Esther van Messel
First Hand Films CEO Esther van Messel announces partner, BSX Graz, Austria, for launch of the First Hand Fund. Deputy Director Gitte Hansen leaves First Hand Films after 18 years+.
Esther van Messel has announced BSX Graz (Austria) as launch partner on the First Hand Fund designed for “significant” investment in new series, documentary and feature projects. “We are renewing the team, adding specific digital and entrepreneurial know-how,” says company CEO Esther van Messel.
Speaking to Business Doc Europe, Van Messel stressed how the film industry is in a process of accelerated structural change due to both the digital age and the consequences of the global pandemic. “Tech becomes even more important in the future – especially in international trade,” she said. “So we will get more mobile, work closer with our digital distribution partners, and in general learn more about the B2C aspect of our work.”
Commented Hansjürgen Schmölzer, founder of BSX Graz: “We are producing films with the new fund for social and political purpose, films that are touching and intriguing. With BSX, we also want to contribute to a cross-media roll-out and launch concepts for them outside of the traditional forms of film exploitation.”
The First Hand Fund is designed to offer more opportunities aimed at larger productions for sales and distribution, adds Van Messel. “We are developing an across-the-board offer corresponding to our unmistakable profile.”.
The First Hand CEO also told Business Doc Europe that Gitte Hansen, the company’s Head of Sales & Acquisitions, is leaving First Hand Films after more than 18 years “to find new fields of activity in the documentary field.” Hansen has also exec-produced more than 20 international productions.
“I am proud to have made the work of talented filmmakers from all over the world seen, together with the FHF team. Esther van Messel’s company is one of the first addresses for ambitious, accessible and outstanding filmmaking. I wish the team continued success,” says Hansen.
“I thank Gitte warmly for her long-standing and continuous commitment and excellence. For this new period in her life, I wish her lots of fun and best success,” says Van Messel.
They add together: “It’s time to find new ways and we’re both doing that. We share the best of memories over many years, the most brilliant films, and the broadest audiences we could find for them. We have no dispute. We are developing, and we very much hope to find new forms of co-operation in the future.”
