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Gabriela Tscherniak 🎗️🇮🇱🇺🇦
Award Winning Film Director & Show-runner
Professional Background
Award-winning filmmaker Gabriela Tscherniak has carved a unique niche in the international film and television landscape, known for her artistic vision and dedication to storytelling. Born in the vibrant city of Riga, Latvia, Gabriela boasts a rich heritage stemming from her German-Latvian Jewish roots, with connections to a family of esteemed musicians and artists. This artistic lineage includes the legendary Arkadij Rajkin, often referred to as Eastern Europe’s version of Charlie Chaplin. Her multicultural background is complemented by her fluency in five languages, which enriches her narrative style and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Gabriela’s journey in the arts began in theatre, working first as a director's assistant in Berlin. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her versatile career, encompassing photography for bands and fashion brands, and ultimately transitioning to film. Her academic pursuits at prestigious institutions like Central St. Martins in London and the Pratt Institute in New York not only honed her craft but also allowed her to create several short films that showcased her talent at international festivals.
Her career took a significant leap forward when she graduated from the American Film Institute's directing program, after which she created the award-winning youth drama Berlin Nights. This film not only captured critical acclaim but also set the stage for her future projects. Gabriela's professional trajectory includes notable productions such as the Psycho Thriller SOUND HUNTER with Kings Road Entertainment in Los Angeles.
Education and Achievements
Gabriela’s educational path includes an impressive array of specialized training. She earned her M.F.I. in Directing at the American Film Institute (AFI), a globally recognized institution renowned for its rigorous curriculum. Additionally, she completed a BA(Hons) in Film at the University of the Arts London, where her foundation in film theory and practice was solidified.
Her studies extended beyond conventional film programs; she studied industrial design at the esteemed Hochschule der Kuenste, and fine arts at the University of London, as well as completing a Shakespeare course at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. This multifaceted education has enriched her artistic perspective and nuanced understanding of narrative forms.
Gabriela’s career is punctuated with significant achievements and contributions to various high-profile projects. In 2007, she took on the role of creative producer and director for the TV series TUNGUS METEORITE for Amedia, showcasing her ability to blend creative and technical elements in television production. She also contributed to a Russian adaptation of the beloved series Married with Children produced by Sony, demonstrating her versatility in different cultural contexts.
Among her noteworthy accolades, Gabriela was a finalist selected to pitch a 54-minute fiction documentary for the European Space Agency (ESA), a testament to her creativity and innovation in documentary filmmaking. Winning this competition further solidified her reputation, leading to several commercial spots for ESA that brought her artistic vision to a wider audience.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Gabriela's extensive portfolio includes directing significant episodes of the CSI adaptation Sljed for the 1st TV channel and contributing to the spin-off forensic crime series Akademia, where she directed over 20 episodes for DT production. In 2017, her talent caught the eye of legendary producer Gary Kurtz, known for his work on iconic films such as American Graffiti and Star Wars. She was approached to develop and direct the historical war drama Nightwitches, further demonstrating her range as a filmmaker.
In a noteworthy collaboration, Gabriela was invited to direct and write a segment for the film Berlin I Love You, which featured an impressive ensemble cast including Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, and Luke Wilson. This project showcased her ability to work in star-studded projects and highlighted her potential to develop rich narratives that resonate with audiences.
Specialties
Gabriela Tscherniak specializes in directing, producing, and writing, bringing a holistic approach to filmmaking that encompasses all dimensions of storytelling. Her experiences span various genres and formats, reflecting her adaptability and innovative spirit in the arts.
With such extensive experience and a proven track record in both film and television, Gabriela continues to break new ground in her projects, earning her recognition as a leading figure in the industry. Her unique story and diverse skill set position her as an influential voice in contemporary cinema and television.
Achievements
- Award-winning filmmaker
- Directed youth drama Berlin Nights
- Creative director of Sound Hunter
- Directed Tungus Meteorite series
- Finalist for ESA documentary pitch
- Directed episodes of CSI adaptation Sljed
- Directed successful TV projects including Akademia
- Worked on Berlin I Love You film
Tags
filmmaking
directing
producing
screenwriting
European cinema
award-winning filmmaker
television production
Berlin nightlife
cultural storytelling
