The frame may fade, but impact lasts forever.

Over the years, I’ve shared film sets, classrooms, and creative spaces with some of the most passionate, driven, and inspiring individuals I’ve ever met — from students taking their first steps in cinema to seasoned professionals refining their craft.

These testimonials are more than kind words.
They are reflections of trust, growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence in storytelling.

Whether I’ve served as a mentor, producer, director, teacher, or creative partner, I’ve always led with purpose, integrity, and heart — and these voices are a testament to that journey.

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🎬 What They’re Saying:

My name is Shantae Gibson, and I’m an Indigenous filmmaker and production coordinator for documentary film and television. Since graduating, I’ve been fully immersed in the industry—with three projects currently on the go and no signs of slowing down.

Back in 2021, I had the privilege of studying under Ioannis Koutroubis at Trebas Institute. He taught me Semiology, Directing and Film Production, Scene Recreation, and Video Editing. But what set him apart wasn’t just his knowledge, it was the way he ignites passion in his students.

Ioannis didn’t just teach me how to write or direct—he taught me how to lead. Whether I was in front of the camera or behind it, he helped me understand the value of stepping into multiple roles and owning each one with confidence.

One of the biggest takeaways from his classes was the power of telling your own story. He once said, “If you’ve read a thousand rom-coms, then you have experience—you’re ready to write one.” That idea…that your passion is your experience, completely shifted how I saw storytelling. And at the same time, he grounded that passion with realism: break down your goals, be honest with yourself, and figure out what needs to be done.

Ioannis is the kind of teacher who shows up with energy and intention—and expects you to do the same. He doesn’t just teach a curriculum; he helps you understand yourself. He holds you accountable, pushes you to stay consistent, and most importantly, he leads by example.

If you’re serious about filmmaking, about growing both creatively and personally, his Patreon is where you need to be. But be warned: this isn’t for people who are half-in. This is for people ready to do the work.

So the question is. Are you ready?

Studying under Professor Ioannis Koutroubis was one of the most transformative and enriching experiences of my academic and creative journey. As my instructor in screenwriting, camera operation, and cinematography, he not only taught me the foundational and technical aspects of visual storytelling, but also instilled in me a deeper respect and passion for the art of filmmaking. His teaching went far beyond the classroom-it shaped how I see the world, how I approach stories, and how I work with both people and the camera. Professor Koutroubis brought an extraordinary depth of knowledge to every lesson, drawing from real-world experience and theory with equal grace. Whether we were breaking down the emotional beats of a screenplay, learning how to move with the camera to follow action, or analyzing the way lighting transforms a scene, his insights were always sharp, generous, and thought-provoking. He had an intuitive understanding of each student’s pace and potential, and he always made time to ensure we grasped the material fully. What made him truly exceptional was his presence as a mentor and human being. He taught with a rare patience that made space for questions, exploration, and even mistakes. He listened closely, offered kind yet constructive feedback, and never rushed the learning process. His classroom was a space of mutual respect, calm encouragement, and creative freedom-a place where I felt safe taking risks and expressing myself authentically. I often found myself inspired by his passion-not just for the craft, but for nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and writers. His support never felt performative or distant; it was warm, consistent, and deeply sincere. He believed in each of us, even when we doubted ourselves, and that belief carried me through many moments of uncertainty.
Thanks to Professor Koutroubis, I not only developed practical and artistic skills that continue to serve me professionally, but I also left his class with a stronger sense of purpose as a storyteller. His mentorship continues to echo in my work, in the way I write, shoot, and engage with the creative process. I will always be grateful for the patience, wisdom, and genuine care he brought to every interaction. He is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful educators I have ever had.

Khushi Thakkar

When you are working with Ioannis, you are working with the best of the best. Ioannis has an eye for capturing raw moments and showcasing extreme talent. His passion for the profession lights up his work as he meticulously delegates his crew to adjust their angles, frames, and positions. He is true master at his craft, and produces Hollywood level quality at all levels of media creation.

Teefer Clow

“Ioannis helped me see beyond the lens — to understand the soul of the story.”
— Former Student

“Working with Ioannis raised my creative standards. He pushes for truth in every shot.”
— Collaborating Director

“A rare mix of discipline and inspiration. A true artist who teaches with intention.”
— Production Partner

“He doesn’t just teach you filmmaking. He teaches you how to believe in yourself.”
— Film School Graduate

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