Happy Ghost Studios, founded by Gabriella Aren and Nicholas Asad Aren, is dedicated to producing dynamic dramas, comedies, and action-packed feature films. With Middle Eastern heritage, siblings Gabriella and Nicholas are committed to uplifting their underrepresented community through the power of storytelling. They are also on a mission to bring the golden era of action comedies back to life in the modern world of filmmaking.
Happy Ghost Studios has several feature films currently in development. Please check back soon for more exciting updates and announcements.
Our Partners
Happy Ghost Studios is proud to work in partnership and collaboration with their long-time producer, Derek Hersey and Hersey Entertainment.
Derek Hersey (he/him) formed Hersey Entertainment in 2022, transitioning to talent management and producing after more than a decade in the entertainment industry, including eight years in casting.
Previously, Derek was an associate casting director at Kromer Casting, collaborating with Emmy winner Christine Kromer on television series including RUSSIAN DOLL (Netflix), POKER FACE (Peacock), QUEER AS FOLK (Peacock), THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY (AMC), THE CHANGELING (Apple TV+), MIKE (Hulu), RAISING DION (Netflix), POWER (Starz), POWER BOOK II: GHOST (Starz), and THE I-LAND (Netflix), as well as films including FEAR THE NIGHT, FIRST ONE IN, and the upcoming FIRST TIME FEMALE DIRECTOR. Prior to that, Derek was an associate casting director with Rob Decina, working on multiple seasons of SHADES OF BLUE (NBC) and INSATIABLE (Netflix), many pilots for The CW, and the film GREYHOUND (Apple TV+). Additional credits include GOSSIP GIRL (HBO Max) with casting director Cassandra Kulukundis and THE COMEDIAN with casting director Amanda Mackey. Derek got his start in the industry assisting theatre director Jeff Calhoun for several years, working on NEWSIES (Broadway & National Tour), JEKYLL & HYDE (Broadway Revival & National Tour), 9 TO 5 (UK Tour), and various regional theatre productions and developmental projects.
Derek is passionate about supporting and guiding emerging and established artists in film, television, and theatre, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.