Biography
Hope Martinez is a Writer/Director originally from El Paso, Texas. Martinez graduated with a theater degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she was cast in various university productions. After graduation Hope went on to study in Chicago at Victory Gardens Theater, and auditioned for the Second City Improvisation Conservatory in Chicago where she was accepted. This two year intensive conservatory program at Second City had 5 levels. Every level upwards became more and more challenging, and required an audition. Luckily Hope was accepted to each level on her first audition, and completed the program successfully. The Second City Conservatory in Chicago taught Martinez volumes about the competitive art of improvisation and sketch comedy. Upon completion of this program she wrote and co-directed her first stage production entitled 'Are You For Real?'. It was staged at Donny's Skybox at Second City Chicago. It was at this time Martinez discovered a more intense love for writing than ever before. She began consistently writing plays, short scenes and eventually screenplays. Looking to pursue knowledge about all things related to writing and acting, Hope moved to Los Angeles where she continued her studies at Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio, and Upright Citizens Brigade. Martinez received a scholarship to complete her studies at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. In order to support herself, Hope held a number of jobs in offices, retail, restaurants, universities and even was an extra in numerous film productions throughout LA where she eventually earned her Screen Actors Guild membership. Afterwards, Martinez went on to live in Brooklyn, NY and work in Manhattan. Hope supported herself working at a real estate company while continuing her studies in Manhattan at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Upright Citizens Brigade, and The PIT (People's Improv Theater). In addition, Martinez received her teaching certification in theater. She has experience teaching theater arts at the elementary and middle school level where she incorporates both theater and film based projects with her students. Martinez has directed her students in One-Act play competitions during her time teaching.
'Adam' was the first short film that Hope wrote and directed. 'Adam' is about a teenage girl and her little dog Adam. It centers around the anxiety that comes with losing someone. This short film did very well in the independent film festival circuit, and was selected to numerous fests for screenings. Hope Martinez and her film 'Adam' were both mentioned in 'The New York Times' in October 2022 which featured films that stood at the New York Dog Film Festival.
Martinez went on to write and direct a number of short films after the success of 'Adam'. She completed her first feature film that she wrote and directed entitled 'Gloria'. This feature is based on her grandparents, and was filmed in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. Much positive feedback has been given in regards to the future of 'Gloria' which is heartfelt, and has both painful and inspiring moments. Martinez's feature 'Gloria' will be submitted to local, national and international film festivals.
Throughout Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and her childhood, Martinez is consistently writing about her experiences whether happy, strange, funny, inspirational, sad or scary. Hope is always planning various feature films and short film productions that are based on these experiences throughout her life. Martinez directs all of her written pieces.
Hope's favorite line from any text is from Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' when Beth March, Jo's sister, is on her death bed, and has a last request from Jo who is feeling discouraged about her writing.
"Beth March: Write something for me. You're a writer. Even before anyone knew or paid you. I'm very sick and you must do what I say. Do what Marmee taught us to do. Do it for someone else."
Out of all characters Martinez has admired in texts, her favorite character is Josephine (Jo) March from 'Little Women'. Reading 'Little Women' as a child, and realizing so many commonalities she had with this character is the first time Martinez understood that telling stories is indeed the happiest place she has ever been.
