Born from a multicultural background herself, Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine embraces the rich diversity of cultures worldwide and leverages her passion for cross-cultural understanding to drive successful international cooperations

Seasoned expert 

  • Project Evaluation
  • Feasibility Analysis
  • Development & Financing Strategies
  • Co-Productions 
  • Building of Equitable Cooperation
  • Deal Negotiation in Multicultural Settings
  • Expert for National, European & International Institutions

20 years of extensive hands-on experience

  • Management of large-scale international productions from the initial stages to final delivery & distribution    

14 years of professional mentoring 

French & English

Lectures | Teaching | Program Design | Corporate Training 

Webinars & Keynotes | Masterclasses

  • Production value chain
  • Sector and market analysis
  • Professional positioning 
  • Int'l co-development implementation
  • Collaborative dramaturgy tools
  • Contextual Layering
  • Creative positioning
  • Alignment on a creative vision 
  • Market-oriented  pitches
  • Co-production roadmap
  • Legal framework & Compliance 
  • Ethics and professional conduct in business relationships
  • Cultural awareness 
  • Financing structure 
  • Implementation of transparancy 
  • Key negotiation terms & M.O.U
  • Analysis of comprehensive contracts 
  • Film financing waterfall

BIO AT A GLANCE

Jennifer Sabbah-Immagine began her career at the renowned Théâtre du Soleil, under the mentorship of Ariane Mnouchkine, where she immersed herself in the vibrant world of a multicultural company. This unique ensemble brought together nationalities from all five continents, blending the rich influences of the Orient and Asia with the timeless works of Greek tragedies, Shakespeare and Molière.

She then worked in various capacities including Production Manager, Head of Development, Line Producer, Business Affairs and Producer. She worked at ElefilmBoa Films, Kometa Films and, among others, at Unifrance NY, ROOFRAIC in Northern Ireland, Verve PicturesTWC UK. She managed the documentary department of ADR Production, overseeing more than 50 films and TVseries from international filmmakers, including MEMORIA DEL SAQUEO by Fernando Solanas (Honorary Golden Bear, Berlin 2002), MANA, BEYOND BELIEF by Peter Friedman & Roger Manley (IDFA 2004), ONE DAY IN PEOPLE'S POLAND by Maciej Drygas (IDFA 2005), RETURN TO KIGALI by Jean-Christophe Klotz (Cannes Critics' Week 2006), PRISONERS OF BECKETT by Michka Saal (ACID Cannes 2007), HOW TO DANCE WITH BEARS by Paul Anders Simma (CWFF 2008). At the time, she notably produced DE CASA AU PARADIS by Hind Meddeb & Gallagher Fenwick (Jury Prize FIGRA and Abu Dhabi IFF 2008), NIGHTCLUBBING by Carol Murphy (Fillmbase/Rté Award 2009), LE PIANO by Levon Minasian (France TV, Le Monde Prize & Jury Prize Clermont-Ferrand 2014).

She headed the international department at Arsam International and managed business affairs at KinoElektron. She worked on large-scale and noteworthy international co-productions, spanning independent to large-budget productions, including I, ANNA by Barnaby Southcombe (Berlin 2012), FINAL PORTRAIT by Stanley Tucci (Berlin 2017), FROST by Sharunas Bartas (Cannes Directors'Fortnight 2017) and IN THE DUSK by Sharunas Bartas (Official Competition Cannes 2020). She is the Associate Producer of THE PANGUNA SYNDROME by Olivier Pollet and Alexandre Berman (finalist for the Albert Londres Prize & Best Film FIFO 2017) and CUNNINGHAM 3D by Alla Kovgan (TIFF 2019).

Since 2007, she has been producing alongside acclaimed  Director Jihan El Tahri within Big Sister, a production company of films and documentary series. The company was among the first in France and Europe to support the voices of filmmakers from the African continent and the SWANA region, paving the way for them to be heard and creating a space for their narratives to thrive. Big Sister also pioneered what is now recognized as equitable co-production, emphasizing fair and balanced partnerships with co-producing countries, based on equal footing and what constitutes a standard business relationship, considering their unique realities, constraints, and challenges as an integral part of the collaboration. Together they have produced notable works for cinema, art venues and international broadcasters (ARTE, BBC, C+, ITVS, SBS, VPRO, NHK, YLE, etc) such as TV series by Jihan El Tahri BEHIND THE RAINBOW (Etalon d'Argent FESPACO 2009) and EGYPT'S MODERN PHARAOHS (FESPACO 2015) and features NASSER by Jihan El Tahri (TIFF 2016) and MARINER OF THE MOUNTAINS by Karim Aïnouz (Official Selection, Cannes 2021).

