Meet Nick Lambrou | Filmmaker, Producer & Photographer

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

Hi Nick, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Nothing is promised. We don’t start living until we have the courage to take a risk and reach for what we believe in. Taking the leap of faith at 18 and moving to the United States from my hometown in Athens, Greece was one of the most defining moments of my life. It wasn’t just about chasing a dream; it was about embracing the very essence of who I am. In the pursuit of creativity, I found myself navigating unknown but strangely familiar territories, both geographically and emotionally. Each step I took was a testament to my unwavering belief in the power of my dreams. I began my journey in the States by pursuing a degree in advertising at a big university in Boston but halfway decided to take a second risk by transferring to Emerson College and obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Filmmaking. I always refer to Boston as an opening rather than a stepping stone as opportunities opened the gates to Los Angeles, the city that I have always dreamed of being a part of ever since I was a 13-year-old kid watching and making YouTube videos from my bedroom back in Greece. I really want to believe those videos are buried somewhere on the internet by now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel incredibly blessed to be part of an industry that aligns with my passions, my purpose, and my highest inspirations in life. Looking back at my roots, the birthplace of theater and the foundational bedrock of the dramatic arts, I am immersed in a profound sense of honor and pride. There is a due diligence I feel to respect those who came before me, crafting my art based on their timeless premises. My inspiration is deeply intertwined with the archetypes found in Greek mythology, my memories of my childhood summers spent in Greece, and my adult life here in the United States. The stories, people, and urban legends I discovered in different parts of my home country left an incredible mark on my imagination, infusing my work with a sense of mythical mysticism and timelessness while remaining balanced by my forever love for the classic Americana, it’s great musicians, poets, and artists. Regarding my work and the movies I produce, I love observing trends, pop culture across the decades, and the evolving tastes of audiences. I strive to understand what visuals, storytelling techniques, and genres resonate most deeply with people on a psychological level. As a photographer, I am perpetually in search of the most intriguing and vibrant compositions, while finding beauty even in the darkest, most forgotten corners of the world. This ability to uncover hidden allure in the mundane or the melancholic and find ways to combine it with parts of the mainstream feeds my cinematic vision, allowing me to present stories that are both visually captivating and emotionally complex. Although not all filmmakers go to film school, I did, and I must admit it taught me a lot about the technical stuff and history of cinema but nothing could ever prepare me for the real world like my internships that I’m so grateful for, in this crazy little town of Hollywood. Although I’ve developed a taste for all kinds of films, stories that subtly flirt with, the absurd, the tragic, and have an arthouse edge tend to capture my interest the most. While I’m building a network, projects, and deals on this side of the world I’m constantly looking for ways to grow and represent the influence of European cinema especially with the recent revitalization of the film industry in Greece and the rise of the Greek Weird Wave.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When anyone visits me in Los Angeles, I’m committed to giving them the best time. I think of myself as a vibe curator, aiming to create captivating experiences, much like the movies I work on. California offers so much, divided mainly between nature and must-visit hotspots that awaken all the senses. The essence of Hollywood can be found hidden in iconic places like the Chateau Marmont and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where the echoes of Hollywood’s golden eras still linger. For food and drinks, I’d take them to the Polo Lounge, on the weekend we would do the pop-up at Smogen Appetizers for the craziest LA bagels, and most likely Community Goods for coffee coupled with some thrifting on Melrose. Avra in Beverly Hills is also a must when friends from home visit. I love taking people to memorable places like the Academy Museum, the Getty Villa, the Venice Canals, and of course, the American Cinematheque screenings at the renovated Egyptian Theater. That’s where the magic of cinema combined with exclusive guests often part of the film being screened, gives the most immersive moviegoing experience. On the day we decide to do Malibu, we’d pass through Topanga and stop at a special little store called Hidden Treasures which has the grooviest antiques and vintage clothing pieces. Another unique experience out here is exploring estate sales in the Hills, where you can find intricate and unique Hollywood treasures while also witnessing iconic properties. For the rest, I guess you would have to join me…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It all starts with family, so I owe deep gratitude to my friends and family back home, who luckily support most of my life decisions. My parents, both successful lawyers, run one of the top law firms in Athens. Following in their footsteps would have been the obvious, secure choice, offering a stable professional life. However, I chose to listen to my heart and followed the complex world of the entertainment business instead. Creativity has always been my guiding force, and I am endlessly fascinated by storytelling and the creation of compelling images. My passion did not go unnoticed by my professors at school, particularly Professor Kenneth Martin who I consider a mentor. Through his photojournalism class, while I was still navigating my career path, he helped me realize that in a way life imitates art. I wouldn’t be fully answering this question if I didn’t dedicate a special thank you to my newfound family here in the United States as well. My closest friends, are a home away from home, constantly helping me grow and encouraging me to be the best version of myself. Thanks to my forever inspirations—Lana Del Rey, Kubrick, and Cavafy— whose work continues to shape and inspire my creative process. They are among a group of people I consider immortals whose art and visual landscape define the way I view the world.

Website: https://www.nlambrou.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-lambrou-951587183/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/peechmedia/