Philip, CEO of Catalyst, brings over 20 years of global film and TV experience to Tirana. With a mission to turn Albania into a hub for international filmmaking, Catalyst offers comprehensive training programs, hands-on on-set experience, and career-building opportunities for local storytellers.
First, can you give us a brief description of yourself—your background and what brings you to Tirana?
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and my creative journey started early with theatre and making VHS home movies. I earned a degree in Physics and Mathematics at Boston College, but my passion for storytelling led me to Los Angeles. There, I worked as a business affairs analyst at HBO on major series like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and The Wire. I also served on the Board of Governors for the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. I became CEO of Catalyst in 2013, and I first came to Tirana in 2023. Exploring Albania’s local film and arts scene, I realized the country has all the elements to become a global hub for filmmaking. Since then, we’ve focused Catalyst’s resources on making that vision a reality.
What is Catalyst, and what does it represent?
Catalyst is built around the idea that storytelling is our global cultural currency,it connects us, inspires us, and shapes the world. Working in film and TV can be exciting, but building a sustainable career is challenging. There’s no single path to success; every journey is unique.
We provide a platform where filmmakers, writers, actors, and all creatives can develop artistic and technical skills, form trusted networks, and advance their careers. Catalyst participants have landed jobs, signed with agents, sold projects, and built sustainable careers. Importantly, our approach allows artists to work from anywhere, not just in Los Angeles or New York.
What methodologies does Catalyst use, and what’s new in Albania’s film industry?
Our programs are designed to support the full cycle of building a long-term career in film. The Storieroad program guides participants through workshops, seminars, festivals, and events that focus on: wellness, housing, time management, inspiration, education, financing, production, and distribution.
Through Catalyst, creators can showcase their work, develop skills, and grow their professional networks. We act as a safe starting point and a trusted guide through the entire filmmaking journey.
How are the courses structured, and who are the trainers?
A major film set has more than 180 types of jobs, each requiring specific skills. Our trainers are top-level professionals from the global film industry. Catalyst Tirana provides training for all roles: acting, directing, writing, cinematography, producing, art departments, camera operations, hair and makeup, lighting, post-production, sound, SFX, props, set decoration, transportation, and much more. Some skills take weeks to learn; others take years—but every participant receives professional guidance.
Who is a good fit for Catalyst, and what does their journey look like?
Catalyst is open to anyone aged seven and older, regardless of experience. Our program follows four phases:
-Introduction and basics
-Understanding how a film set operates
-Direct training in a chosen role
-On-set professional training in a live film environment
Participants leave with both technical know-how and real-world experience, prepared to enter the global filmmaking industry.
How do you see the film industry in Albania, and what are your future plans?
We see Albania as the potential “Hollywood of Europe.” Global film and TV productions spend over $1 billion per week worldwide. Our goal is to develop the infrastructure that allows international productions to shoot here while training at least 400 local Albanians across all film professions. This ensures that local talent benefits from the new investment coming into the country.
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