Pınar Binay is a creative producer based in Los Angeles, dedicated to championing bold, genre-driven stories with a twist. She is a Film Independent Project Involve fellow and an NYU Tisch School of the Arts graduate. Her work spans short films, pilots, and feature development, with projects screening at prestigious festivals worldwide, including SXSW, HollyShorts, and Cannes Short Film Corner.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
It’s an incredible honor to join the Telly Awards as a judge and witness the vision, craft, and brilliance of so many extraordinary artists, innovators, and creators. I’m truly energized to be part of this vibrant community—one that champions bold ideas and celebrates excellence year after year.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
I started my career as an assistant on a double literary desk at a management company, and it taught me invaluable lessons about talent and packaging. I learned how to spark excitement around a project, how to bring the right people together, and how essential thoughtful strategy is in shaping meaningful work, especially when paired with a strong creative concept.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
I’m incredibly proud of August & Ebony, a short film I produced through the Film Independent Project Involve fellowship. August & Ebony is a queer comedy, and we were fortunate to work with an extraordinary cast and crew. It was a joy to lead a team where 85% of department heads and key decision-makers were women, united by a shared commitment to telling an important story and getting it out into the world. Since its completion, August & Ebony has screened at remarkable festivals, including Urbanworld, HollyShorts, and the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, and it won the Audience Award at the Cinemafemme Film Festival.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
Novelty is everything to me. I’m endlessly inspired by creators who break boundaries, push the envelope, and bring fresh perspectives to an ever-evolving art landscape. In a world facing constant change and growing division, art that connects us and art that weaves powerful storytelling with innovative craft feels nothing short of mesmerizing.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
I am first and foremost a creative producer. I’m driven by story, community, and innovation! I love bringing teams together and have a mind for logistics, numbers, and global connection, which helps me navigate complexity while continuing to dream boldly. I’m passionate about uncovering what’s been hidden or untapped and shaping it into work that resonates far beyond its origins.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
I’m currently putting together a slate of feature films. The first is a coming-of-age drama set in Turkey called BEE, and the second is still to be announced. Through short films and proof-of-concept projects, I’ve built strong relationships with remarkable artists whose vision and craft continue to inspire me. I’m excited to welcome new creatives into the fold while continuing to grow alongside the collaborators who have been part of my journey from the beginning.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
It begins with a conversation. I’m always staying curious and open to wherever ideas might come from, whether it’s a casual chat with a collaborator, a new perspective from someone outside my field, or even something unexpected in daily life. I believe creativity thrives when ideas are shared, challenged, and built upon. I make space for experimentation, embrace risk, and celebrate the sparks that can come from even the smallest moments of inspiration.
