A Week of Cinematic Excellence with Film Beyond
This past week (November 6-9), YET, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Athens, hosted a series of enriching events under the banner of the Film Beyond project. These gatherings brought together students, professionals, and industry experts from Thessaloniki and the whole country, providing unparalleled opportunities for learning and networking.
Event 1: Networking and Training at American Space Thessaloniki
On Wednesday, November 6th, the American Space Thessaloniki was buzzing with film industry professionals, educators, trainers, and government officials for the “Training & Employment in the Greek Film Sector – Discussion & Networking” event.
The event featured a series of distinguished speakers who expressed their support for the Film Beyond project and the broader local film industry.
Opening Remarks:
- Mr. Isaac Hansen Joseph, Economic Counsellor, U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki, praised the project’s multifaceted success.
- Mr. Thanos Beggas, Regional Councilor and President of the Development Organization of the Region of Central Macedonia, voiced strong support for the Film Beyond project and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the local film industry.
- Mr. Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of Creative Greece, fully endorsed Film Beyond and expressed his eagerness to engage in further collaboration in the future.
- Mr. Apostolos Karakasis, President of AUTH Film School, discussed the Film School’s activities that align with those of Film Beyond and highlighted the collaborative efforts undertaken with the YET team.
- Mrs. Angeliki-Lina Milonaki, Director of the Film Office of Central Macedonia, declared her support for the project.
- Mrs. Poly Tranidou, coordinator for PACT workshops, delivered a brief overview of the workshops offered by PACT, the Greek Media Producers Association, emphasizing their relevance and benefits.
Feature Presentation by Mr. Chad Burris:
Chad Burris, a seasoned film producer with a rich background in managing international film projects, took the stage to share his insights. Having produced critically acclaimed films and worked extensively in film education, Mr. Burris brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. His presentation focused on:
- Bridging the Skills Gap: He elaborated on his collaboration with YET to develop two specialized curricula designed to prepare students for roles as Line Producers and Production Coordinators.
- The Realities of Film Production: Mr. Burris discussed the nuances of film production in the U.S., highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
- Future Prospects: Mr. Burris also touched upon the promising opportunities for Greek film professionals in upcoming U.S. film projects scheduled to be shot in Greece, which sparked a lively debate among the attendees.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, where attendees engaged directly with Mr. Burris, eager to glean more about his experiences and advice on navigating the film industry.
Event 2: Masterclass at AUTH Film School
The following day, the AUTH Film School opened its doors to us for a special session. Welcomed by Mr. Apostolos Karakasis, Film School President we toured the facility before diving into the heart of the Film Beyond project.
During the event, we engaged with approximately 40 eager students, ranging from freshmen to soon-to-be graduates, all enthusiastic about exploring career opportunities within the film industry. YET provided a comprehensive overview of the Film Beyond project, highlighting our findings on skills gaps and introducing the ReelTalent platform, an invaluable resource for networking and career advancement for film students and graduates. We also detailed the specialized curricula developed in collaboration with Chad Burris, designed to equip students with essential industry skills.
The highlight of the event was Chad Burris’s masterclass, where he shared his extensive experience in film production, sparking a vibrant discussion filled with insightful questions from the students.
Event 3: Masterclass at IEK Delta 360
The week concluded on a high note at IEK Delta 360, where Mr. Burris engaged with students from diverse sectors such as acting, journalism, photography, video editing etc. The masterclass focused on the opportunities for young professionals in upcoming US film projects in Greece. Students showed great enthusiasm, eagerly discussing potential career paths in the film industry.
The Film Beyond project will continue to make significant strides in bridging the skills gap in the Greek film industry and to foster more collaboration with the US. These events not only served as a platform for education and dialogue but also reinforced the commitment to nurturing talent and expanding opportunities within the local and international film sectors.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more updates on the Film Beyond project and upcoming events. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an enthusiast in the film industry, there’s a place for you in our growing community.
Film Beyond is organised by YET and funded by the US Embassy Athens.
Film Beyond: https://filmbeyond.gr
ReelTalent: https://reeltalent.gr/
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