Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast

Level Up: Bridging the Worlds of Gaming and Filmmaking

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market of the Berlinale. Hosted by curator, moderator, and founder of The Catalysts, AC Coppens, it offers a fascinating deep dive into how the worlds of gaming and filmmaking intersect. Join us for the latest episode of Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast. Today’s conversation, “Level Up: Bridging the Worlds of Gaming and Filmmaking” was recorded during the EFM Industry Sessions last February and explores how these two creative industries can learn from one another, collaborate, and push boundaries together. As the gaming industry continues to flourish and captivate ever-growing audiences, its fast-evolving technologies and innovative practices are setting new standards for other creative fields. This session explores how filmmakers can draw inspiration from gaming’s approaches to storytelling, audience engagement, skill development, production pipelines, and business strategies to expand both creative and commercial horizons. Three special guests share their perspectives on how games and films can collaborate, inspire one another, and break down traditional silos. Together, they examine IP building, creative language, technological innovation, financing structures, and the skills needed to navigate converging industries. The panel also looks ahead to the future, considering how AI and emerging technologies will reshape both storytelling and production. Christina Caspers is General Manager at TRIXTER and Executive Producer at the Cinesite Group, one of Europe’s leading VFX studios. She oversees productions from acquisition to delivery and drives the integration of cutting-edge technologies into creative workflows. Previously, she was Managing Director at Dark Bay, Europe’s largest virtual production stage, where she supervised projects including Netflix’s 1899. With a strong background in VFX and XR, Christina has contributed to major titles such as The Sandman, Loki, The Marvels, and Foundation. She is also co-founder of the Institute of Immersive Media (IIM), an NGO connecting creative and technical aspects of film production. Igor Simic is a Serbian-American artist, who graduated from Columbia University in New York with a double-major in Film Studies and Philosophy. His short films were screened and awarded at film festivals, but also at art institutions, such as Kunsthalle Mainz, Ulm Museum, Chateau de Montsoreau, The Art Institute of Chicago, Hygiene Museum Dresden, etc. The short film Melancholic Drone received the First Prize at Loop Barcelona in 2016. Simic is represented by Gallery Anita Beckers in Frankfurt. As the creative director and CEO, Simic co-founded the gaming company Demagog Studio, which created Golf Club: Wasteland (aka Golf Club: Nostalgia) that was featured by Apple in 2018 and shown at Lo Schermo dell'arte in Florence, Manifesta 14, Klemm's gallery in Berlin and Smilers in New York. The studio created two more games in the same world: The Cub, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2022 and Highwater in 2023 for Netflix. Simic is a tutor and moderator for world-building at Berlinale Talents and at Sarajevo Film Festival's Innovation Forum. Mafalda Duarte is an international community leader with a background in game development, transmedia storytelling, and studio leadership. Formerly Studio Director at Telescope Game Studios in Germany, she worked on multiple projects for the Whale Singer story universe and an award-winning demo for the new IP Summer Camp. She is Chair of IGDA Berlin and a Board Member of the IGDA HQ, where she supports global community initiatives and inclusive industry practices. Maite Woköck has extensive experience in animated feature film and series development, financing and production. Her credits include PETRONELLA APPLEWITCH – THE SERIES (for Akkord Film / ZDF), TWO BY TWO and NIKO 2 – LITTLE BROTHER, BIG TROUBLE (for Ulysses Film) and many more. With her company Ella Film she produced the animated feature film MY FAIRY TROUBLEMAKER. She is a graduate of EAVE, EAVE+ and the Academy for Children’s Media. In 2021 she was nominated as Producer on the Move for Germany by European Film Promotion. Since 2022 she is the chairwoman for animation in the Producer’s Alliance Germany. AC Coppens host of this episode, is the founder of THE CATALYSTS, a Berlin-based agency dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative and creative companies working at the intersection of digital media, technology, film, music, and design. Blending critical thinking, creative strategy, and future-oriented research, AC is a seasoned moderator and speaker at major international events. The Berlinale’s European Film Market [https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/home/homepage.html] is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast is co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.

