Mike Lisjak, the Global Executive Producer at ORBIS Production, began his filmmaking journey fueled by a deep love for storytelling and cultural diversity. Growing up across various parts of the world gave him a unique perspective and exposure to different narratives. This global exposure inspired him to create a platform that bridges cultures through film.
As a result, joining ORBIS Production was a natural step. “I recognized a gap in the industry for a production company that not only excelled in creative excellence but also understood the intricacies of operating across different cultures and regions. My background in both the creative and logistical aspects of production shaped this vision. I wanted ORBIS to be a conduit for compelling narratives that resonate universally while honoring the unique elements of each locale we operate in,” Lisjak explains.
ORBIS Production offers a comprehensive suite of services encompassing every facet of film, photo, and video production. This includes bidding, concept development, scriptwriting, casting, filming, post-production, and even distribution strategies.
ORBIS keeps a pulse on the latest trends through film festivals, professional networks, and team training. Like all industries, emerging technologies like AI and VR are integrated into their work, enhancing storytelling while maintaining creative control. But what sets them apart is their global footprint combined with a deep local presence.
“With offices in major cities like Milan, Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Paris, Ljubljana, London, Dubai, and Los Angeles, we have the ability to operate seamlessly across continents. Our team is a blend of seasoned professionals who bring both international experience and local expertise to the table,” Lisjak says.
Sustainability is another aspect of ORBIS’s mission and differentiation. “We integrate eco-friendly practices into our operations without compromising on quality or creativity. Our focus is not just on producing visually stunning content but also on ensuring that our work contributes positively to the communities and environments we engage with,” he adds.
ORBIS has a set process for sustainable filmmaking. Pre-production processes emphasize reducing paper waste by utilizing digital tools for scripts, storyboards, and location scouting. During production, energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy sources, and strict recycling protocols are prioritized. Catering services use locally sourced, organic produce to minimize their carbon footprint and to support local economies. Post-production sees the use of cloud-based tools to cut energy consumption and facilitate remote collaboration to cut down on travel emissions.
ORBIS also invests in carbon offset programs, ensuring that even unavoidable environmental impacts are mitigated.
This process has led ORBIS to create multiple successful projects. One of their standout projects is a documentary highlighting traditional craftsmanship in rural Europe.
This film not only celebrated the artisans’ skills but also spotlighted the importance of cultural preservation. “Creatively, it was fulfilling to blend stunning landscapes with heartfelt narratives,” Lisjak shares. “The project was meaningful because it shed light on the importance of cultural preservation and sparked conversations about sustainability — not just environmentally but socially and economically as well. It reminded us of the profound effect storytelling can have on raising awareness and inspiring change.”
Yet every project is different, and it comes with its own set of challenges. Lisjak recalls a time when geopolitical issues forced a feature film’s production to shift locations mid-shoot. “We had to reassess the script to see how the narrative could be adapted to new locations without compromising the story’s integrity. This involved creative brainstorming sessions, leveraging our extensive network to secure new sites quickly, and adjusting logistical plans on the fly. The experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and open communication leading us to deliver a final product that was both innovative and true to the original vision.”
Looking ahead, if Lisjak could develop a new production technique, he would create a dynamic, interactive storytelling platform that allows audiences to influence the narrative in real-time. “This would transform viewers from passive observers to engaged participants. It would deepen engagement, making stories more impactful and resonant on an individual level,” he extends. “It’s an exciting frontier that holds immense potential for the future of filmmaking.”
Safaque Kagdi is a Grit Daily Leadership Network member and a PR Consultant and Content Writer with 12 years of experience. She is passionate about startup stories, entrepreneurial journeys, leadership, business, rising artists and authors. She was recognized as one of the 2018 Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs by Silicon India magazine.
