Producer Anna Kępińska: 'Sometimes you get out of bed and have an epiphany'

The work of a film producer is far from a 9-to-5 job, according to Anna Kępińska, a producer known for her work on "High Water" and "Heweliusz." She explains that the role demands constant engagement, with ideas and solutions often appearing unexpectedly. "Sometimes you get out of bed and have an epiphany," Kępińska shared, emphasizing that when you take responsibility for a company, project, or people, your thoughts are occupied by it continuously.

Kępińska clarifies the multifaceted nature of a producer's role. While directors direct, screenwriters write, and actors perform, the producer manages the entire production process. This includes organizational and financial oversight, but often extends to creative direction. In some cases, the producer initiates the entire project if the idea originates with them. Essentially, they bring a film or series to life, transforming an idea into a tangible reality, and may even invest their own funds.

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Sometimes you get out of bed and have an epiphany.

"We try to be close to the creative process," Kępińska stated, adding that producers support creators and aim to be involved at every stage. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared purpose. The industry landscape is shifting, with television stations and streaming platforms increasingly seeking producers for discussions that span not only business and production matters but also creative aspects.

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We try to be close to the creative process.

Polish filmmakers are achieving global recognition, and Kępińska believes Polish producers can indeed build international careers. She points to several successful Polish producers working abroad or involved in international co-productions, feeling that the global market has opened up significantly. However, working internationally requires understanding different production systems, as experienced during the making of "Heweliusz" in Belgium. Key differences include financing structures, public support mechanisms like "incentives," work organization, and the specific competencies of crew members.

Kępińska also highlighted the impact of global platforms like Netflix. "Premieres of film or series projects in 190 countries at the same time naturally expand access to Polish productions," she said. Following the release of "High Water," there was significant international interest in its creators, with numerous inquiries, congratulations, and discussions. International parties praised the originality of the approach, the universality of the story, and the quality of execution. Recently, a German producer preparing a film project about floods in Germany sought Kępińska's consultation based on their experience with "High Water."

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Premieres of film or series projects in 190 countries at the same time naturally expand access to Polish productions.