Producers Hub: Alternative Financing in Film (interactive class)

Bio

Mihai Mănescu is an award-winning Romanian children’s book author, screenwriter, and film producer. His novel ‘Comoara lui Harap-Alb’ (Prince Charming’s Treasure) won the Carturino Award for Best Children’s Literature Book of the Year in 2025, while his debut ‘Copacul dorințelor: Amintiri din copilări’e (The Wishing Tree) grew from his own feature film of the same name. Published by Humanitas Junior, his books and stories have become a reference point for contemporary Romanian children’s literature.

Alongside writing, Mihai has built a career as a film writer and producer, with credits such as ‘Live’ (2015), ‘The Wishing Tree’ (2022), ‘Highschool Thieves’ (2025) and the upcoming Romania-Moldova co-production ‘Prince Charming’s Treasure.’ With experience spanning in education, NGOs, and CSR, with projects awarded at the Effies, he brings a hands-on perspective on how creative projects can find support beyond traditional funding, connecting literature, film, and social impact.

Bio

Geert Torfs is a seasoned creative strategist and transmedia expert with a rich background in production, storytelling, and experience design.

After graduating in 2002 in Technical Production Management, Geert kicked off his career at Studio 100, later joining the iconic Antwerps Sportpaleis in 2009. Just two years later, he launched his own production company, organizing successful children’s festivals that blended entertainment, imagination, and operational excellence.

In 2017, Geert sold his business to a group of investors and stepped into the role of CEO and producer at Fabrique Fantastique, where he helped shape international productions like Interstellar Ella.

Since then, he has become a trusted consultant across the media and entertainment industry, guiding animation studios, broadcasters, and production houses in transmedia storytelling, immersive strategies, and narrative-driven brand experience.