Marketing that Works: Tools and Tactics to Move the Needle

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market of the Berlinale. Hosted by Curator, Moderator and Founder of The Catalysts, AC Coppens, it puts a spotlight on highly topical and trend setting industry issues, creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. Join us for the latest episode of Industry Insights - Today’s episode focuses on “Marketing that Works: Tools and Tactics to Move the Needle” - a super interesting conversation which took place as part of the EFM Industry Sessions last February. We have dived into the dynamic world of global film marketing in the age of audience engagement - explored fresh strategies, smart tools, and innovative campaigns that are reshaping how films connect with audiences worldwide. Featuring three special guests. Adriana Trautman is a highly regarded marketing strategist with an impressive track record at Amazon, Paramount, and Fox. With 25 years of experience in global strategy, marketing, and programming, she brings deep expertise across major studios and streaming platforms - covering everything from Hollywood blockbusters to K-Dramas, live-action to animation, and arthouse films. At Amazon Prime Video, Adriana led the international content program, applying her Hollywood marketing expertise to introduce global films and series to new audiences and drive remarkable success worldwide. As former Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy at Paramount and with previous roles at Fox, she is a trusted consultant in the industry. Joanna Solecka is a seasoned Film Marketing Strategist and Awards Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the film marketing field. She is a co-owner of an international film marketing agency Alphapanda, where she specializes in strategies and award campaigns that elevate films to critical acclaim. Joanna has successfully managed notable awards campaigns for films such as The Girl with the Needle (Academy Awards Nomination ’25), Apolonia, Apolonia (Academy Awards Shortlist ’24), Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (European Film Awards Winner ’23), Flee (Academy Awards Nominee ’22; European Film Awards Winner ’21), and Joanna (Academy Awards Nominee ’15). Additionally, Joanna consults for renowned film institutions including Creative Europe MEDIA and the Polish Film Institute. She is a global lecturer and mentor at film labs and training programs such as the Doha Film Institute, EAVE, First Cut Lab, Eurodoc and Circle Women Doc Accelerator. Joanna is a member of the European Film Academy and serves on the Advisory Boards of the Documentary Association of Europe and Circle Women Doc Accelerator, where she contributes to advancing the documentary film sector and supporting female filmmakers. Marina Kosten is a senior research and strategy executive with broad experience across entertainment and gaming. At USC Annenberg, She works as a Digital Futures Researcher, focusing on market and audience insights. Previously, she served as Vice President of Consumer Research at 20th Century Fox, where she oversaw international theatrical research in top global markets as well as Head of Research and Strategy at StoryFit. Before that, she worked at Activision-Blizzard on major gaming franchises like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. With a background in social research and a deep interest in human behavior, Marina has held senior roles at leading global research firms. AC Coppens, host of this episode, is the founder of THE CATALYSTS, a Berlin-based agency dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative and creative companies working at the intersection of digital media, technology, film, music, and design. Their work focuses particularly on the challenges of entering new markets. Blending critical thinking, creative strategy, and future-oriented research with a strong background in the performing arts, AC is a seasoned moderator, host, and speaker at major international events - whether on-site, hybrid, or fully digital. The Berlinale’s European Film Market [https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/home/homepage.html] is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast is co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.

