New Normal Group

I always knew I wanted to help people. Even from a young age, I saw myself in some sort of teacher-type role. I figured if I could make someone else’s life just a little bit better by helping them develop and grow, that I would be doing my part in building a better world. Fast forward to today, and although I didn’t end up a teacher, putting people first is still the most important part of my life. This is true whether they are clients, coworkers, or community members. 

Despite what my title says, I identify as a filmmaker. It is what has come to shape me. Define me. Challenge how I view the world. This wasn’t the case only in young adulthood, when I was training to be a professional in classical piano. Although my fingers touched keys and not cameras, this part of my life shaped my journey into film and undoubtedly impacted my filmmaking abilities. 

The world of fantasy has always attracted me. Looking back on my past, I guess the fascination was curated during childhood. At that time, my family was always moving somewhere new. We started in Greece, then paced around Bosnia for some years until I finished high school. I even tried out Serbia during my undergrad. And there was one thing I could count on through it all: my video games and the connection they gave me to an endless number of fantasy worlds.

Although born and raised in France, I feel much more like a citizen of the world. I received my education in France and England. I have worked for French, German, Norwegian, British, and American companies, I have a half-English wife, with a father-in-law living in Norway, and my own family originating in Italy! Multiculturalism has been a part of my life since day one, whether it be the co-existence of diverse racial, religious and cultural groups or how it manifests into behaviors, assumptions, values, patterns of thinking, and communication styles. I cannot imagine where, or who, I would be today without such an international perspective. 

I don’t think enough people dare to be different. So when I was growing up in Serbia, instead of wanting to fit in, I did all I could to dance to the beat of my own drum. While the other kids were out playing soccer or partying, I was off trying motocross, rollerblading, and even breakdancing. It was never to be the best or to show off; I guess I just wanted to experience life in a different, more unique way. Without a doubt, this mindset has followed me into adulthood.