Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ioannis Koutroubis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ioannis, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I owe my work ethic entirely to my parents. I was born to immigrant parents and raised in the 70s, and in our home there was no such thing as “talking” about dreams—you worked for them. My father worked such long hours that I’d sometimes see him only once a week, and my mother would sew in the garage late into the night just to help make ends meet.
By the time I was old enough, I joined my father at the restaurant and was doing 100-hour weeks without ever questioning it. That was normal for us. That’s where I learned the greatest lesson of my life: success doesn’t come from wishing, hoping, or discussing—it comes from discipline, sacrifice, and showing up every single day.
Everything I do now, every project I lead, and every achievement I’m blessed with is built on the foundation they gave me. I carry their work ethic with pride.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At my core, I’m a producer, writer, and educator who believes in the power of building something from nothing. My work is rooted in transformation—taking an idea, a moment, or a personal truth and shaping it into a story that can reach people. That’s the through-line in everything I do at Cinemagi Productions.
I’ve always been drawn to projects that explore the human condition from different angles. Sometimes that’s through intensity, like my upcoming psychological feature Whispers in the Walls. Other times it’s through culture and community, like Urban Eats MTL, or through mystery and dark comedy, as in Cleaning Up Murders. What makes this career special is the constant evolution—each project teaches me something new, pushes me, and forces me to grow.
As much as I love producing, a huge part of my heart is dedicated to teaching. After working with over a thousand students across 16+ years, I’ve learned that education is not just about technique—it’s about empowerment. That’s why I’m launching The Academy of Koutroubis, an online school designed to give creators access to the knowledge I’ve gained from the hundreds of books I’ve studied and the hundreds of productions I’ve led. My goal is to make high-level filmmaking and storytelling education accessible to anyone with the passion to learn.
This year marks a major expansion for me. Whispers in the Walls is moving into the next phase toward production. Ta Kala Pedia is entering pre-production. I’m producing a new web series, The Unconventional Dream, created by one of my graduates, Nickiesha Flemmings, which I’m incredibly proud of. And along with the two books I already have published, I’m preparing to release 2–3 more filmmaking books, each designed to give creators practical, transformative tools.
What I want people to know about my brand is simple:
I build with integrity, I create with discipline, and I teach with purpose.
Cinemagi Productions and The Academy of Koutroubis are extensions of my belief that art can elevate people, give them a voice, and change their path. My work isn’t just about projects—it’s about impact, growth, and leaving something behind that continues to inspire long after the cameras stop rolling.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I look back at my journey, three qualities changed everything for me: perseverance, relentless focus, and studying the masters.
1. Perseverance
Nothing in my career came overnight. I faced rejection, long hours, financial strain, and countless setbacks. But perseverance kept me moving forward when most people would stop.
Advice:
Treat perseverance like a muscle. Every time you push through difficulty, it grows stronger. Don’t expect instant success—expect resistance. And keep going anyway. Consistency beats talent every single time.
2. Relentless Focus
We live in a world full of distractions, trends, and noise. The only way I was able to build my projects, teach over a thousand students, and lead hundreds of productions was by learning how to stay laser-focused on the goal.
Advice:
Focus starts with clarity. Know exactly what you want, write it down, and remove anything that doesn’t serve that mission. Protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is.
3. Studying the Masters
Everything I know—whether in producing, writing, or storytelling—comes from a commitment to learning from those who came before me. I studied the old-school filmmakers, the classic storytellers, and the techniques that have lasted decades. Those lessons became the foundation for my own work.
Advice:
Don’t chase trends. Trends fade. Mastery lasts. Study the greats, break down their work, understand why their techniques endure. Knowledge is the one thing no one can take from you, and it’s what will elevate your art above the noise.
If I had to sum it up:
Persevere when it’s hard, focus when the world tries to distract you, and learn from the people whose work still stands 50–70 years later. Build on that foundation, and your journey will have depth, longevity, and purpose.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely. Film is, above all art forms, the most collaborative. Nothing meaningful in this industry is created alone, and I’m always open to working with people who bring integrity, passion, and professionalism to the table.
In the last three years, I made a conscious decision to remove myself from narcissists, divas, and negative energy. That choice transformed my work and my peace of mind. I now surround myself only with collaborators who believe in teamwork, humility, and lifting each other up. I value people who show up, do the work, and understand that filmmaking is a collective effort—not a stage for ego.
I’m looking to collaborate with:
Writers, producers, directors, and artists who are committed to growth and excellence
Cinematographers, editors, and technical crew who take pride in their craft
Actors who bring passion, discipline, and respect to the process
Students and emerging creators who want to learn and contribute with heart
Industry partners who believe in collaboration over competition
If someone reading this feels aligned with that energy—driven, positive, disciplined, and ready to build meaningful work—then I welcome the connection.
They can reach me through Cinemagi Productions or directly through my professional channels on social media. I’m always open to meeting people who want to create something powerful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ioanniskoutroubis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koutroubisioannis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ioannis.koutroubis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioannis-koutroubis-09017614/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CinemagiProductions
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