BIPoC Alliance: How a Growing Collective Can Impact the Cinema Sector

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market of the Berlinale. Hosted by Curator and Public Speaker Nadia Denton, it delves deep into the rapidly evolving film industry. The BIPoC Alliance [https://www.bipocalliance.com/] is the largest coalition of BIPoC filmmakers in the German-speaking DACH region, created to amplify representation, visibility, and collaboration in the film industry. Founded during Berlinale 2024, the BIPoc Alliance connects emerging and established talents, fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and community-building opportunities. Jessica Sy is a versatile actress, drama teacher, screenwriter and anti-discrimination trainer with a broad education and extensive experience in various fields of acting and social awareness. She is also active as an anti- discrimination trainer and offers workshops in schools to sensitize young people to discrimination and empowerment - both as an acting lecturer and as a committed campaigner for a fairer society. In 2023, she worked as an assistant director with director Miriam Ibrahim and author Julienne De Murier at the Residenztheater in Munich and was involved in various theater productions, including “Das Gelobte Land” by Asiimwe Deborah Kawe, directed by Fabiola Kuonen and “Die Mittelmeer-Monologe” directed by Michael Ruf. Other stage productions she has appeared in include “The Vagina Monologues” (2020-present). Weina Zhao is an Austrian-Chinese filmmaker and writer committed to amplifying marginalized narratives. While pursuing her Master’s in Sinology, she began working in various roles within documentary filmmaking. Since 2012, Weina has directed and written numerous film and radio projects. Her debut feature documentary, Weiyena – The Long March Home (AT 2020, codirected with Judith Benedikt), received multiple awards for Best Documentary. She is currently in post-production of her short film “Bye Bye Nainai”. Beyond filmmaking, she co-founded the intersectional Asian diaspora zine Perilla and leads creative writing workshops for BIPOC communities, fostering new and inclusive narratives. Lena Whooo is a Berlin-based multidisciplinary actor, author & activist blending poetry, sound, and performance to explore identity, resilience, and sensory perception. As a representative of “Schwarze Filmschaffende” at the BIPoC Alliance during the Berlinale, they advocate for industry change by amplifying marginalized voices and fostering more inclusive storytelling practices. The host Nadia Denton has worked in the UK film industry for over a decade as an Impact Producer, Curator and Author. She specialises in Nigerian Cinema and coined the term BEYOND NOLLYWOOD. She has worked with the BFI London Film Festival, Berlinale EFM, British Film Institute, British Council, Doc Society, London Film School, Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and Comic Relief. Her books include The Nigerian Filmmaker’s Guide to Success: Beyond Nollywood and The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide to Success: Finance, Market and Distribute Your Film. She is an Honorary Research Fellow with the University of Exeter. The Berlinale’s European Film Market [https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/home/homepage.html] is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast is co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA. This episode was developed in partnership with BIPoC Alliance.

Arthouse that Works – Distribution Insights from the Nostradamus Report

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market of the Berlinale. Hosted by media industry analyst Johanna Koljonen, it delves deep into the evolving strategies for distributing Arthouse cinema and reaching international audiences beyond traditional channels. The 2025 Nostradamus Report paints a picture of an Arthouse landscape at a crossroads - no longer resisting change, but learning to resist with intention. This episode explores what that means for the way we develop, position, and connect films to audiences in a world where old models no longer deliver. From overlooked festival momentum to shifting roles in the value chain, it’s a wake-up call for those clinging to linear paths. Distribution emerges as both the weak link and the untapped opportunity, especially for non-mainstream titles. The conversation challenges industry metrics, redefines what success can look like, and hints at a future where even small films can make a wide impact, just not in the usual ways. Eva Esseen Arndorff is the CEO and co-owner of TriArt Film, a leading Swedish arthouse distributor. With a background in Film Studies, Media and Communication, and Business Administration from Stockholm University, she began her career at Triangelfilm in 2000. After working as a film consultant for companies including Sonet and PAN Vision, she became Head of Acquisitions at PAN Vision in 2008. Since 2011, she has led TriArt Film, which also operates the streaming platform TriArt Play and publishes the film magazine Point of View. Huub Roelvink is the owner and managing director of Cherry Pickers Filmdistributie, a Benelux distribution company releasing approximately 12 to 15 titles per year. Recent titles include My Favourite Cake, No Other Land, Hard Truths and Good One, among many others. Before founding the company in 2016 Huub was managing director of Imagine Filmdistributie Netherlands and founder of Cinema Delicatessen, a distributor specialized in documentaries. He also has extensive experience in cinema programming and exploitation, starting his career as a student in the Kriterion cinema in Amsterdam, and subsequently programming various arthouses and being managing director of arthouse LUX in Nijmegen. Huub holds a Masters in Social Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam. Katarina Tomkova (Producer, kaleidoscope & Punkchart films) Katarina has worked for the Slovak Film Institute during 2009 – 2015. Since 2015, she has worked on several films acclaimed at the festival circuit, including Servants (Berlinale Encounters), 107 Mothers (Venice IFF - Best Screenplay Orizzonti), and Photophobia (Venice IFF – Europa Cinemas Label Award at Giornate degli Autori). As a tutor, she collaborates with the MIDPOINT Institute and the Thessaloniki IFF’s market Agora. She is an EAVE Producers Workshop graduate. In 2021, she was the Slovak Producer on the Move. The host Johanna Koljonen is a media analyst, broadcaster, and experience designer. She is the author of the Göteborg Film Festival’s annual Nostradamus Report on the near future of the screen industries, which is in its 11th year. She lectures internationally on changes in the media sector, and on participation and narrative design. Her background is in public service broadcasting; in 2011, she received the Swedish Grand Journalism Award in the Innovator category. This podcast episode has been developed in collaboration with the Göteborg Film Festival's Nostradamus initiative. The 2025 Nostradamus Report Reality/Resistance [https://goteborgfilmfestival.se/en/industry/nostradamus/nostradamus-reports/pages/2025-nostradamus-report] is available as a free download. The Berlinale’s European Film Market [http://www.efm-berlinale.de/] is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast is produced in cooperation with Goethe-Institut [https://www.goethe.de/] and co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.

