Exclusive interview with Christina Katsiadakis –
Screenwriter
Christina Katsiadakis wrote her first script at the age of 17 and has held writing close to her heart ever since. But life took a different turn. She studied history, then cinema and she plunged into working in film and TV productions with passion and dedication. She kept writing and improving her craft through practice and a series of workshops. She also went on to direct her short Marching Muse. But she was reluctant to share her work and make the leap towards being a professional screenwriter. All of this changed with her move to Montreal and the arrival of her son. The time felt write. She started writing more and soon her scripts won her honorable mentions and awards in international festivals.
NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on?
We are going through uniquely strange times. We are all stuck at home, in my case with 2 young kids. You would think that being at home would be a writer’s heaven. It should mean more time to work on our projects. But at the same time our minds are preoccupied with so many questions and so much anxiety. I try to keep focused as much as I can by keeping busy and religiously putting aside time to write every day.
I am currently working on two very personal projects. One is a feature film based on my experience of having my best friends scattered around the globe. I want to explore how technology helps us keep in touch, but at the same time builds barriers that we cannot easily overcome.
The second one is an interactive story, based on my grand mother and great grand mother’s experience during the Holocaust. Communicating with our loved one is also a central theme in this piece. How did they try to staying connected while separated in such extreme situations as was World War II?
Also, I am very excited, because my short script I-commute was picked by a very talented young director and hopefully we will be moving ahead with it.
NY Glam: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you?
I personally like dark and open ended stories. I mistrust films that tie up everything in a pretty bow at the end.
But if I have to identify one main quality in the films I love, it would be creating a world so real and powerful that I get completely immersed into it. If I carry a piece of it away with me, long after the film is over, the filmmakers have succeeded.
NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?
As an emerging writer, building a character is a constant struggle. I think it consists in working on two directions. Going deeper inwards to understand your character’s wishes and fears and at the same time outwards to find ways to visualise and vocalise the character, bring them to life.
NY Glam: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?
I work mostly in production, my screenwriting career is just starting, but as a production manager there are two projects I am still very proud of. One is a feature film called Art Therapy, by veteran Greek director Nikos Perakis. The second one was a short film by a young and very talented Greek director: Hamomili by Neritan Zinxhiria.
NY Glam: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?
I take a lot of photos. Not just on important events. Actually rarely on important events, but mainly on small daily details. I find it is a great way to freeze time and emotion.
NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking?
Find your tribe, people you can work with, can support each other and be accountable to. Having left mine back in Greece a few years ago, I feel their absence every day.
Also, filmmaking is such a vast world, so many you can participate in creating a film. Be honest with yourself, find your strengths and work around that. It is the best way to shine and be creative and happy.
NY Glam: What can we expect from you in 2020?
I will be very happy if I manage to get my interactive project live in the next few months.
I am also hoping my short film I-commute will be ready by the end of the year, but it will depend in so many factors, starting with how the pandemic will evolve.
NY Glam: Where can everyone keep up with you to learn more? …social media…website
I understood early on that I am not a writer/ director. Just a writer. So for the longest time I found it hard sharing my work.That has kept me back for many years, but recently I decided to share my work more, so I created a website where I showcase my work:
