Emmanuel Evdemon, BA 98, combined his interests in film production and law to forge a new path.
Though he was unsure of his path during his first years as a university student, Emmanuel Evdemon, BA 98, has had a successful career following his studies at Concordia.
After graduation, he taught in Tianjin, China, and is now based in Toronto, working as an entertainment lawyer specialized in video game law.
Evdemon spoke with us about his constantly evolving industry and how Concordia helped lead him there.
What made you choose political science as your major?
Emmanuel Evdemon: I actually started at Concordia in the psychology program. I took my standard courses, during which I met Henri Habib, who was the chair of the Department of Political Science at the time. That was a pivotal change for me.
I had basically forgotten I had to declare a major. It was only in my last year that I had decided on political science with a specialization in international relations and a minor in philosophy.
What were some highlights of your Concordia experience?
EE: Henri Habib inspired a desire to explore and we had such amazing discussions. He was the impetus behind me joining many political science groups. I was on the part-time faculty hiring committee. I became the president of the Political Science Student Association. We actually created the first computer lab for the association, as well as a small library on Bishop Street.
Did you partake in any extracurricular activities during your studies?
EE: I joined the Concordia Stingers rugby team and we won the provincial championship two years in a row while I was there. In my last year, I injured my knee and had to get surgery to repair it. That was the end of my rugby career, but I met a lot of really amazing people with whom I'm still friends.
How did you end up teaching in China after your degree?
EE: I was originally going to learn Mandarin at another university, but one of my Concordia friends told me about an opportunity to teach English in China. A week after my last exam, I was on a plane.
I spent about a year and half travelling around and teaching in Tianjin. While abroad, I noticed very quickly how different the political systems are in other parts of the world. It was a life-changing experience.
How did you end up working in entertainment law?
EE: I came back to Canada and studied law at the University of Ottawa. I went through a period of questioning whether I even wanted to be a lawyer. I wondered if I should follow in my father’s footsteps in the film industry. I eventually combined the two worlds and worked in law for all media — and then specifically for video games.
Evdemon pictured as Phoenix Wright from the Ace Attorney video game series.