Speak to the Young: Storytelling & Tools that Resonate

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is presented by the European Film Market [https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/home/homepage.html] of the Berlinale [https://www.berlinale.de/de/home.html]. Hosted by media analyst Johanna Koljonen, it delves deep into the rapidly evolving film industry. In this episode, host Johanna Koljonen, a media analyst and experience designer, explores what it really takes to connect with young viewers. Joined by Anne Schultka (KIDS Regio & Golden Sparrow Festival), Rikke Flodin (Will & Agency / Publikum), and producer Joram Willink (BIND), we unpack audience strategies, AI-driven insights, and the creative, political, and ethical stakes of youth storytelling today. Because creating for young audiences is not just a responsibility — it’s a creative opportunity that expands what cinema can be. Anne Schultka has been working at KIDS Regio since 2018, and has been a board member of the German Children's Film Association since 2022. She has been involved in research on children's film culture and audience development, including Keeping Up with Children as an Audience (2024). Since 2023 she has been in charge of the industry programme at the German Children's Media Festival Golden Sparrow and since 2024 at the Nordic Film Days Lübeck. Rikke Flodin is Head of Audience Insights at PUBLIKUM.io, a Danish-based tool for audience awareness. Within the last few years, she has worked with more than 80 films and series across 10+ European countries helping film makers get closer to their audiences through AI-backed anthropology. Rikke has particularly specialized in how to reach the young audience using digital tools and anthropological methods to facilitate the conversations with the young audience. Rikke holds a MSc in Anthropology from the University of Copenhagen. Joram Willink is an award-winning producer who is focusing with his company BIND on socially engaged films. As creative producer he is closely working with writers/directors to create stories that inspire social change. His productions are awarded with International Emmy Award, Berlinale Special Mention, two Golden Calf Best Film, Berlinale Silver Bear, the Prix Europa, TIFF Kids awards, Prix Jeunesse, Grand Award New York ICFF and many more. Joram is a filmproducer since 2002 and a proud member of the ACE Network, active member of NAPA Dutch producer association, member of the European Film Academy and alumni of EAVE (2016), Berlinale Talents (2004 & 2018) and Binger Film lab (2005 & 2013). He was recognised as a EFP Producer on the Move at Cannes 2019 and honourably invited at 'People of Excellence lunch' by Majesty King & Queen of The Netherlands for winning De Tegel (Dutch Pulitzer Prize) for the documentary podcast series The Deventer Mediacase. The host Johanna Koljonen is a media analyst, broadcaster, and experience designer. She is the author of the Göteborg Film Festival’s annual Nostradamus Report on the near future of the screen industries, which is in its 11th year. She lectures internationally on changes in the media sector, and on participation and narrative design. Her background is in public service broadcasting; in 2011, she received the Swedish Grand Journalism Award in the Innovator category. This podcast episode has been developed in partnership with Kids Regio and Publikum.io. The Berlinale’s European Film Market [http://www.efm-berlinale.de/] is the first international film market of the year, where the film industry starts its business. Industry Insights - The EFM Podcast puts a spotlight on highly topical and trendsetting industry issues, thereby creating a compass for the forthcoming film year. The year-round podcast is produced in cooperation with Goethe-Institut [https://www.goethe.de/] and co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.