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About

Caught in the Mix is a Los Angeles–based production company dedicated to telling emotionally resonant, socially conscious stories rooted in underrepresented perspectives. Founded by writer-director Kira Powell and producer Zach Riley, the company specializes in psychologically driven stories that center the inner lives of women and girls of color. With a focus on identity, generational inheritance, and cultural complexity, Caught in the Mix develops character-driven work that blurs genre boundaries and challenges dominant narratives.

Led by a cross-disciplinary team with backgrounds in film, sociology, finance, and risk strategy, the company combines bold creative vision with practical execution. Past projects include The Good Mother (Screamfest) and Best Eyes (LALIFF, DGA Student Jury Award), both currently being developed into features. Committed to sustainable, equity-driven production, Caught in the Mix is building a slate of films that reflect the emotional truth and richness of lived experience.

  • Founded while Powell was earning her MFA in Directing at the American Film Institute, Caught in the Mix launched with the psychological horror short The Good Mother, which premiered at Screamfest. The company’s second project, Best Eyes, originated as Powell’s AFI thesis film, where it was produced through AFI’s Conservatory program. Best Eyes premiered at LALIFF and won the DGA Student Jury Award. Both shorts are currently in development as feature films.

    With an emphasis on emotionally grounded storytelling across drama and psychological horror, Caught in the Mix champions bold, intimate films that center the inner lives of women and girls of color. Under Powell’s leadership, the company continues to develop a slate of socially conscious, visually striking work that challenges convention and reflects the complexity of lived experience.

  • Zach Riley is a Los Angeles–based producer and Co-Founder of Caught in the Mix. He executive produced Best Eyes, an AFI thesis film that premiered at LALIFF and won the DGA Student Film Jury Award, and co-produced the psychological horror short The Good Mother, which screened at Screamfest. Both projects are currently in development as feature films.

    With a background in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, and early work at the Center of Concern, a women’s social justice organization in Washington, D.C., Riley brings a sharp social lens to producing. The son of a civil rights attorney, he is committed to supporting underrepresented voices and building equitable creative partnerships. His producing experience spans development, independent financing, physical production, and festival strategy.

    Riley’s work is defined by a commitment to collaboration, detail-driven execution, and resourceful problem solving. He has raised over $500K in private capital for real estate ventures, and now applies those fundraising and deal-making skills to independent film by structuring sustainable budgets, identifying aligned funders, and guiding projects from script to screen with intention and impact.

  • Nearavy Cheahorn is the Director of Finance & Strategic Development at Caught in the Mix, where she oversees production budgeting, financial planning, and funding strategies for the company’s slate of projects. With extensive experience as a Regional Finance Manager and Budget Manager in multinational organizations, she has managed multimillion-dollar budgets and led complex financial operations across diverse teams and international contexts.

    Nearavy brings a meticulous, strategic approach to financial oversight, ensuring productions remain fiscally responsible while supporting the creative vision. She advises on sustainable revenue strategies and collaborates on grant proposals, helping secure funding for socially conscious, emotionally resonant films. Her expertise in compliance, cash flow management, and organizational systems strengthens Caught in the Mix’s ability to develop bold, character-driven stories that challenge convention and reflect the complexity of underrepresented experiences.

  • Armando Powell serves as the Director of Risk & Security at Caught in the Mix, bringing over two decades of expertise in counterintelligence, threat assessment, and investigative analysis. With a distinguished career in the United States Army and Special Operations Command, Armando has extensive experience in identifying and mitigating complex risks, conducting sensitive investigations, and developing comprehensive security strategies.

    At Caught in the Mix, Armando oversees risk management planning, security protocols, and crisis preparedness, ensuring the company’s productions and operations are protected against financial, operational, and reputational risks. His advanced analytical skills, proven ability to deliver timely insights, and collaborative approach strengthen the company’s commitment to professionalism, safety, and resilience.

    Armando’s leadership helps safeguard the company’s creative mission, empowering Caught in the Mix to focus on telling bold, underrepresented stories with confidence and integrity.