Panel discussion
Talent behind the scenes. Strategies for creating, attracting, and retaining talent in cinema
august 27 / 14:15 – 15:30
Eisenstein Hall
The global film industry is experiencing rapid growth: new formats, impressive technologies and increasing budgets - all of this requires more qualified professionals. Directors, scriptwriters, VFX specialists, colourists - the demand for professionals is growing every day.

How can we not only keep up with modern trends, but also lay the foundation for future achievements? The discussion will be devoted to the development of the film industry's human resources potential and will touch upon important topics: what specialists will be in demand, how effective film education is in training specialists, how to attract young professionals, ensure their growth and motivation.
  • Current and promising professions in film: what specialists will be most in demand in the coming years and how will the world of film professions change?

  • Interaction between film schools and studios: how can we build an effective training system that is oriented towards practice and the real needs of the industry?

  • Employee adaptation, motivation and retention: how can we create conditions for professional growth and development, foster a motivating atmosphere and retain valuable employees in film companies?
  • Corporate culture and values: what role do they play in attracting and retaining talent in the film industry?

  • The role of trade unions and guilds: how do they protect the interests of film workers?
Moderator:
  • Polina Ilyina
    Producer, script consultant, academic director of the HSE Film Institute, co-founder of the film company Vision Media Postproduction
    Polina Ilyina - Producer, Script Consultant, Academic Director of the HSE Film Institute
    In the film industry since 2019. Producer and screenwriter of auteur and festival films that have participated in and won awards at Russian and international film festivals (Cannes Film Festival, "Koroche," Prisma, Golden Unicorn, etc.).
    Academic Director of the HSE Film Institute. In 2023 and 2024, she was awarded "Best Teacher of the Year" at HSE.
    Since 2020, she has been the co-founder of Vision Media Postproduction film company.
Speakers:
  • Supriya Yarlagadda
    Pproducer, CEO, Annapurna Studios (India)
    Indian film producer & actress, known for her extensive work in Telugu cinema. She is the CEO and Executive Director of Annapurna Studios.
  • Leonardo Edde
    Producer, director, founder, URCA Filmes, presidente, SICAV (Brazil)
    Leonardo Edde is a producer, director, and founder of Urca Filmes. He has played a key role in the success of acclaimed Brazilian films such as the 2023 blockbuster "Our Dream — A Brazilian Funk Story," "Amazonia Groove," "Loucas para Casar," "The Movie of My Life," and "Elite Squad 2." Edde is also a prominent industry figure, serving as president of SICAV, vice-president of Firjan, and a member of PGA, FIPCA, and EMMY. His contributions to the audiovisual industry have gained him international recognition.
  • Carolina Guo
    General manager, Hengdian World Studios (China)
    Caroline Guo is the General Manager of the International Business Department and Talent Agency at Hengdian World Studios. With over 20 years of management experience in the film industry, she has studied and worked in the UK, US, Japan, and France, gaining deep insights into both Eastern and Western cultures. She holds master's degrees from the University of Leeds and the University of Texas, and has completed intellectual property courses in Japan. Caroline has hosted TV shows, produced notable film and TV projects, and played a key role in advancing Hengdian's international strategy and talent development.
  • Maria Sitkovskaya
    Head of the Moscow Film School (Russia)
  • Sergey Mayevsky
    Producer, General Director, Start Production, Director, Studio 24 Film School
  • Ilya Burets
    Creative Director of KION
  • Mikhail Vrubel
    Producer, screenwriter, co-founder of the company Vodorod