About Us - Backed by senior experience across Warner Bros, Disney, and Amazon Prime, and credits on globally recognised franchises and award-winning productions, our team combines creative, commercial and financial expertise to develop, finance, produce and sell premium film projects worldwide.
Rasmus Ramstad
Chairman
Rasmus brings more than 35 years of international film industry experience, having held senior roles with Warner Bros, Twentieth Century Fox, MGM, Disney and Universal. Former CEO of SF Studios for 15 years, he oversaw more than 250 Nordic productions and worked on franchises including James Bond, Star Wars, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Irakli Chikvaidze
Head of Studios
Irakli is a PGA member and partner at Sarke Studio with over 25 years’ experience in international production. As Head of Production, he has delivered projects for Warner Bros., Universal, Disney and Amazon. Former Chairman of Rustaveli Cinemas, he has extensive expertise in cinema development, technology and the production of more than 50 audiovisual projects.
Paul Jennings
Partner, Producer
Paul is an award-winning Action Director with a 40+ year career. His distinguished credits include The Dark Knight, The Sherlock Holmes duology, and productions for Marvel and Game of Thrones. His expertise spans the full production process, and his passion for innovation and collaborative nature make him a distinctive creative force in the Essential team.
Andy Thompson
Partner, EP
Andy is a Partner at Essential with more than three decades’ experience spanning entertainment, media and film finance. He has founded and led multiple media ventures, produced award-winning international films, and provided executive producing and financing expertise through Principal Film Finance. His focus at Essential includes content development, co-productions and structuring film finance opportunities.
Nina Kolokouri
Partner, Sales
With over 20 years’ experience in international film, Nina specialises in content development, financing, acquisitions and global sales. She has held senior operational roles at leading sales and production companies, including Lumina/Salt and AMP. As a Partner at Essential Films International, she combines commercial expertise with creative insight, with executive producer credits including Suitable Flesh, Glorious and The Elevator Game.
James Norrie
Partner, Sales
With more than 20 years’ experience in international film sales, James is a Partner at Essential Films International, leading the company’s global sales activities. Formerly of Icon Entertainment, Capitol Films, The Salt Company and AMP International, he has delivered worldwide campaigns for acclaimed films including The Passion of the Christ, Apocalypto and Suitable Flesh, combining commercial expertise with strong industry relationships.