Once primarily a platform for sharing snapshots of daily life, Instagram has evolved into a powerful educational tool. Nicole Powell’s co/lab is harnessing this resource, shaping future filmmakers by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the rapidly evolving world of filmmaking.
Founded as both an educational platform and an Instagram initiative, co/lab offers aspiring filmmakers a unique perspective into the commercial film industry. Nicole, a freelance producer driven by her passion for education and filmmaking, leverages her extensive industry expertise to create engaging and informative content tailored for young audiences.
The co/lab Instagram feed serves as a rich resource, providing behind-the-scenes insights, practical tips, and tutorials that demystify the complexities of film production—from understanding crew roles to mastering technical equipment. Its immersive approach to education sets co/lab apart, using actual commercial film sets as classrooms. This hands-on learning experience allows students to grasp the intricacies of filmmaking in ways traditional learning environments cannot match.
Nicole Powell’s involvement in high-profile projects highlights her exceptional talent and industry influence, which she channels into co/lab. One notable project is the award-winning “Never Give Up On Going” Expedia campaign she produced alongside Love Song Films. Directed by Justyna Obasi from the production house Love Song, one of their spots “Wisdom & Obi” narrates the heartwarming journey of a father and his young son, culminating in the family creating new memories in Jamaica. Nicole ensured the seamless execution of this project, and detailed the entire around-the-globe journey in set/lab#07 on the co/lab Instagram, which is now available as an archived lab on the highlights bar. Later, the film is revealed and posted on the instagram’s account; not only do the viewers get to see the end result, but they get to watch its success – “Wisdom & Obi” received numerous accolades, including a Bronze Clio Award and a 2023 HPA Award.
In another impressive project, Nicole produced Zoom’s first-ever commercial titled “Zoom One: Connect Your Team.” Under her expert guidance, the production navigated the complexities of creating a relatable yet thrilling portrayal of the customer support experience. Her adept coordination and attention to detail is evident in co/lab’s set/lab#09, where she talks viewers through pre-production and the shoot days of the relatable spot.
Beyond imparting knowledge, co/lab fosters a vibrant community among its followers—encouraging collaboration, creativity, and peer support. This community-driven approach reflects Nicole’s vision of educating individuals and nurturing a supportive environment where aspiring filmmakers can thrive.
Co/lab initially started as an interview series where Nicole and her co-host Jason Aita brought iconic duos together to discuss the power of collaboration, including Robbie Amell (Code 8, The Witcher), Mae Martin (Wayward, Feel Good), Ally Pankiw (Black Mirror, The Great), Hiro Murai (Atlanta, Barry, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Tamara Deverell (Priscilla, Nightmare Alley, Cabinet of Curiosities). Prominent educational establishments in the film industry quickly incorporated the interview series into their resources and syllabus, including the Toronto Metropolitan University and UK’s Bournemouth University.
With her new set/lab content, Nicole aims to expand co/lab’s impact through potential workshops, online classes, and collaborations with educational institutions and film studios. These efforts seek to build a comprehensive ecosystem that equips young talent with the skills and confidence to succeed in the competitive film industry.
In essence, co/lab emerges as a pioneering educational platform under Nicole’s guidance, empowering the next generation of filmmakers to navigate and excel in the dynamic realm of commercial filmmaking.
