For four days this week, Athens is on the global film and TV map. It hosts The Owl Workshop & Industry Days, now in its fourth edition, run by the Athens Film Office of the Municipality of Athens with Development Athens; from 4 to 7 October, the program brings together emerging and established talent in the city center, mixing training, networking and pitching.
Why does The Owl Workshop matter to Athens’ screen sector?
“Athens is evolving into a center of creation, open to new ideas and international collaborations. With The Owl Workshop & Industry Days we give space for talents to grow, build channels to the international market and show that our city can host film and television stories with global appeal,” said Mayor Haris Doukas (translated from Greek). Ioannis Georgizias, CEO of Development Athens, added that The Owl is “not just a script lab but a platform that propels creators while highlighting Athens as an ideal destination for productions.” He noted that they invest in actions that leave a lasting mark on the city (translated).
What does the 2025 program offer?
The 4th “The Owl” Workshop will take place at the Electra Rhythm Athens hotel on Ermou Street. Sixteen professional screenwriters from around the world will follow an intensive script development schedule that includes one-to-one mentoring with seasoned writers, focused masterclasses and meetings with leading Greek and international professionals from cinema and television.
Who are the headline mentors?
- Larry Bass – CEO, Founder & Executive Producer, Shinawil
- Tracy Brimm – Head of Film and Television, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates
- Brendan Fitzgerald – CEO, Secuoya Studios
- Gustavo Gontijo – Executive Producer, Development, O2 Filmes
- Meg Thomson – EVP Worldwide Content, Globalgate Entertainment
Where and when are the Industry Days held?
On 6-7 October, the heart of the event moves to the landmark Aegli Zappeiou for the two-day Industry Days, delivered with EKKOMED (the Hellenic Center of Cinema, Audiovisual Media and Creation). The agenda includes pitching events, panels, talks and targeted matchmaking sessions designed to spark new collaborations among creators, producers, funders and decision-makers.
How can residents take part?
Two masterclasses are open to the public with free entry upon registration:
- 6 October, 17:30-18:30 – Michael Colleary: From Blockbusters to Storytelling Mastery
- 7 October, 19:00-20:30 – Arty Papageorgiou on storytelling, character development and world-building in animation and live action (in partnership with ASIFA, the Hellenic Animation Association)
Registration and full details are available via the official Athens Film Office website: athensfilmoffice.com.
What does the city gain?
The Athens Film Office supports productions that choose the capital as a filming location, from finding locations and securing permits to connecting with local partners. Through initiatives like The Owl, it raises Athens’ international profile, attracts investment and strengthens Greece’s creative economy; to date it has supported more than 200 audiovisual productions in the city.
Who supports the event?
Strategic partners: EOT (GNTO) and AEGEAN. Sponsors include FOSS, Argonauts, Globalgate, True North, Boat Rocker, Cosmote TV, Green Olive Films and O2 Filmes.
Need to know
Information is provided by the organizers as of 30 September 2025; schedules may change. Events take place in central Athens, and early registration is advised due to limited capacity.
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