Policy design often lacks field experience. Having worked both inside European funding systems and on the ground making films, I bring a perspective that few policy advisors can offer—understanding what works in theory and what actually works in practice, while also understanding the institutional constraints that shape decision-making.

What I Offer

Policy Design & Development
I help funding bodies and film institutions develop policies that balance creative support with accountability. My approach combines regulatory rigor with practical understanding of production realities—because I’ve evaluated applications from both sides of the desk and understand the constraints institutions face.

Festival, Market & Industry Advisory
I work with festivals, markets, training and industry organizations providing tailor-made services varying from funding strategies to policy development. Collaborations include Athens International Children’s Film Festival, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Millennium Documentary Film Festival Brussels, Mediterranean Film Institute, European Producer Club, among others.

Project Evaluation & Selection
As a reader and expert for major European funding bodies, I evaluate applications across development, production, and distribution, bringing both creative judgment and strategic assessment of viability and market potential.

Research & Sector Analysis
I provide research and reporting on audiovisual policy and production trends, particularly regarding Greece and Southeast Europe. As the expert for Greece at the European Audiovisual Observatory, I contributed to reports used by policymakers across Europe.

Experience Highlights

Creative Europe MEDIA Programme | Expert (2002-2014)
Worked for 11 years across multiple departments: evaluated film production financing proposals (i2i Audiovisual scheme), led selection of documentaries, fiction, and animation for television (TV Broadcasting Scheme), and managed cinema distribution proposals (Selective scheme) for European films across territories.

Greek Film Centre | Vice President, Board of Directors (2020-2022)
Led major policy reforms including revised production funding schemes, established transparent evaluation measures, and strengthened Greece’s international film presence.

Council of Europe

• Eurimages | Greece’s Representative, Board of Management (2022-2025): Served on the body that adopts the fund’s budget, defines policy and strategy, and determines conditions for financial support. Chaired the Promotion Working Group, overseeing festival and market activities, development awards, and sponsorship programs.
• Donors Board | Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions (2023-2025): Served on the governance body overseeing the three-year pilot initiative supporting high-quality drama series made as international co-productions, funded by 22 donor institutions from 21 member states.
• Expert | Series Co-production Working Group (2022-2024): Contributed to developing new legal instruments for series co-production frameworks.

How I Work

I take on both short-term consulting projects (program evaluation, policy review, research commissions) and long-term advisory relationships (ongoing strategic guidance, board participation). All work is conducted with appropriate institutional confidentiality.

My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t just deliver reports—I work with your team to ensure recommendations are implementable within your organizational context and constraints.

Let’s Discuss Your Needs

Whether you’re seeking policy development support, program evaluation, strategic advisory, or research expertise, I’d welcome a conversation about how I might contribute to your organization’s goals.

Contact: eleni(@)cigalefilms.com