5 Minutes with… Hope Harris Refuerzo

“Legacy.” That’s Hope Harris Refuerzo's long-term ambition for TillSow, in a word.

An Afro-Latina filmmaker and entrepreneur, Hope founded the production company in 2022 as a “a creative services company designed for the future” – a lasting entity to support her passion for impactful storytelling that amplifies diverse voices.

With content creation and consumption ever evolving, Hope has brought her experiences in creative development, production and as an on-screen talent to TillSow, whose capabilities now span from ideation to execution, supported by a global network of creatives.

“Our long-term goals are simple: disruption and expansion,” she says. “Generating our own IP is definitely part of the vision, and ultimately, producing great work that contributes to culture and shapes the future.”

Speaking with LBB’s Lucy Briggs, Hope discusses her career journey so far, how TillSow is making more intentional, representative work, and why she wants to take big swings in 2025.

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LBB> Have you always felt drawn to creativity? Was there something that particularly influenced this interest?

Hope> I came from a very creative family. My father is a singer/songwriter, so I have been around the arts my whole life. My family supported me in exploring different aspects of art from a very young age, which made a lasting impact. When I began working in production, I was fortunate to get my start in the New Mexico Film Industry, which is my home state. It gave me an invaluable inside look at the magic of television and film, and cemented my passion for storytelling.

LBB> Is there a specific moment or project that changed the trajectory of your career?

Hope> Early in my career, I worked in casting for TV. Stepping into this role, with major TV networks at such a young age was life-changing. It thrust me into understanding how production works, the level of responsibility that comes with every role involved, and how much can be achieved when everyone is aligned in making something great. This opportunity gave me a glimpse into what I was capable of, and sparked my professional career as a filmmaker.

LBB> As an Afro-Latina filmmaker, how would you say your cultural influences have affected your passions in production, or creative outlook generally?

Hope> I’ve always been inspired by the great storytellers and performers who have come before me. Those who have expanded our vision of the world, reflected life, and shifted paradigms despite a lack of opportunity or a voice. My ancestors were griots, builders, and visionaries. My lens is their lens.

LBB> As a filmmaker who has worked in the entertainment and theatre worlds for over 15 years, what are the main changes across the production landscape you have witnessed over the last decade?

Hope> In the past decade alone, technology has advanced, and everything is faster. Creatives are more multidisciplinary than ever, tools are more accessible, and the lines between disciplines have blurred. It’s a dynamic, collaborative environment with lots of opportunities to make innovative work.

LBB> What have been some of your most creatively fulfilling commercial projects? You’ve worked with Apple, adidas, JP Morgan to name a few - what do you enjoy about the commercial filmmaking process?

Hope> I love any opportunity to build something from scratch. Whether it’s creating a visual language for a JP Morgan campaign or building franchises and experiential opportunities with Apple TV and the MLS, any opportunity to build something fresh and new is most exciting for me. The cherry on top is when we get to execute and see our ideas through to fruition.

LBB> TillSow prioritises and voices diverse perspectives – how do you go about that?

Hope> No matter what medium we create in, we want to tell stories that resonate and reflect universal truths. We prioritise this ambition by being intentional about how we build and curate our teams. We challenge ourselves to push the boundaries and encourage our clients to support that ambition. It's not always easy but it's essential.

LBB> What makes this challenging to achieve across the industry? How can the wider production community welcome more diverse talent?

Hope> Ideally, the powers that be continue to greenlight projects that reflect a wide range of cultures, experiences and walks of life. Agencies, brands and production companies can make a real difference by prioritising diverse talent across every role, and every project.

At TillSow, representation is innate to us. It is not an effort, it is who we are. That shows up not only culturally but across generations and disciplines. As I mentioned earlier, we curate our teams for each project to reflect the subject matter as well as the target audience, both behind the camera and in front of it.

The biggest hurdle that exists when it comes to diversity in this industry (and all industries), is in the willingness to say yes. Yes to learning, yes to teaching, yes to opening doors for others - for all.

LBB> Do you have any goals for this year as a filmmaker or leader?

Hope> I want to take big swings. I'm focused on making impactful, timeless work while continuing to build a team of bold innovators. The hope is always to inspire others to step into their purpose and passion.