Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena Karadimos.
Helena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I launched my independent production house HMK Film Productions in my hometown of Melbourne, Australia, having successfully completed my film and television course. It was a hard and fast way to learn more about the business and politics of cinema and film and being a woman, I welcomed the challenge to throw myself into the mix. Learning to be agile and adaptive to people and the variety of projects, working late on a shoe-string budget really pushes the edge of creativity and I feel forces something new out of that chaos.
For years I had toyed with the idea of living and working in LA and finally my instincts go the better of me. Pursuing my lifelong dream of being a filmmaker in the global heart centre of film, Hollywood, seemed like the right thing to do as any aspiring actor or producer would agree. I have a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those seeking a life in this industry, I feel that my story to get here, the long hours, saving money, is a truth that many resonate with. I call that phase one. Phase two is about planting your feet, feeling out LA, what it has to offer, its people, its culture and the way the city moves. Needless to say, you learn quickly to survive and where and with whom you share your time and energy but any roadblocks only pushed me to work harder. Meeting and learning from inspiring people, helped to continue to shape and develop my vision for H.M.K. Film Productions and open for production services. I’ve loved every second of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
“An obstacle is often a stepping stone,” is a quote I recall from William Prescott, an American colonel in the Revolutionary War. I don’t feel that rings more true than in a place like LA. It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Australia and the States are similar but also worlds apart so there’s certainly a period of adjustment required, and not to mention quickly. Setbacks like falling short on resources, business deals falling through, or financial struggles. My will has been tested, no doubt. However, as cliche as it sounds, it’s my true love of film that makes it all worth it. There’s nothing else that brings me more joy in this world, now I sound like Marie Kondo. It’s true though, that is the driving force that picks me up and wants to push that much more harder for my dreams.
Please tell us about H.M.K. Film Productions.
I specialize in producing, directing and writing. I’m currently pitching my psychological horror film.
I’m proud of HMK productions, that no matter what challenges I have gone through or had knocked me about, and in some regards having to start from the beginning over and over I’m still here and stronger than before striving for the finish line. I think my strong determination and ambition will be what supports me through any testing time.
My company offers full-service film production. That includes pre-production all the way to post-production. Independently marketing and distributing. It’s a one-stop production house and also have an amazing music production team on-staff. We produce everything from TV shows, features and shorts, commercials, and music videos.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I wish I had a crystal ball! From the MeToo movement to Covid-19, I think anyone that assumes they know what the future of film will look like might be fooling themselves. My hope is that traditional cinemas are still operating, it’s a big part of most cultures to go to the movies with a loved one, friends and so on. I feel like it would be a big loss not only for the industry but for a sense of community too.
Covid-19 has us all cooped up indoors streaming films for ourselves, if lucky, with our partners, yet it’s a different experience altogether. Streaming services of course have their place and are an important addition. Yet, if studios shut down or get bought out and everything is produced mainstream, I’m not sure whether it will make it harder or easier to get your film funded or even bought by the network. Right now, it’s functioning because they are buying or funding content. We are yet to see the full impact of things like VR and new technology integrated into film such as 8D sound and so on. Technology has a part to play in the evolution of the industry not to mention well-crafted stories and character portrayals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hmkfilms-productions.squarespace.com/#home-section
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmkfilm/
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