Peter Babakitis is a multifaceted filmmaker with a diverse range of experiences and achievements. After graduating from Columbia College, he started his career as a storyboard artist and visual effects specialist at Lucasfilm Ltd. in Marin County, California, working on numerous award-winning feature films, games, and interactive media projects.
In the early stages of his career, Babakitis formed his own production company, Image Garden Productions, which specialized in creating educational films featuring original songs and puppets. One of his most notable projects was the Emmy-winning "Classic Stories for Children," which showcased his ability to craft engaging and entertaining content for young audiences.
As a filmmaker, Babakitis has explored a wide range of genres and styles. His first foray into the art house genre was with the film "Kuksu," a mind-bending journey into the California wilderness in the 1920s. This critically acclaimed film demonstrated his ability to create thought-provoking and visually stunning content.
Babakitis' passion for Shakespeare has been evident throughout his career. During his undergraduate days at the University of Illinois, he was heavily involved in Shakespearean studies and even worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in England. His production of "Henry V" was a bold and unconventional interpretation of the classic play, revealing the more sinister aspects of the warrior king that are often overlooked in traditional adaptations.
The film has been extensively studied in academic circles and has been featured in several books and essays, including "Screening Shakespeare in the 21st Century" from the University of Edinburgh Press.
In the 1990s, Babakitis became involved in the burgeoning interactive media industry, working as a storyteller and conceptual visualizer for companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Paramount, Fox, Turner, Disney, Lego, and many others. During this period, he also directed the short film-noir "A Prior Engagement" and the music video for Melita's "Connected."
Throughout his career, Babakitis has been prolific in his output, directing numerous films for clients and institutions, including the Getty, Kaiser Permanente, and others. He has also acted in many of his own productions and has made numerous appearances on stage and screen.
Babakitis' latest project, "The Journeyman," marks his return to feature film production. This political thriller is set against the backdrop of the Euro crisis in his ancestral Greece and explores the intrigue and double-dealing that has become a hallmark of the region's financial system.
