A fireside conversation exploring what it takes to build a creative career and company from the outside - without inherited networks, across countries, and within an industry that can be difficult to access.
Romanian-born, London-based producer Mara Cracaleanu reflects on her journey moving between Romania and the UK, starting from zero connections, and learning in real time how development, financing, international collaboration, and creative entrepreneurship actually work in practice.
Structured as a layered conversation, the session moves from personal experience into wider industry insight: access, proof, borders, ownership, and scale.
Through examples from her work across documentary and fiction, Mara will explore how emerging producers can build credibility, create opportunities, and think beyond traditional production models toward IP, cross-platform storytelling, and internationally connected creative businesses.
At its core, this is a conversation about building without a roadmap, and creating your own blueprint.