Alumni

„Each session was an opportunity to connect with a community passionate about meaningful storytelling. Thank you for this unforgettable journey!“

„The workshop was a refreshing international experience, very much hands on in small groups with supportive spirit and great expertise.“

„It was great to have so many international speakers from the film industry sharing their knowledge and experiences.“

„The motivation found from a room filled with such breadth of diverse knowledge and experiences was invaluable and highly recommendable.“

„I really enjoyed the course, it was really very practical and my project was very much changed for the better in a very short time.“

„The course provided me with an essential foundation for understanding sustainability practices for media from a holistic perspective that also considered the team’s well-being and our responsibility as storytellers. It has inspired me to approach future projects with a more environmentally conscious mindset.“

“Growth is uncomfortable. Go small, go locally, and go slowly then the change make a difference” – Katherine Gonzales

„Attending the 2024 Business and Legal Affairs sessions at the International Screen Institute in Vienna has been an enriching experience. Each speaker brought valuable insights, covering key industry trends and legal frameworks essential for navigating today’s screen industry. I truly appreciated learning from such knowledgeable professionals, each offering unique perspectives that deepen my understanding and spark new ideas for my work. The sessions were an excellent blend of practical advice and visionary thinking, leaving me inspired and better equipped for the future.“

„Great experts, lots of exciting input in a short time and a good get-together with interesting new people!“

„A helpful, valuable experience with dedicated and engaged mentors.“

„A well-curated course with inspiring mentors, genuine support, and a lasting network. You feel cared for long after it’s over.“

„An enlightening week spending time in a space with like-minded people, supporting and challenging each other.“

„I had a very good time on the course and met great people and professionals!“

„The course was a fantastic experience that was eye opening regarding both regarding ecological sustainability and social sustainability.“

“Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art.” Claude Debussy

“A great opportunity for personal and professional growth.”

“My time in Vienna, attending the Audience Design Lab and Business and Legal Affairs courses, was incredibly enriching. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. I highly recommend these courses to anyone looking to deepen their expertise in these areas.”

“This course successfully delivers a clear and updated overview of the legal and business aspects of film/TV, boosting confidence in handling contracts and negotiations. I highly recommend it.”

“The most useful courses I have ever been at! High quality lectures on the legal aspects of the film industry.”

“If you want your films to be watched – listen to Sile Culley and other audience designers. It’s worth it.”

“Content and very useful programme, chance to gain knowledge in very friendly environment”

“Excellent speakers, location and well organised”

“The course gave me knowledge on sustainability and access to a network of great people to which I can reach out whenever I need to discuss a solution.”

“I had a fantastic time with loads of information and amazing people”

“An enriching, safe space with international film colleagues sharing experiences, targets and hopes for a socially and environmentally sustainable industry.”

“Insights, hard knowledge, great mentorship and an amazing group of participants!”

“We will never stop making films”

“Truly comprehensive and up to date programme delivered by industry professionals who were generous with their time and insights.”

“Market Ready was an incredible experience with top-tier experts, excellent organization, and a high-quality course. The participants were fantastic, and we had a lot of fun along the way. I’m truly thankful for the connections made and the knowledge gained.”

“The Business and Legal Affairs course taught me the true impact of legal and strategic choices, making my productions run much smoother.”

“A fascinating and brilliantly run insight into all aspects of film financing and legals. First class course.”

“Good teachers. Friendly environment. Very profitable. Vienna incredible as always.”

“The Market Ready course was an impactful, profound, and inspiring experience. The generosity and professionalism of everyone involved shined. Recommended!”

“Great experience with a great bunch of people from all over Europe!!”

“Many thanks to the ISI team for giving such an amazing opportunity. The course is top class, and the attendees were professionals with different roles in the film industry.”

“Global insights, all-star speaker line-up and inspiring international participants.”

“The International Screen Institute, especially Katja Schwarz and all speakers, created an inspiring training to emphasise the green path for every individual company. It was great to have the chance to discuss diverse approaches from 8 different countries to discuss best sustainability practices.”

“Great speakers, strong content, well organised – perfect course!”

“Fantastic days at the lab with such great people!”

“Authors often have to fight to get a seat at the table. International Screen Institute is offering this seat.”

“The knowledge we received was really valuable and we’ve already started using it in further work on our project.”

“The ISI team looked after us extremely well! Such an inspiration to listen to all the guest speakers and to meet colleagues from all over Europe.”

Xavier Henry-Rashid started his career as a photographer, which introduced him to the festival circuit some 18 years ago. Thereon he contributed to publications including Variety, Screen, Esquire, GQ, as well as a writer for the original Yahoo Movies, Film247 and BBCFilms news websites.

He has worked in various festival positions, from previewing for Sheffield Doc/Fest, in sponsorship for Sundance London/AEG and the East End Film Festival, and in management as programmer and Executive Director of Raindance Film Festival where he also ran the year-round training programme.

Since 2012, he has run Film Republic, a London-based world sales company specialised in director-driven features and young auteurs. He is a Berlin Talent Campus alumnus, Screen Institute alumnus, and member of EAVE.

Xavier attended the Business and Legal Course in 2022 and is one of the Sceen Institute´s esteemed alumni.