Sofia Terpou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sofia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Trust. With crews, with collaborators, with myself. It’s invisible until it’s missing – and I’ve worked hard to make sure it’s not.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Sofia Terpou, a Greek film producer based in Los Angeles, currently working as a full-time producer at DramaBox – a company at the forefront of vertical storytelling for new media.
My background spans both traditional and emerging formats, but what really excites me is creating emotionally resonant stories that reflect the way people – especially women – engage with content today.
At DramaBox, I produce serialized vertical dramas – a format that’s hugely popular in Asia and is just starting to gain traction in the States. I oversee projects end-to-end, from early development to final delivery. We recently joined the Disney Accelerator Program, which has been a major milestone and a validation of the innovation we’re bringing to the space.
I’m especially passionate about combining creative storytelling with production efficiency, particularly in fast-paced environments. I also love experimenting with format – whether it’s through new tech or genre-blending narratives.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was the kid putting together entire productions with my cousins during summertime in Greece – writing scripts, casting roles, building sets out of bed sheets. Before I learned the rules of how it “should” be done, I was already doing it my own way. That spirit has never really left me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I didn’t have connections, stability or the confidence I had back home. I felt invisible in a city built on visibility. I was hustling nonstop – freelancing, networking, trying to prove myself. At one point, I hit burnout so hard I genuinely questioned whether I belonged here. But something shifted when I worked on a small project where I finally felt seen and respected as a creative producer. That reminder – that I have something to offer and a point of view that matters – helped me stay the course. Looking back, that moment tested me but it also clarified my purpose.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to proving that vertical storytelling is not a trend – it’s a new language. While it’s still sometimes labeled as casual or social media content, vertical storytelling has the potential to carry just as much depth, emotion and cinematic power as any other traditional format. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of major vertical productions like “Breaking the Ice” and “The Quarterback Next Door”, and I’m currently producing a new show called “Wrong Marriage, Right Husband”.
The challenge is how to build stories that earn that frame – and I love that creative puzzle. It’s not just about chasing views – it’s about understanding how people, especially younger audiences and women, are connecting with visual storytelling in a more intimate, mobile and personal way. That’s something Hollywood is failing to deliver.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I made things happen – not just for myself, but for others too. That I brought clarity in chaos. That I listened. That I led with kindness. That I made space for voices that didn’t always get heard. And that the stories I helped bring into the world stayed with people – not because they were loud but because they were honest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sofiaterpou
Image Credits
Photographer: Alex Casanova
