Oda Schaefer studied Communication at Freie Universität Berlin while working as a photo editor for TEMPO magazine. She then earned an MFA from the American Film Institute, shifting her focus to film. She has worked as a commissioning editor, script consultant, and Head of Acquisitions for K5 Film & International. In 2023, she helped re-boot K5 International, continuing her passion for discovering exceptional projects.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

To come across interesting projects I normally wouldn’t come across.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

Assistant to a line producer. It taught me how incredibly complex the filmmaking process is.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

Andrew Niccol’s ANON.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The egos.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Originality and coherence. Projects that take me to an unfamiliar world that makes sense.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I work in acquisitions/as producer at K5. I love most to meet creators of outstanding talent.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I work on a mountaineering movie and as a couch mountain climber this is particularly exciting.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

Boxing. And taking a stroll in the park.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

To watch Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at 5 years old, unsupervised, left its mark. To me it showed the power of filmmaking.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

After years of shifting towards more originality the pendulum is now swinging back to more standard fare. Keep looking for the gems in the rubble.