Jennifer has become a trusted creative partner for organizations throughout the Monadnock region and beyond.
Her day-to-day work ranges from client strategy sessions and scriptwriting to editing and on-location production. Jennifer’s dedication to listening, relationship-building, and thoughtful collaboration distinguishes her work in an industry where client connection is often overlooked. Over the years, she has partnered with a diverse range of organizations—from local startups and arts organizations to international humanitarian initiatives—creating stories that honor mission, elevate impact, and inspire action. Her films and creative work have received national recognition, including honors from the Communicator Awards and the LuxLife Global Wedding Awards.
Beyond her professional work, Jennifer is deeply committed to community service and social impact. She has volunteered with organizations such as Monadnock United Way, Arts Alive, and the Keene Senior Center, and currently serves as Chair of the Board for Rwanda-one4one, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to education and economic opportunity for families in Rwanda.
Through her filmmaking and community leadership, Jennifer continues to amplify meaningful stories, build authentic connections, and demonstrate how creativity can be a powerful force for good.
• Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts
• Keene State College - BA, Film Production
• Excellence in the Communicator Awards 2024
• Lux Life Awards
• Local Best of Awards
• Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts
• Rwanda One for One
• Monadnock United Way
• RwandaOne4One
• Keene Senior Center
• Arts Alive Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I think passion. When you really, really feel something is a calling or is for you, I think that that's such a motivator to make it work, even in the difficult times. You have to have a lot of perseverance, and again, that comes from your drive of whether that's your passion or not. And then, also, again, it's the interpersonal skills, the relationships. I love people, I love knowing people authentically, and I can definitely say that many production companies around me have come and gone, and the thing I hear most often is it was a lot in part due to their inability to really work with their clients, listen to them, understand them. And it was those people skills that was lacking. So, that's so important in anything you do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Actually, one of the things I think about often is a filmmaker, Alex Mallis, he was originally from this area but is now in New York City. When I asked him for some advice, he said, just create. Doesn't matter if it's good, bad, whatever, just keep creating, keep creating, keep putting it out into the world. And I think that is so true, because you know, you can't let that fear stop you, whether it's good or bad. The more you do that, the more you're going to learn from that experience, so definitely the best advice.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This is actually advice whether it's this industry or any industry. I'm really supportive of young people following their passion. I was always told that what I wanted to do, I'd never make a living, but this is how I support myself and my family. So, I did it. I went against everything everybody ever told me, so especially that happens a lot in the world of arts and the creative industry. So, I would say, if it's your passion, you'll find a way to make it work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges - well, I think one of those things is I'm older now, so people take me a little more seriously. Obviously, being a woman in the film and video industry is always a challenge. And then opportunities, I think now more than ever, people - everyone needs stories. I mean, that's how we pass information along, that's how we get people to inspire them to action, and so, especially this day and age. So, it's just a matter of helping people figure out what their story is and how to tell it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity. Just getting to really know people for who they really are, whether that's my clients or in my personal life.