Athens is getting ready to take the spotlight for global film and television as the Athens Film Office brings back The Owl Workshop & Industry Days for the fourth year. The 2025 edition runs from 4 to 7 October in central venues, with the creative hub at the Electra Rhythm Athens hotel on Ermou Street and Industry Days hosted at Aigli Zappeiou. Run by the City of Athens through the Athens Film Office with Development Athens, the event connects emerging talent with decision-makers from across the audiovisual field.
What does this years program offer?
A total of 16 professional screenwriters from around the world will join an intensive script-development lab. Participants get one-to-one mentoring from experienced writers and producers, take part in focused masterclasses, and meet leading Greek and international film and TV professionals to explore co-development and production opportunities.
Who will mentor creators?
- Larry Bass – CEO, Founder & Executive Producer, Shinawil
- Tracy Brimm – Head of Film & Television, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
- Brendan Fitzgerald – CEO, Secuoya Studios
- Gustavo Gontijo – Executive Producer, Development, O2 Filmes
- Meg Thomson – EVP Worldwide Content, Globalgate Entertainment
How can residents and professionals take part?
The Industry Days pulse on 6-7 October at Aigli Zappeiou, in partnership with the Greek Centre of Cinema, Audiovisual Media and Creation (EKKOMED). Across two days youll find pitching events, panels, talks and matchmaking sessions designed to spark new collaborations. Two public masterclasses are open with free registration:
- 6 October, 17:30-18:30: Michael Colleary: From Blockbusters to Storytelling Mastery (Face/Off, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Professionals)
- 7 October, 19:00-20:30: Arty Papageorgiou on narrative, character and world-building in animation and live action, in collaboration with ASIFA (Greek Animation Association)
Where and when are the sessions?
The core workshop runs 4-7 October at Electra Rhythm Athens on Ermou, while Industry Days take place 6-7 October at Aigli Zappeiou. Attendees are encouraged to register via the official Athens Film Office website.
What does this mean for Athens?
“Athens is evolving into a creation hub, open to new ideas and international partnerships,” noted Mayor Haris Doukas, adding that The Owl gives talent space to grow, builds channels to global markets and shows the city’s capacity to host film and TV stories with worldwide appeal. Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Development Athens, said that The Owl is more than a script lab: it both empowers creators and positions Athens as an ideal destination for audiovisual productions, leaving a meaningful footprint on the local industry.
What’s new this year?
Organisers say the fourth edition returns “more dynamic than ever”, with a stronger roster of international mentors and structured opportunities for pitching and matchmaking, elements designed to turn ideas into commissioned projects and co-productions.
Key details at a glance
- Dates: 4-7 October 2025 (Industry Days: 6-7 October)
- Venues: Electra Rhythm Athens (Ermou) and Aigli Zappeiou
- Participants: 16 screenwriters, guided by international mentors
- Public access: Two free masterclasses with prior registration
- Register: athensfilmoffice.com
- Strategic partners: EOT, AEGEAN
- Sponsors: FOSS, Argonauts, Globalgate, True North, Boat Rocker, Cosmote TV, Green Olive Films, O2 Filmes
Where to find more information?
You can find full registration details and any schedule updates on the Athens Film Office website. With events staged in central Athens, the team highlights both industry networking and public learning opportunities for the city’s creative community.
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