Open to opportunities

Esra Saydam

@esrasaydam

I’m a filmmaker and storyteller developing TV/film projects and production services. I also teach screenwriting and film project development courses.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a collaboration where storytelling drives every decision—where I can direct or produce, develop TV/film projects, and bring a creative + production mindset to the team.

I’m a filmmaker and storyteller who develops TV/Film projects and provides production services. I’ve worked as a Writer, Producer and Director, with projects spanning directing, writing, producing, and editorial roles.

I also teach media making to students in Film/Video Production in multipl universities. My work and development have been recognized through programs and labs such as Berlinale Talents, Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and multiple festival selections and awards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Instructor

Current

Kadir Has University

Oct 2024 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Data Science Trainee at Kadir Has University. Skills include Python, SQL, data visualization, and machine learning.

Python SQL Data Visualization Machine Learning C

Current

Founder

Current

Karlakum Film

Jan 2013 - Present (13 years 6 months)

Film, Commercial and TV production company.

Current

Founder, Producer, Director

Current

Sand & Snow Films

Jan 2011 - Present (15 years 6 months)

Founder, Producer, and Director at Sand & Snow Films, developing TV/film projects and providing production services.

Film Production Production Director Screenwriting

Assistant Professor

City College of New York

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Assistant Professor at City College of New York (Film/Video Department), teaching media making to freshman and sophomore students. Experience includes camera operating and video editing.

Teaching Film Video Instruction Camera Operation Final Cut Pro

Adjunct Faculty

New York University

Adjunct Faculty at New York University (Stowe, Vermont). Responsibilities were not specified.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Columbia University School of the Arts

Master of Fine Arts, Film (Creative Producing)

2008 - 2012

Master of Fine Arts in Film, specialized in Creative Producing, at Columbia University School of the Arts from September 2008 to May 2012.

Northwestern University

Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, Communication Studies

2004 - 2008

Grade: Major GPA: 3.72/4.0; Cumulative GPA: 3.65/4.0

Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (with Honors), with studies in Animate Arts, completed at Northwestern University from September 2004 to June 2008.