Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Centre (EKKOMED – Creative Greece) speaks exclusively to CINEMA, shortly after the “danger signal” sent out by 1896 important professionals of the audiovisual sector in Greece.
Mr. Christopoulos fully explains what is happening regarding the issue of payments, and analyzes the structured plan of the Greek State for the development of the cinematographic and audiovisual sector, based on which public funds amounting to €186,481,756 have been invested from 2019 to date for domestic and international productions coming to Greece, of which €96 million have been invested in the domestic film and audiovisual market (cinema, animation, television, etc.).
He also describes the required process for transferring the relevant amounts from the Ministry of Digital Governance, where EKOME belonged, to the Ministry of Culture, a process which had to be completed, and points out that the concerns of the audiovisual sector regarding any delays are always treated with care and full respect, and that the relevant resources have not only been secured, but they are there and will be provided.
Furthermore, he clarifies the circumstances regarding the publication of the recent “Variety” magazine article, and the official state quantitative data, which were requested and sent by EKKOMED, but were not included in the article. He also announces the decision to open a frank dialogue and consultation on the future of selective programs in the coming days.
Mr. Christopoulos briefly presents numbers and data regarding the first ten months of operation of EKKOMED as a single entity, and its increased operating budget as compared to the past. He also analyzes the actions of the enhanced Extroversion Program, which are directed at supporting the distribution and promotion of Greek films, as well as the method of staffing the new body, the prospects of the new Cash Rebate Greece program, and EKKOMED’s clear national strategy for the development and strengthening of film production and the international promotion of the country.
Read the entire interview here.