Jennifer's professional journey has been shaped by impactful collaborations with renowned Producers from Lebanon, Egypt, Croatia, and Poland, although based in France. These experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective, cultivating a nuanced sensitivity and a deep appreciation for diverse narratives and viewpoints.

In 2020, she co-founded Scale & Scope, a film consulting agency offering tailored guidance to industry professionals and overseeing international co-productions. 

She also serves as an independent international production consultant and legal adviser for markets, institutions and production companies.

Additionally, she teaches production and film financing at Paris film School ESRA, at the Gustave Eiffel International University and master's programs at several private schools (IESA, ISCOM, etc). She regularly engages in selection committees for funding bodies and serves as an expert for European institutions and industry programs.

Jennifer holds a Master's degree in Audiovisual Law, Business, and Management-D2A from Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne and a University Diploma in International Law from Lumière Lyon 2. Her academic journey began with a graduation in Theatre & Films Studies at Paris Sorbonne Nouvelle, followed by specialized studies at the Media Business School in Spain and at French CEEA in script editing.

She is a member of EAVE (Producers Workshop Alumni 2009), MEDIA Club and MEDIA Club'Elle.

She is a contributor to the EAVE Impact Think Tank and the founder of Media Club International, alongside Media Club CEO Jérôme Chouraqui and Creative Producer Patience Priso.

THE INSIDERS

The consultancies were very insightful to us. That's a kind of knowledge we don't get a chance to learn before we engage in any co-production deal.

Project team.

Co-production between Belgium/Sweeden/France/Senegal.

 

 

We are always keeping a thankful heart to you for giving us so much warm advice and showing us the practical ways when we really needed help.

Poject team.

Coproduction between Korea/Burma/Singapore/Denmark

Your consultation was the most tangible discussion I've had regarding coproduction, aligning perfectly with the current issues i'm facing.

Nadia, Producer, Ukraine

Your analysis provided valuable insights that significantly contributed to        our ability to readjust our project positionning  & our financing strategy.

Producer, France

I really enjoyed the way you explained so nicely those very complicated legal topics, especially the part about the obligations. It was so clear and easy to understand. And your specific advices were highly practical and could be directly applied to solve the problem we have.

Paula, Producer, Brazil

CPH:DOX - THE PEANUTS PRIZE 2025

An honor presented to the most engaged, kind, and supportive individual at the industry conference.

Jennifer received it as part of her role as a group leader of the CHANGE program led by IMS, EAVE & CPH:DOX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The award celebrates not only personal commitment but also highlights the essential value of mentorship and guidance within industry forums—spaces CPH:DOX envisions as environments of encouragement, collaboration, and creative discovery.

Work in Focus : Selected Assignments

- Group Leader, Arab Producer Lab 2025, The Royal Film Commission Jordan & EAVE.

- Speaker & roundtable moderator - Film Financing : solving the maze, Open Fabrique Workshop Cannes 2025, Cinema du Monde Pavillion & in partnership with Media Club International and The French Institute.

- Strategic Advisor for finance and coproduction, Cinema de Demain, New Producers Room of the Marché du Film, Cannes 2025.

- Speaker, Legal Tools, video recorded with Producer Klaudia Smieja (Madants, Poland) for Locarno Open Doors Toolbox

- Strategic & Legal Advisor, consultancies for 3 production companies 2024-2025, LPA (Les Producteur.trices Associé.e.s de la Région Sud).

- Roundtable Moderator for 15 roundtables : TV series trends, market analyses, AI tools and pitches, Case studies: Keizen and Bref.2, & Fireside chat with Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Studio & Max- Nouvelle Fiction Française 2025, The Media Faculty, Media Club.

- Mentor & advisor, Financial strategy, Business planning and inclusive coproductions. EAVE Producer Workshop, 2025.

- Speaker Shifting from Asymmetrical to Equitable Co-productions: Cultivating Cultural Awareness and Building Cultural Intelligence Capacity For The Atlas Workshops and Creative Producer Indaba 2024 - Marrakesh International Film Festival.

