HDP Studios’ 'Thirty Something' Continues Major Festival Run With Spotlight Selection At The 2026 Hip Hop Film Festival
Acclaimed NYC dramedy created by Romeo J. Etienne and Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum emerges as a breakout audience favorite while expanding its universe with upcoming micro-drama series “Romeo & Lela”
Momentum continues to build for ‘Thirty Something: Adulthood Under Construction,’ the acclaimed New York City dramedy series created by Romeo J. Etienne and Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum, as the project has officially been selected and spotlighted as part of the prestigious 2026 Hip Hop Film Festival in New York City.
Following a successful premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival, where the pilot generated strong audience reactions and industry interest, Thirty Something has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about independent television projects currently on the festival circuit.
Created by Etienne and Hollinsworth Coaxum, the series has become a crowd favorite among festival audiences, earning praise for its authentic characters, sharp humor, emotional depth, and honest portrayal of adulthood, relationships, and reinvention. The response has positioned the project as a breakout success on its current festival run and further solidified HDP Studios as an emerging force in independent television production.
At the center of the series is Romeo Carter, portrayed by creator and executive producer Romeo J. Etienne, a former hip-hop artist attempting to rebuild his life after personal and professional setbacks. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the series explores friendship, ambition, romance, identity, and the complicated realities of starting over in your thirties.
“People have connected with these characters in a way we could only hope for,” said Etienne. “The reactions we’ve received from audiences have been incredible. Whether they’re laughing, relating to the struggles, or seeing pieces of themselves in the story, that’s exactly why we created this series.”
Co-creator Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum added, “We wanted to create something honest, entertaining, and reflective of real life. Seeing audiences embrace these characters and their journeys has been incredibly rewarding.”
The pilot episode, “You, Me, Him and Her,” introduces viewers to Romeo Carter as he navigates career uncertainty, complicated friendships, and romantic challenges while attempting to redefine his future. The ensemble cast features Martina Holley, Wayne Violet, and Jacque Horton, whose performances help bring the show’s richly layered world to life.
As excitement surrounding the series continues to grow, HDP Studios is preparing to expand the Thirty Something universe with the release of “Romeo & Lela,” a companion micro-drama series that will introduce audiences to two of the show’s most compelling characters ahead of the official first-season launch.
Designed as both a standalone story and an entry point into the larger Thirty Something world, Romeo & Lela will offer viewers an intimate look at the chemistry, conflicts, and emotional dynamics that define the relationship between its title characters while further building anticipation for the flagship series.
With multiple festival appearances, growing audience demand, and a rapidly expanding fan base, Thirty Something continues to demonstrate why it has become one of the most exciting independent scripted projects emerging from New York’s creative scene.
PROJECT DETAILS
Title: Thirty Something: Adulthood Under Construction
Format: Half-Hour Scripted Dramedy Series
Creators: Romeo J. Etienne & Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum
Status: Pilot Completed / Festival Circuit
Setting: New York City
Target Audience: Adults 25–50
ABOUT HDP STUDIOS
(Hunger. Desire. Passion)
HDP Studios is a New York-based production entity with involvement in film projects including Hey Love, Her Decision, and A Son to A Father. The company exists to tell stories that connect, inspire, and stay with audiences.