About Us
Humanstory is a micro-documentary video production company, centered around storytelling for brands. Our mission is to craft authentic stories and create films that empower human connection, inspire action, and drive results.
We believe that the combination of story and video is unmatched in its ability to bring people together. Since 2008, we have been working hand-in-hand with brands across industries and interviewing people from all over the globe to help them find and share their stories with the world. Our films are crafted to not only tell great stories, but to connect audiences in a meaningful and lasting way.
Together, our team has more than 40 years of experience in storytelling and filmmaking. Our seasoned producers and strategists will work with you to understand your audience and individual goals. From there, we’ll craft a custom content and distribution strategy to help you achieve them.
Over the course of our journey, we have witnessed our stories spark new action, shift perceptions, raise funds, and grow companies.
Our Team
WILLIAM GAFF
CEO / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SAMANTHA QUINN
VP OF OPERATIONS
HANNA STAWICKI
LEAD EDITOR / POST SUPERVISOR
JULIA BOYD
SENIOR PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
JULIA BRUSKI
PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
ABBY TORGGLER
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
SYDNEY GAFF
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
PATRICK HARNEY
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITOR
WILLIAM GAFF
CEO / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Humanstory founder and father to two incredible girls, William has over 25 years of experience in the film and marketing business. He has produced and co-directed three feature-length films, won 2 regional Emmy Awards, and attended Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small businesses Program with Babson College. His love of human-centric storytelling led him to start Humanstory 12 years ago and build a team with the same passion and focus. In his spare time, he loves to travel, mountain bike, and hike.
SAMANTHA QUINN
VP OF OPERATIONS
Born and raised in Richmond, Samantha earned her stripes as a producer working on shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent in NYC. She has been an integral part of the Humanstory team now for 4 years, and has worked on 50+ videos, including one that received a regional Emmy Award. Samantha’s passion for storytelling and adventure has led her across the globe to over 15 countries and 34 US states. When she’s not exploring a new city, you can find her on a yoga mat or eating her way around New York.
HANNA STAWICKI
LEAD EDITOR / POST SUPERVISOR
Hanna is a seasoned filmmaker who is passionate about crafting human-focused stories. In her 10+ years working in the film industry, Hanna has honed her storytelling talents by documenting life in over 14 countries, including Nepal and Greece. Her award-winning work has been broadcast nationally and has been featured in publications like Vogue and Dwell. When she’s not traveling, she’s enjoying home life with her husband, two dogs, and her spirited two-year-old daughter.
JULIA BOYD
SENIOR PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
During her tenure at Humanstory, Julia has brought her expertise and focus to over 50 projects. After graduating from VCU with honors and a double major in creative and strategic advertising, Julia moved into video production to pursue her interest in creating authentic, human-centric content. Julia’s background in influencer and brand marketing, graphic design, and digital art helps her authentically connect with clients across industries and bring a sharp creative eye to the production process. In her spare time, Julia loves to rock climb, and box.
JULIA BRUSKI
PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
Julia is a native Richmonder who recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a double major in Creative & Strategic Advertising and a Minor in Dance. While in school, Julia helped form New Surge Productions—VCU’s first production agency that focuses on providing visibility, networking opportunities, and scholarships to traditionally underrepresented groups in the industry. Julia’s enthusiasm for filmmaking is only matched by her passion for cooking and spending time outdoors.
ABBY TORGGLER
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
Abby is a Seattle-born creative now based in Los Angeles, California. With a background in social media marketing, she combines her expertise in digital platforms with her passion for impactful storytelling. Abby’s love for writing enables her to craft thought-provoking narratives that leave a lasting impression. Off the clock, she indulges in her passions for travel and fashion, and hangs out with her two adorable miniature dachshunds, Maggie and Mocha.
SYDNEY GAFF
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / MARKETING STRATEGIST
Sydney, a proud Virginia Tech graduate, brings a unique perspective to the humanstory production team. With a background in digital marketing, she approaches her work with this lens, viewing each video in the eyes of her audience. Sydney embraces her free time by immersing herself in the great outdoors and discovering new restaurants in her home-base of DC. Her adventurous spirit fuels her creativity and helps bring a fresh take on production.
PATRICK HARNEY
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITOR
Meet Patrick, an Idaho-born filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. Raised in Michigan, his journey began through skateboarding, which ignited his interest in filming. With over 12 years of experience, he has traveled to 40 countries, capturing compelling visuals and stories along the way. When he’s not behind the camera, Patrick can be found hiking with his German Shepherd, smoking a brisket, or taking to the skies, flying a plane.
