From photography to production: a journey guided by passion

Now a production assistant at a subsidiary of Studio TF1, Sinalya Gleize-Weissenbacher is at the heart of a wide range of audiovisual projects. Alongside this, she also supports artists with artistic direction and production. A multifaceted career path that she helped shape in part at CinéCréatis, where she discovered a genuine passion for production.

Joining CinéCréatis almost on a whim

Before joining CinéCréatis, Sinalya had been studying for a baccalaureate in photography. Already living in Montpellier, she discovered the school through several friends who had just enrolled there.

“When CinéCréatis opened, I was already in Montpellier and had friends who’d enrolled. On a whim, I came to CinéCréatis,” she explains.

What was meant to be a taster session eventually turned into a proper training programme. Impressed as much by the teaching as by the school’s friendly atmosphere, Sinalya decided to stay and train in the various professions within the audiovisual sector.

A solid foundation for entering the professional world

For Sinalya, one of the main benefits of her training lies not only in the fundamental skills she acquired, but also in how she’s now able to approach the professional world.

In particular, the course taught her how to communicate with professionals, how to present and defend a project, and how to coordinate teams.

“It gave me a really solid grounding: how to communicate with professionals, how to pitch a project and how to lead teams.”

The first year of the generalist programme also played an important role in her career path. By discovering different aspects of audiovisual production, she was able to develop a more holistic view of projects and gain a better understanding of the constraints faced by different roles.

This knowledge is particularly useful to her in her day-to-day professional life: “It’s much easier for me when I’m talking to technical teams to understand the challenges they face and how to manage a project financially.”

A pivotal encounter with her production lecturer

During her studies, one encounter in particular left a lasting mark on her career: her meeting with Stéphane Caput, her production tutor.

For Sinalya, his guidance was crucial in helping her enter the professional world. It was largely thanks to him that she undertook some of her work placements and met several technicians with whom she still works today.

This relationship also enabled her to secure her first contract as a freelance worker.

“It’s thanks to him that I did some of my work placements and met most of the technicians I now know in the industry. And it’s thanks to him that I got my first freelance contract.”

An example that illustrates the importance of making connections and building a professional network in the audiovisual sector.

A role at the heart of project preparation

Today, Sinalya works as a production assistant at a subsidiary of Studio TF1. Her role is mainly involved in the early stages of filming, during the project preparation phase.

Her day-to-day work is particularly varied. In particular, she may help put together stock footage libraries, work with set designers, clients or even art directors…

Production therefore plays a central role: it acts as the link between the various stakeholders in a project, whilst taking into account its artistic, organisational and financial constraints.

“We’re the hub that connects everyone, but we’re also the ones who manage the project’s finances,” she explains.

It’s a cross-functional role that therefore requires organisational skills, communication skills and a good understanding of the various professions within audiovisual production.

From behind the camera to production: an unexpected career path

When she arrived at Cinécréatis, however, Sinalya had not set her sights on production. Her initial aim was instead to work behind the camera.

It was ultimately during her training that she discovered a genuine interest in production.

“I never imagined I’d end up doing this. I’d originally come here for the camera, but I actually fell in love with production.”

What does she particularly enjoy? The human aspect of the job. Working alongside different professionals, coordinating teams, communicating and contributing to the collective success of a project have become essential aspects of her daily life.

Alongside her work at Studio TF1, Sinalya has also built up a practice in art direction and production working with artists.

Supporting an artist from start to finish

Among the projects she is particularly proud of, Sinalya specifically mentions supporting an artist she worked with for nearly a year.

She was involved in the entire artistic development of the project, from art direction to the direction and production of a music video.

“The project I enjoyed the most was supporting an artist for a year, being able to handle all the artistic direction for her project, as well as the direction and production of her music video.”

Today, the project is proving a real success and the two continue to collaborate. It’s an experience that perfectly illustrates the diversity of her skills and her desire not to limit herself to a single profession.

AI: a new tool that is challenging the sector

Like many professionals in the visual and audiovisual sectors, Sinalya is also closely observing the arrival of artificial intelligence in her sector.

She takes a nuanced view of this development. Whilst AI may challenge certain activities and professions, it can also help new ones to emerge.

In her professional environment, the issue is already a reality, particularly as the use of AI can represent a financial benefit for certain clients. But its environmental impact and the questions it raises within the sector remain at the heart of the debate.

Nevertheless, Sinalya believes that professionals continue to play an essential role in the creative process.

“Artificial intelligence doesn’t work without prompts and a foundation of work. That’s something else we need to take into account.”

For her, the challenge will therefore be less about viewing AI as a systematic replacement for professionals and more about considering how to integrate it intelligently into existing practices.

“You’ve got to go for it”

Drawing on her own experience, Sinalya is keen to convey a message to prospective students who are still hesitant about embarking on a career in the audiovisual sector.

Her advice is simple: don’t let fear of your professional future hold you back.

“Frankly, you shouldn’t be afraid – you’ve got to go for it. Even if you’re worried there won’t be any work, there’s always work. And making a living from your passion is incredible.”

From photography to production, via art direction and film-making, her career path clearly shows that training in the audiovisual sector can open doors to a wide range of careers, some of which may be unexpected.

One thing is certain: for Sinalya, the best way to build a future in this sector is still to dare to try, to gain as much experience as possible and to seize the opportunities that come your way.