Today we’d like to introduce you to Yelena Hertzberg.
Yelena Hertzberg
Yelena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in the former Soviet Union, in a quaint town of Bobruisk, Belarus. At the age of 10, my family and I embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Los Angeles, CA. It was there that my fascination with art blossomed, nurtured by the diverse and creative atmosphere of the city.
From my earliest days in kindergarten, I sensed a deep connection to the world of artistic expression. This passion only grew stronger as I honed my skills and explored various mediums. Recognizing my potential, my parents enrolled me in a magnet art high school, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), where I delved deeper into my craft.
Upon graduating, I set my sights on pursuing a formal education in the arts. This led me to the prestigious Otis College of Art and Design where I immersed myself in the world of fashion design. Armed with a BFA, I was ready to make my mark on the world.
It was during my sophomore year that fate intervened in the form of a chance encounter with my future husband, who was already deeply entrenched in the film industry as a production assistant. As I delved into his world, I found myself captivated by the magic of filmmaking. Encouraged by my husband, I transitioned into wardrobe styling, seamlessly merging my love for fashion with the world of cinema.
The bustling sets and collaborative energy of filmmaking spoke to my soul, igniting a newfound passion within me. As our careers soared and opportunities beckoned, my husband and I made the bold decision to venture into the up-and-coming film scene of Atlanta, GA in 2011. With our complementary skills and shared vision, in 2015, we co-founded FILMTRIBE alongside three other partners.
As we approach our 10th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought us here. Each step, from my humble beginnings in Belarus to our thriving production company in Atlanta, has shaped me into the artist and filmmaker I am today. With boundless creativity and a deep love for storytelling, I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the past decade at the helm of FILMTRIBE, my husband and I have been blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most creative and talented people in the industry, forging bonds that transcend mere business relationships. We’ve had the greatest pleasure and honor working with these individuals, making lifelong friends whom we consider family.
From the biggest advertising agencies, brands and clients in the world, to most popular streaming networks and film studios, talented directors and crew, to top producers and celebrities, our journey has been marked by unforgettable collaborations and cherished friendships. Together, we’ve brought countless visions to life, creating visual magic that resonates with audiences around the world.
Yet, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Along the way, we encountered struggles and bumps, but we never gave up. With persistence, passion, and hard work, we pulled each other up, dusted ourselves off, and pushed forward. Challenges served as opportunities to grow stronger, and failure was simply a stepping stone on the path to success.
As we reflect on the highs and lows of our entrepreneurial journey, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our family, friends, and partners, who believed in us from the very beginning. Their encouragement and faith in our vision have been the driving force behind our perseverance, propelling us forward even in the face of adversity.
With heartfelt appreciation to our amazing team and all who have stood by us, we look forward to the next chapter of our adventure, knowing that the best is yet to come. Together, we’ve not only built a company but a family bound by creativity, passion, and the enduring spirit of collaboration.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about FILMTRIBE?
I proudly serve as the CEO of FILMTRIBE, a film production and post/vfx company with headquarters nestled in Atlanta, Georgia. At FILMTRIBE, we specialize in a diverse array of creative endeavors, ranging from producing captivating TV commercials that leave a lasting impression and branded content that tells compelling stories for big national brands. Our expertise extends seamlessly into the realms of television and film, where we’ve brought to life a number of projects that have graced screens both big and small. But we don’t stop there. FILMTRIBE is not just about capturing the magic in front of the camera; we’re equally adept at wielding the magic behind the scenes. Post-production is our playground, where we breathe life into raw footage, transforming it into a visual masterpiece. Our mastery of VFX (Visual Effects) adds that extra layer of enchantment to our projects, ensuring they stand out in the crowded world of entertainment.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the future feels incredibly bright from where I stand. While FILMTRIBE has primarily focused on TV commercials and branded content, we’ve always kept our fingers on the pulse of television and film. Our foray into reality TV, producing the reunion episode for season one of Netflix’s “Love is Blind,” was exhilarating and opened our eyes to the dynamic world of unscripted entertainment.
The reality TV space feels like the Wild West — totally unpredictable and endlessly exciting. We’ve had the best time navigating its twists and turns, and we’re eager to explore more opportunities within this realm.
For nearly a decade, we’ve been deeply engaged in the development of various film and TV projects across different genres and budgets. The development process is something we truly relish; it allows us to cultivate our ideas, refine our vision, and ultimately see our hard work come to fruition on screen.
As we gaze into the future, I envision us continuing to expand our presence in both reality TV and traditional scripted formats. We’re passionate about bringing diverse stories to life and creating compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide. With our dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence, I’m confident that the best is yet to come for FILMTRIBE.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.filmtribeatl.com
- Instagram: @filmtribeatl
- Facebook: @filmtribe
- Linkedin: @filmtribe
- Other: vimeo.com/filmtribeatl
Image Credits
Rachel Linkwald
