ScreenME Podcast

• #24: Beyond the pitch: Rethinking training for film producer success. A talk with Niall O'Leary (Munster Technological University, Ireland)

  In this episode of the ScreenME Podcast, host Ulrike Rohn speaks with Niall O’Leary from the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence at Munster Technological University, Ireland. Together, they dive into how evidence-based entrepreneurship research can reshape training for film producers, drawing from the CresCine project that aims at understanding and enhancing the international competitiveness of the European film industry. Niall reflects on his work across diverse industries—from farmers to musicians to screen media professionals—and shares powerful insights about what kinds of training actually work. This episode challenges assumptions about industry-specific education and makes the case for generalizable, evidence-backed methodologies that could significantly boost producer success rates. Key Quotes:"A lot of current producer training is focused on how to pitch, how to market—but what we asked was: should you produce this film at all?""We’re discussing with producers not just what to do, but also what not to do. That’s a cognitive shift that training rarely addresses.""The strongest evidence shows that identifying clear goals, testing assumptions, and aligning day-to-day actions with long-term strategy significantly increases entrepreneurial success.""It's not about replacing creativity with business logic—it's about giving creators the strategic clarity to thrive."Further Info / Calls to Action:Want to get involved in future training sessions or learn more? Sign up https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4xPtUeUuiL.Contact Dr. Niall O’Leary if you can support randomized trials in film training.Learn more about the CresCine project and how it's shaping a more competitive, inclusive European film ecosystem: www.crescine.euKeywords:Evidence-based training, entrepreneurial methods, film producer education, randomized control trials, goal setting, strategy alignment, cognitive load, lean startup, general vs. niche training, CresCine project, innovation in film industry, creative entrepreneurshipHost: Ulrike Rohn Sound engineer: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

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• #23: From zero to hero: Building Estonia’s audiovisual ecosystem. A talk with Martin Aadamsoo ( Magnum AS, Estonia)

  In this episode of the ScreenME Podcast, host Ulrike Rohn is joined by Martin Aadamsoo, one of the key figures behind Estonia’s transformation from a collapsed post-Soviet film landscape to a thriving, internationally recognized audiovisual ecosystem.Martin shares his firsthand experience building crucial institutions—including the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) and Estonia’s first regional film fund—and reflects on how a startup-like mindset helped Estonia achieve rapid growth in film education, infrastructure, and production. He also dives into lessons for other countries, the impact of AI and digital disruption, and how small markets can sometimes adapt more swiftly than large ones.This episode is for anyone interested in media entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in ecosystem thinking, cultural policy, or digital media innovation.Quotes: "We knew it couldn’t be done—but we did it anyway.” “You can’t build bits and pieces of a system without interconnecting them. It has to work as one organism.” “Complacency is the real threat. Once the ecosystem is built, the challenge is to keep the ambition alive.” “Estonia’s speed is its standout feature. In 20 years, we built what others took decades to develop.” About Martin Aadamsoo: Martin Aadamsoo has been involved in the development of Estonia's audiovisual and content industries for over 20 years. As head of the national film institute, he initiated and led the establishment of the Baltic Film and Media School, the flagship audiovisual education center in the Baltic Sea region. Martin established Estonia's first regional film fund, founded the country's film promotion agency, and founded and managed a digital media incubator in Tallinn and Narva. On the side, he designed and built Estonia's first and highly successful bike share system in his former hometown of Tartu.Keywords: Audiovisual ecosystems, Estonia film industry, Creative infrastructure, Media policy, Screen media education, Cultural entrepreneurship, Startup mindset, Institutional building, Film funding, Digital media incubation, AI in media, Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM), Public policy and culture, Small state innovationHost: Ulrike Rohn Sound engineer: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

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• #22: Entrepreneurs without startups: Empowering early-stage researchers with an entrepreneurial mindset. A talk with Tanya Escudero (Tallinn University)

  In this episode, host Ulrike Rohn is joined by Tanya Escudero to delve into an often-overlooked area in academic training: the entrepreneurial mindset.Drawing on their experience designing and teaching a course for PhD researchers at Tallinn University in Estonia, developed within the framework of the C-Accelerate project funded by the European Union, Ulrike and Tanya discuss how entrepreneurial thinking can help early career researchers navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and take ownership of their professional journeys.Rather than focusing on business creation, their course encourages PhD researchers to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to their own academic paths. Central to the course—and this episode—is Sara Sarasvathy’s concept of the entrepreneurial method, which emphasizes starting with available means and asking: Who am I? What do I know? Who do I know?  Ulrike and Tanya also explore how two different logics of action—effectuation and causation— each apply at different stages of an academic career. While causation may be more relevant when goals and resources are clearly defined, effectuation is particularly useful in the uncertain and evolving contexts. They reflect on how these principles resonate with the non-linear, unpredictable nature of academic careers and can empower researchers to act with greater confidence and creativity.The conversation also highlights how this mindset helps shift researchers’ perspectives—from feeling constrained by institutional structures to recognizing their own agency and capacity for shaping their careers. Ulrike and Tanya emphasize how this reflective approach enables researchers to see their careers as dynamic, self-directed processes.Whether through classroom experiences or personal stories, this episode makes a compelling case for integrating entrepreneurial thinking more fully into academic training. It demonstrates how even a short intervention can shift perspectives and foster essential skills that are often overlooked in traditional research education—but are crucial for long-term success.Keywordsentrepreneurial mindset, PhD students, early career researchers, transferable skills, academia, innovation, career development, self-awareness, research funding, network buildingKey Quotes“Entrepreneurial mindset is not about starting a business. It’s about how you go about your daily work in an adaptive, opportunity-focused way.” – Ulrike Rohn “Researchers already have entrepreneurial skills—they just don’t always know they do.” – Tanya Escudero“From the beginning, PhD students need to communicate their research, build networks, and recognize their strengths—and that’s exactly what entrepreneurship is about.” – Tanya Escudero“Entrepreneurship in academia is less about capital and more about capability.” – Ulrike Rohn Tanya EscuderoTanya Escudero is a Research Fellow and Senior Adviser of Doctoral Studies at Tallinn University. Her research focuses on translation, international communication, and migration. She is also deeply engaged in research development, and capacity building. In addition to her own research, she leads and advises on initiatives that support early-career researchers, particularly in developing skills around funding, grant writing, and entrepreneurial mindset. She has contributed to EU-funded initiatives on innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education, including C-Accelerate. C-Accelerate project: https://www.c-accelerate.eu/Host: Ulrike Rohn Sound engineer: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

