Alexandra Lebret Steps Down As Head Of European Producers Club After 23-Yr Tenure
The European Producers Club (EPC) has announced the departure of longtime Managing Director Alexandra Lebret, with the body praising her 23-year stint at the helm advocating for the rights of independent producers across Europe.
Founded in 1983 within the framework of the GATS negotiation, the body has gone from strength to strength under Lebret's leadership, and currently represents 185 prominent producers across the continent. 'Alexandra's profound impact on the European audiovisual landscape cannot be overstated,' says EPC President Dariusz Jablonski.
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'Her strategic vision and tireless advocacy have not only strengthened independent producers' position but fundamentally reshaped how our industry approaches critical challenges. Through initiatives like the Best practices for Independent producers, Gender Charter and Green Charter, she has pushed our industry toward greater sustainability and inclusivity.' Since taking up the role of EPC head in 2002, Lebret is credited with championing intellectual property rights for producers, fostered cross-border collaboration, and established the EPC as a clear voice in the European Commission.
The Gender Charter set industry-wide standards for equality and representation, while the Green Charter has positioned the EPC at the forefront of sustainable production practices. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lebret also coordinated vital support for Ukrainian audiovisual professionals, mobilizing resources and creating networking opportunities during unprecedented challenges. 'Alexandra leaves an extraordinary legacy of innovation and advocacy,' Jablonski added. 'Her work on the Gender Charter has created tangible pathways for women in our industry, while the Green Charter has established a framework for environmental responsibility that will influence productions for years to come. These initiatives reflect her commitment to meaningful, lasting change.' In recognition of her contributions, Lebret was decorated as Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 2013.
Beyond her leadership at the EPC, she has also left her mark as a producer, founding Mare Nostrum Productions and Halley Production and garnering international acclaim for her work. 'These 23 years have been an incredible journey. I am deeply grateful to have worked with such talented producers and colleagues, united by a shared passion for European storytelling,' said Lebret.
'Together, we have achieved so much to strengthen the independent production sector, and I am proud of the legacy we've built. While it is bittersweet to leave, I am excited for the opportunities ahead and will always cherish the relationships and memories forged during my time at the EPC.'
Lebret will be announcing her next move at the Berlin Film Festival in February, while the EPC Board will soon announce its succession plan in the coming weeks.
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As Russia's war against Ukraine grinds on, Ukrainian filmmakers like Kateryna Gornostai are capturing stories that reveal the reality on the ground. I hope many people will watch these films and learn more about Ukrainian cinema and its directors through interviews like this one. Your support helps make this work possible. Please consider contributing to sustain our reporting. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
