Meet Filippos Tsapekis | Film/Commercial Director and Video Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Filippos Tsapekis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Filippos, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I firmly believe that the risk is for Bold people. Bold, for me, does not mean fearless, but rather people who strive to improve themselves, believe in their talents or passions and are always ready to take action. If you dont take risks, then you will never see yourself in the next level. The comfort zone is not for artists or people who work in the art industry in general. You have no other option than to take risks, or better put, make choices that can change your life. My career has been marked by many of these decisions, from the moment that I made the decision to move from creative director to a film director, to moving to Los Angeles from Europe, and many more choices that I had to make to better myself and my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my career as a copywriter and then as a creative director. I participated in more than 50 Tv commercials around Europe. My team and I were responsible for creating the idea, selling it to the client, and ensuring we will deliver it as we agreed. During all the productions that I participated in, I realized that I am very interested in discovering the Film/commercial directing world. I felt pretty comfortable on set, and I thought I should at least give it a try. My first steps as a film/commercial director were parallel to my work as a Creative Director. My strength as a Commercial director is my background as a copywriter/creative director and then my passion for commercials. I learn how to write an idea and sell it to a client. As a commercial director, I learn how this idea is coming into life creatively and uniquely. It’s essential to have something to say as a film/commercial director. Every scene, every shot, every moment is critical, especially if you have only 30 seconds to deliver your message to your audience. All my career is around tv commercials. As a copywriter, you want to have a clear understanding of the message you are writing before anyone else. In your mind, you have already seen this commercial before you move to the shooting, and you have to know if this idea is possible to make it or not. I love making and directing commercials and sometimes films because it’s my way to communicate and share messages. The most exciting thing in my job is that in every project, you have to think differently and adapt accordingly but at the same time to keep your identity. Nine to five, a short film I made in 2017, has won more than 35 awards and received positive reviews across multiple film festivals worldwide. I am so proud and thankful for everyone on that project because we created something unique that touches a social issue. Nine to Five is a film in a dystopian society where tiredness is illegal and has severe punishments. The story starts when authorities suddenly pull over a young lawyer on his way home after working late one night. He is about to find that not getting enough sleep is about to become the least of his problems. We hear every day many suicides becasue people can’t afford the pressure and criticism of the world. That’s why I decided to end like this. We don’t spend time with our family friends or discover ourselves becasue we are always busy. If you think about the world today, we are not too distant from this perception. We live in a society where you will not be socially acceptable if you do not participate in everything, including social media, events, and jobs. So, because everyone wants to be approved by society, it’s prohibited to be tired. I am also very proud of this Film because I presented it to American students at Yale and New York University. It is also available via Dust TV on Apple Tv, Samsung Tv plus, Roku channel, Xumo, Vizio, IMDB Tv, Xfinity stream. Projects are always different, but you always have to be focused and give your 100%. Of course, I have some projects that I feel more connected to, let’s say. Three projects, two commercials, and one short film that I directed back in 2017. The two commercials are “Thunder” and “Guru”. Both big-budget production for different snacks but the same company. And the short film that I am proud of is “9to5”, and please take a look. I think that you will enjoy it. I am focused on Tv commercials, not on films, but I enjoyed shooting for this short Film.

I have recently participated in projects for major studio companies, like Warner Brothers and Universal, as a Creative Director or Commercial Director, and Editor. I feel blessed because to have worked with great companies all these years, and I always look for opportunities to learn new things. But, you have to keep your identity and style in the end. You have to find ways to inspire others to remember you and your work. Without strong decisions and risks, especially in our job, you can’t move forward. It is not an easy way and that’s why you have to grab the opportunity when it appears. YOu have to be alert all the time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am Greek-born but LA-based for the last two years. So I am still exploring the city and looking for new spots. LA is so beautiful any time of the year. I like staying near the ocean because it reminds me of my country, Greece. The things I love most about LA are mainly the sunny weather, the variety of food, and then the opportunities in the industry. If you have the passion and energy to work hard there is no possibility of failure. You can also find unique places for food if you are visiting the area as a tourist. Perch is a beautiful rooftop restaurant with great music and food, Avra restaurant in Beverly Hills offers fresh fish from Greece and a beautiful setting. You can find any kind of cuisine you want in any part of Los Angeles. I love Acai bowls sushi and Poke bowls. I can leave my whole life eating Greek food, Sushi, Poke, and Acai bowls. The best Acai bowl in LA is in North Hollywood, Riozonas. Now if we want to talk about the most amazing places that I have ever visit I can say that is Greece, the number one, with so many different choices. Bali is a unique place to visit, Hawaii, and Cuba. I love to visit places that have something unique to offers and have a specific identity.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel blessed because I am surrounded by people that I respect and love. My family is the one I would like to thank the most. Despite the fact that my family is not in the industry, they have supported me every step of the way. So, without even thinking about it, I am sure that my family is the group of people I want to thank for all the support.

Website: www.filippostsapekis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filippostsap/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippos-tsapekis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008917861042

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8083984/?ref_=rvi_nm