PANAYIOTES 'PETER' STEPHANOU
Assistant Director for TV and Film

About Me
As a child, the son of a Cypriot refugee growing up in rural England, I would stay up past my bedtime watching films whilst my parents slept. It was my escapism, allowing me to be anything I dreamed of, and sparked my imagination and creativity. Those late nights ignited my passion to be a filmmaker and the desire to fuel others to push beyond their own boundaries.
After graduating with a degree in Media Production and Performance in 2006 from Salford University, I gained a decade of invaluable experience in the UK, collaborating with BAFTA, BFI, Aardman Animations and EON Productions amongst others, whilst managing the video content for Into Film, the UK’s largest national film education charity.
Currently freelancing internationally as Assistant Director alongside the likes of Philipp Kadelbach on his upcoming Disney+ series 'City of Blood’ filmed in both Czechia and Berlin, Oliver Hirschbiegel's SKY TV series ‘Unwanted’ which shot in Italy and Senegal, ‘The Irrepressibles’ for their music videos; in London for their song 'Let Go' and in Cyprus for 'The Most Beautiful Boy’ track. Also, following her Netflix breakout, with Stelana Kliris on her latest feature ‘Apart from Her’, set mostly in 70’s South Africa, but shot entirely in Cyprus. My motherland holds a special place in my heart and I’m proud to have worked on Hollywood’s first feature on the island starring Nicolas Cage, and producing BFI's only Cypriot funded short film ‘Buffer Zone’, a musical rooted in hope and togetherness set on Cyprus’ physical and political divide.
My personal time sees me making my own short films, moved by stories that are personal to me or inspire me. The goal is making films that educate and inform young adults on their journey of self-empowerment, with the hope of inspiring individuals into action for positive change.
Curriculum Vitae

