Elena Asaelof

Blogger, Producer, Project manager, World traveler

I am a Production Manager & Growth Director at one of the leading production studios on the island of Cyprus. As a production manager my job is to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the production process, effectively allocate resources in order to optimise project execution, as well as build and maintain strong relationships with clients. As a growth director I aim to develop and execute a growth strategy for the studio as well as identify and pursue new business opportunities, increasing visibility and brand recognition.

I was always passionate about the film making industry, always analysing and seeking to find the inspiration behind every single image produced. Fascinated by the fact that words can be transformed into captivating images and there is nothing more satisfying than giving visual meaning to words. Through my role as Production Manager I lead and guide a group of creative people with one goal, to inspire others by making films. As a female of an ethnic minority in a small society like that of Cyprus, I had to fight my way into the Cypriot male dominated film industry and I am passionate about sharing my story and inspiring young female artists to speak up and fight for their right to reach the top. Furthermore, through my learning curve in different places in the world, working with different cultures and communities, I developed a love for sharing knowledge, since progress only occurs via creating communities and sharing our passion and knowledge.

My main goal is to bring the TED culture and community to my island in Cyprus. There have been a couple of TEDx events but what I strive for as an ethnic minority female artist, is to create an event with the purpose of empowering young people, especially female artists and people from ethnic and social minorities to speak up and tell their stories. Feel proud of who they are and dare to make turn their stories into powerful images, inspiring more and more people in the process.

As a production manager, I aim to use my qualification as a TEDx organizer this year to produce a TEDx event in my hometown Nicosia with the aim of empowering young people, especially young female artists, aiming at entering the filming industry. To encourage young people to share their stories and dare to turn them into powerful images who will in turn help inspire even more young people to do so.