About
I'm an award-winning producer and multidisciplinary creative with over 25 years in entertainment, crafting content for major studios, companies, and non-profits. My passion is producing story-driven content that uplifts, engages, and inspires diverse audiences.
Having worked in an evolving industry, I understand your challenges of building teams and processes to create content that engages diverse global audiences and passionate fan communities. I know the massive effort, problem solving and negotiations required to plan your special shoot or live event with top A-list talent. I know you are dealing with tighter schedules and budgets, and that collaboration across departments, territories, and partners drives the best results. ​
At Warner Bros., I adapted to ever-changing technologies to develop and lead multi-year content plans for iconic franchises like Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Matrix Trilogy, DC Universe, and Friends, spanning short form videos, VR, live events and documentaries. Having managed complex talent relationships and collaborated with filmmakers, I can ensure that your projects run smoothly and align with your creative, marketing and publicity goals.
Paul with Daniel Radcliffe on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Warner Bros. Leavesden, Watford, UK.
After two decades at Warner Bros., industry shifts, the pandemic, and personal reflection led me to a new path. Inspired by raising kids with Autism, I joined Autism in Entertainment, a non-profit fostering employment for creatives on the spectrum. As head of video production, I hire and mentor neurodivergent crews to create films that celebrate individuals on the Spectrum who have overcome adversity to succeed in Entertainment. This purpose-driven work has been deeply fulfilling.
Paul leading his video crew at the Autism In Entertainment Conference, April 5, 2024 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Live entertainment is another lifelong passion. With an MFA in directing in Theatre and Film from CalArts, I produce theatre and live music events that celebrate diverse communities and inspire audiences.
With experience working in film, theatre, immersive media, and franchise content strategy within a wide range of budgets, I am eager to explore new ways to reach your audiences in impactful, meaningful ways. I seek to collaborate with visionary companies, organizations, and individuals like you who celebrate diverse perspectives and approaches to entertainment. To learn more about how I can create inspirational content for your company and who I've done it for in the past, check out my Resume, and Video Portfolio, and...
As a producing partner at Home and Yonder with my wife Jeudi Cornejo Brealey, I blend creativity and business. Check out Jeudi's music and our video and performance collaborations here.
Originally from Minnesota, I live in the Los Angeles area with Jeudi, our kids, Gustavo and Joaquine, and our corgi, Winston.
My Latest Projects
EXTRAORDINARY FUNDRAISER!
I produced Autism In Entertainments "Extraordinary Fundraiser" variety show at the famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood on September 7. It was a fun-filled afternoon of stand-up comedy, improv and musical performances by our Autism In Entertainment Educational Partners. The event was a success, raising almost $17,000 for the cause. I'm on the planning committee and head of film production for Autism In Entertainment, Our mission is to create Job opportunities and lasting bridges between Entertainment Industry employers and creative Neurodivergent talent. Click here for details, including links to video of the conference, ongoing-webinar series, and award winning content pieces I produced.
HOLY SHIITAKE: A WOK STAR IS BORN
I'm producer of Katie Chin's one woman show: Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born, chosen as "Best of the Fest" for Whitefire Theatre's Solofest in 2024 and 2025, in Los Angeles. Our next performance is October 12, back at the Whitefire Theatre in Studio City, California. Go here for tickets. Filled with pathos and humor, Holy Shiitake: A Wok Star is Born written and produced by Katie, directed by Fran de Leon and co-produced by Paul Hemstreet, chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s journey as a Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis in the 1970s where she was raised by her remarkable mother, seamstress turned restaurateur, Leeann Chin. You will be captivated by her unique blend of humor, storytelling, and culinary expertise. Prepare to be entertained as she shares her personal journey of becoming a Wok Star and conquering the culinary world.
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SHORT FILM PRESENTED AT THE 2025
COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
A short documentary film I produced and directed, Fighting With Autism: Jorge Gutierrez Visits Spec Labs was selected to screen at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con International Film Festival. Animation Director Jorge Gutierrez joined our production team on the post-screening panel. I'm so honored that this film was chosen, and that this important story about how Jorge considers Autism to be his superpower has reached a wider audience! Check out this great coverage of the event in Cartoon Brew. This is the second consecutive year I've had a short film in the festival that I produced with Autism In Entertainment.
GUEST PERFORMER IN JOIE DE DIVA
I got back on the stage this past May, as a guest in my wife Jeudi Cornejo Brealey's cabaret show, Joie de Diva, at the Jeweled Universe in South Pasadena. I'll be back as a guest singer for future shows -- stay tuned for details!