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• #21: Leading through change: AI, journalism, and the future of media leadership. A talk with Päivi Maijanen, (LUT University, Finland and University of Trento, Italy)

  In this episode of the ScreenME podcast, host Ulrike Rohn is joined by Päivi Maijanen, Associate Professor at LUT University Business School in Finland and Visiting Professor at University of Trento, Italy. Päivi brings decades of experience studying strategic leadership and organizational change in media companies, with a particular focus on how technology — and more recently, generative AI — is transforming the industry and leadership. The conversation dives deep into the real-world implications of AI adoption, highlighting both the optimism and the challenges that come with it. Päivi shares reflections on how managers can lead through uncertainty, support creative teams, and stay grounded in journalism’s public mission — even as the tools and expectations rapidly evolve. Key TakeawaysAI as a tool, not a replacement: Journalists see generative AI as a helpful assistant in brainstorming, summarizing, and streamlining routine tasks — but human creativity and judgment remain central.Leadership matters more than ever: Effective change depends on empathetic, hands-on leadership that creates space for learning and supports staff in adapting to new technologies.Organizational culture must evolve: Successful AI integration requires more than tools — it demands cultural readiness, open communication, and tailored training approaches.Small media companies face unique challenges: While AI offers efficiency gains, limited resources can slow adoption. Support for these organizations is crucial to maintain media diversity.Ethics and trust remain core: Finnish media organizations are proactively addressing transparency and data security, but the risk of polarization and algorithmic echo chambers requires ongoing attention.A call to future media leaders: Päivi encourages students and emerging managers to lead with humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for people — the most valuable resource in any organization.Quotes: "You can’t just say, ‘Let’s change’ and expect it to happen. Leadership today means being present, supporting your people, and creating space for learning — especially when navigating something as transformative as AI."“What is journalism without a journalist? AI can support the process, spark new ideas, and help with routines — but in the end, it’s still the human who makes meaning.”Keywords: Media management, Generative AI, Journalism, Organizational change, Strategic leadership, Media innovation, Professional identity, Editorial practices, AI ethics, Digital transformation, Finnish mediaBio: Päivi Maijanen is an associate professor at the LUT University, Business School, Finland and Visiting Professor at University of Trento, Italy. Her research interests are in strategic management and organizational renewal, focusing particularly on digital transformation, media responsibility, and sustainable business models in media organizations. Her current research explores how generative AI reshapes journalistic and organizational practices. Before academia, she worked at the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE).Host: Ulrike Rohn Sound engineer: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

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• #20: Revolutionizing film production with AI: Chad Bowser’s vision for Estonia. A talk with Chad Bowser (Managing Partner of a Stealth Mode Start-Up Operation based in New York City)

  Description:In this episode of ScreenMe Podcast, Ulrike Rohn sits down with Chad Bowser, a producer, entrepreneur, and innovator who is challenging traditional filmmaking models. With a background in Hollywood, tech startups, and music production, Chad is now exploring how AI, virtualization, and decentralized collaboration can reshape the way films are made.Chad shares his vision of a "new-generation studio" that moves beyond the limitations of traditional production, making high-quality filmmaking more accessible and efficient. He explains how emerging technologies like Neural Radiance Fields and Gaussian Splatting can replace costly production methods, how distributed teams and virtual production could redefine collaboration, and why he believes Estonia could play a key role in this shift.The discussion also delves into the challenges of disrupting an industry deeply rooted in legacy systems, from financing models to creative workflows. Chad reflects on what he has learned from both tech startups and the entertainment industry, how he approaches innovation, and what needs to change for filmmakers to have more control over their creative process.This episode is a thought-provoking look at the future of film production, exploring what happens when cutting-edge technology meets the art of storytelling.Key Quote:"I want to create a space where talented filmmakers can make high-quality films without the traditional studio constraints." – Chad BowserBio: Chad Bowser has a unique perspective shaped by his background in tech startups (taking one through an IPO) and creative pursuits in music and media in New York City. He's currently finishing his Masters Degree at the University of Tartu in his pursuit for building a new age studio system with his product partner, Pasha Kalachev. His thesis is titled "Facilitating Cinema's Evolution: Estonia's Key Role in Building AI-Enhanced Studios for Premium Creator-Driven Content."Keywords:AI in filmmaking, film production, Estonia film industry, virtual studios, Hollywood, AI-enhanced cinema, future of storytelling, film technology, independent filmmaking, neural radiance fields, Gaussian splatting, decentralized filmmaking, creative innovation.Host: Ulrike Rohn Sound engineer: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

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