Group Leader - CHANGE coproduction training course. A programme supporting European Eastern Partnership organized by EAVE, CPH:DOX & International Media Support in Moldova, Georgia and Denmark- 2024-2025 

https://eave.org/news/item/change-co-production-training-course-selection-announcement-for-2024-2025

- Speaker - Equitable Coproductions, Hambourg Explorer Konferenz 2024

Consultant Individual Co-production Strategy / Co-production & gap-financing individual Strategy, DISFF, Greece - Sept 2024

https://www.dramafilmfestival.gr/en/

- Trainer - International Co-production Workshop - Projecto Paradiso Brazil - Sept 2024.

https://www.projetoparadiso.org.br/

- Trainer - Financing French drama series and the mechanisms of international co-productions - The Media Faculty - 3 sessions/year 2024, 2025.

- Speaker - Roundtable Europeanisation of French cinema: presentation of BNP Paribas' support measures in support of Cinema, Cannes 2024 Cinema du Monde Pavilion & in partnership with BNP Paribas, Cofiloisirs and the French Institute.

- Consultant - Cinema de Demain, Marché du Film, Cannes 2024.

https://cinemadedemain.festival-cannes.com/en/networking/decision-makers/

- Consultant on int'l co-productions for the selected projects at different stages of financing , from around the world Keynote speaker legal framework of co-productions, budget, financing plan, key negotiation terms, and fair trade guidelines - La Fabrique Cinéma 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 - Marché du film, Cannes Film Festival.

https://www.lescinemasdumonde.com/fr/les-programmes/la-fabrique

- Roundtable Moderator for 15 roundtables on TV Series Across the Spectrum: Navigating Technological Challenges, AI, and Beyond & Fireside chat with Netflix, Disney, Amazon & Max - Nouvelle Fiction Française 2024, The Media Faculty, Media Club.

https://nouvelle-fiction.com/programme

- Consultant & Tutor on int'l co-production - ESP, Coproduction Forum 2024, 2025.

https://www.europeanshortpitch.org/

- Project Mentor - Feature project by Fanny Galan / Documentary by Julia Saccani / Short by Manya Halas / short by Nicolas Toneatti. One-year mentorship : dramaturgy support, structuring of intentions, oral presentation, and pitch deck, project positioning - Concept Support, Eurometrople of Strasbourg 2023-2024 / 2024-2025.

- Consultant - New Producers' Room - Marché du Film 2023.

https://cinemadedemain.festival-cannes.com/en/networking/new-producers-room/

- Speaker - Co-productions : Enjoy Complexity ! Routable for Rencontres du Cinéma Européens de Vannes, organized by Films en Bretagne 03/2023.

- Consultant on int'l co-productions on the selected project in development and financing from the SWANA & Africa regions Keynote speaker definition and types of co-productions, initiating and negotiating an MOU and ensuring equitable co-production practices - The Atlas Workshops 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 - Marrakesh International Film Festival.

https://atlasateliers.marrakech-festival.com/en/mentoring-prizes

- Roundtable Moderator for 11 roundtables on International co-production for TV Series & streamers - Nouvelle Fiction Française 2023, The Media Faculty, Media Club.

https://nouvelle-fiction.com/archive-2023

- SpeakerCoproducing in Europe: Cooperation Opportunities & Lucky Meetings, webinar organized by Films en Bretagne and ESP 01/2023.

- Training Designer & Trainer - Initiating and Managing an International Co-production, The Media Faculty 05/2022.

- Training Designer & Lecturer 

Training emerging local producers in international collaboration and co-production for Yallah Cinema UAE.

Tools for international co-production, Masterclass for LPA (Les Producteur.trices Associé.e.s de la Région Sud).

International co-development workshop for Les Escales Buissonnières Lyon.

Addressing an international market pitch: how to collaborate with Producer for ESRA Master in screenwriting & directing.

Documentary case study for ESRA Master in production & distribution.

The audiovisual market, the value chain of production and documentary production case study for UGE International University.

Professionalization module and funding application workshop for IESA.

 

Missions carried out for private companies, individuals and expert assessments are not listed for confidentiality reasons & GPRD.

HIGHLIGHTS

Collaborations | Consultations

MA Cry of Silence

Directed by The Maw Naing and produced by Youngjeong Oh, the film is about a young Burmese woman who moves to the big city to work in a garment factory. It was praised for “its courageous portrayal of resistance to historical and ongoing political challenges under Myanmar’s political junta”. 

A co-production between Korea, Singapore, France, Norway and Qatar.

A project followed as part of Open Doors Consultancy.

I, The Song

Directed and produced by Dechen Roder, the film is about exploitation, music, identity, love and a culture balanced precariously on the threshold of a reckless digital age.

A coproduction between Buthan, France, Italy, Germany and Norway.

A project followed as part of Open Doors Consultancy.

 

Photos credit : Mihail Călărășan for EAVE, Ma Cry of Silence Film, I The Song Film