Meet Abbey Hough | Filmmaker & Founder of Word of Mouth Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abbey Hough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abbey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own film business was all about pursuing my passion for storytelling and creating content that resonates with people. I’ve always been drawn to the power of film to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impact. The film industry can be tough to break into, but I felt that with the right vision, creativity, and hard work, I could carve out my own space.

I realized that while there are a lot of people in the industry, there’s still room for fresh perspectives and unique voices. I wanted to create something that reflects my personal style, and my experiences. The idea of having complete creative control, from conceptualizing a project to seeing it come to life on screen, was incredibly exciting.

At the same time, I knew that starting a business would come with challenges. It’s not just about the art; it’s about managing the business side—budgeting, marketing, building relationships with distributors, and navigating the competitive landscape. But I was determined to face those challenges head-on because I believed in what I could offer.

In essence, it was about doing what I love on my own terms and sharing it with the world. Every step, from idea to execution, has been a learning experience, and I’m constantly evolving both as a creator and as a business owner.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about storytelling, creating moments that connect with people on a deeper level. I believe in capturing more than just a shot or a scene—I want to evoke emotion and bring the story to life in a way that resonates with the audience. What sets me apart is my commitment to blending technical skill with emotional depth. Every project, big or small, is an opportunity for me to push myself creatively and work with talented people to bring a shared vision to the screen.

I didn’t get here overnight, and it definitely hasn’t been easy. I started out in high school with an interest in film processing, transitioned to filmmaking in college, and then worked tirelessly to break into the industry. From cold-calling production companies to hustling my way into every opportunity I could find, the road was challenging, but it always felt right. I’ve faced obstacles like being a woman in a male-dominated field and dealing with the challenges of limited resources in Colorado, but each setback only fueled my determination. I learned to keep going, to learn from rejection, and to always believe in my work, even when others didn’t see my potential.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success comes from persistence and a willingness to adapt. It’s about building relationships, finding the right community of creatives, and never giving up, no matter how tough things get. I want the world to know that my brand, Word of Mouth Productions, is about authenticity and connection. I’m dedicated to telling stories that matter, collaborating with others who share my vision, and continuing to grow as a filmmaker. Ultimately, I hope my work inspires others and shows that with enough passion, you can make your vision a reality, no matter the obstacles in your way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
ChatGPT said:
If a friend were visiting, I’d show them a great time in Denver. We’d start at Denver Central Market for coffee from Crema, which is my favorite spot. Then, we’d swing by Sugar Shack, a fun store with unique thrift items and art. It’s a cool place to explore.

Next, we’d hit Tattered Cover, one of the best bookstores in the city, to browse and relax. After that, we’d walk through RiNo (River North), an art district known for its murals and street art—it’s a great spot to take in some local culture.

We’d make our way to Milk Market, which has a good mix of pastry shops and bars. It’s a casual place to grab a bite or drink. Then, we’d head to Santa Fe Drive, where we could check out local art studios and visit Mercy Cafe, a historic building with dance classes, live shows, a coffee shop, and a bar.

For lunch, we’d go to Sam’s No. 3, a classic Denver spot that’s always busy and serves good, hearty food. To finish the day, we’d stop by Bardo’s, a laid-back bar where I like to unwind.

That’s just a small taste of Denver—art, good food, and some cool local spots to check out. It’s a fun city with a lot to offer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As for mentorship, I was fortunate to land in the right hands. The amazing Matt Jackson of Nine Stories Creative helped me learn the ropes of filmmaking. He was mainly in the commercial industry at the time, so I learned some valuable things about lighting, equipment, positioning of subjects, and evoking emotion through how you set up all of these elements together. He gave me creative freedom to assist, and on some days, shoot BTS, which was a great start for me to use my camera and edit videos.

I’d also like to shout out Andrew Florizone for hooking me up through World’s Greatest TV, which airs on Apple TV and Bloomberg. He has been instrumental in providing me with opportunities that have allowed me to stay financially stable and continue pursuing my work. I’ve had the chance to travel all over for amazing projects, and every day is a new adventure with the TV show.

Lastly, I want to shout out my amazing family for helping me on set, acting in my videos, and believing in me, even when my videos were rough in the beginning.

Website: https://wordsofmouthproductions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womproductions/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hough-4470991aa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Abbey-Hough-Photography-100049736813478/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abbeyhough4416

Image Credits
Jackson Blunt – Photo 3
Paula Hough- All the rest of the photos