Award-winning unscripted producers, longtime collaborators, and friends Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn founded Velvet Hammer Media (VHM) in 2023, bringing together decades of experience, creative vision, and deep industry relationships spanning nearly every facet of the nonfiction television landscape.

With a focus on premium storytelling, bold original formats, and globally appealing entertainment, VHM has quickly established itself as a dynamic force in unscripted television. The company’s growing slate includes Netflix’s breakout dating series Age of Attraction, currently in production on its second season; Season 2 of Nelly & Ashanti (Peacock); the highly anticipated Nick Cannon docuseries (Netflix); and Love at First Sight, a new dating series for Netflix.

Additional credits include Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence (HBO Max), The Big Bakeover (The CW), Empty Nest Refresh (Roku), and Best Bite Wins (Roku). Beyond its robust production slate, VHM continues to expand its creative footprint with a diverse pipeline of projects in development across major networks and streaming platforms, including Hulu, NBC, and FOX.

As Co-CEOs, O’Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers across the company’s slate, with VHM providing production services on all commissioned projects. Together, they have built a company that combines the creative ambition and agility of an independent production house with the experience and infrastructure to deliver premium programming at scale.

Equally central to VHM’s mission is its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and fostering a more inclusive entertainment industry. Through its signature Inside Access Program, VHM allocates dedicated funding within every production budget to hire, mentor, and advance exceptional BIPOC talent behind the camera. Embedded in 100% of the company’s productions, the initiative reflects O’Connell and Quinn’s belief that meaningful change requires tangible investment and sustained commitment.

Their leadership extends beyond the screen. In August 2023, O’Connell and Quinn were honored at the sixth annual Let’s Get Real benefit, an unscripted industry initiative supporting the Los Angeles Saban Community Clinic and its mission to provide accessible healthcare services. O’Connell also served on the inaugural Advisory Committee for Reality of Change’s Greener Reality Pledge, helping champion more sustainable production practices across the industry.

Under O’Connell and Quinn’s leadership, Velvet Hammer Media continues to distinguish itself through its creative ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to building a production company where compelling entertainment and meaningful industry impact go hand in hand.