Photo by: Helen Tansey
It was during her years at Concordia that award-winning documentary producer Rita Kotzia fell in love with visual media. Her more-than 20 years’ experience spans an impressive array of titles, including Inconvenient Indian, Nahanni: River of Forgiveness, episodes of The Nature of Things and Bipolarized: Rethinking Mental Illness.
Now senior producer of youth content at Groupe Média TFO, Kotzia says the role allows her to leverage her passion for storytelling, visual eye and digital skills to advance "something I really believe in — education."
Proud moment
"My career has been peppered with small moments I’m proud of. "Be Afraid: The Science of Fear" (2019) for The Nature of Things was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award."
Tough career challenge
"Letting go and leaping forward. I left 90th Parallel (a Toronto-based independent film and television production company) for something completely new. I’m fulfilling my dream at TFO by providing fun, educational content."
Job satisfaction
"As I’m naturally curious, I love being in a profession where I can ask all the questions I want. I also like creating and being on top of the latest storytelling techniques."
In the pipeline
"We’re designing a teen show about mental health and why failure is actually good for you."
The Concordia factor
"I’m a proud Concordian — I did two degrees there. For my Greek immigrant parents, the idea of going into the arts was, 'Are you kidding me? What is it that you will do for a living?' I have a career as a creator in the arts. You find your passion, work your heart out and the success will come."
Influential professor
"Multimedia was new and I took a course with Hal Thwaites (Communication Studies) that gave me a chance to explore fascinating, cutting-edge technology."
Best advice
"Plan, plan, plan, but be open to surprises. Some of the best content comes from the unexpected.”
Paying it forward
"A rising tide lifts all boats. I’ve been mentored by some wonderful women in a profession that is male dominated. As a senior producer, I help everyone be their best."