Fascinated with technology from a young age, Georgia Pantazopoulos applied her interest to the communications field studying at Lowell High School (LHS). For over 20 years, she honed her skills in the film industry, including in core crew positions on productions throughout New England. In the Fall 2025 semester, she started working at Middlesex Community College as a professor.
“Working at MCC provides me with stability and a chance to give back to the next generation of filmmakers,” Pantazopoulos said. “Along with bringing real-life experiences to students, I still work in the industry and have good connections that I hope I can get them on sets and get them some good work experience.”
At MCC, Pantazopoulos enjoys guiding motivated students as they discover their passions. Coming from Lowell – and as a first-generation Greek American – she feels connected to students from various backgrounds. In her classes, her goal is to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome and comfortable to work on their craft.
Early experiences in LHS’s television studio, communications academy, and Lowell’s local news channel helped Pantazopoulos feel confident in her choice of pursuing the field as a career. At LHS, Pantazopoulos also found a mentor in Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Chair of Communication, Art & Design.
“She not only helped me find my path while I was at LHS, but she is responsible for giving me hope when I was going through a very hard time in my life,” Pantazopoulos said. “She has always been a true inspiration for me, and I aspire to try to be Jen Bauer for students at MCC.”
Attending film school at Burlington College in Vermont, Pantazopoulos learned more about shooting and editing film and graduated with a bachelor’s in cinema studios and film production. Her most recent experience was working as a camera crane technician on an M. Night Shyamalan film in Rhode Island.
Now at Middlesex, Pantazopoulos shares personal stories with students to show them what they can expect on set. During the Fall semester, she and a few students participated in the 48 Hour Film Project in Providence. In addition to gaining relevant work experience, the students networked with local filmmakers.
For the Spring 2026 semester, she is excited to teach a cinematography and lighting course. Focused on teaching collaboration, problem-solving, and creative experimentation, the course covers everything from how lighting shapes a scene on an emotional level to how professionals work under pressure, according to Pantazopoulos.
“This class is a chance to demystify what happens behind the camera,” Pantazopoulos said. “You don’t need any experience – just curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling. We’ll create a supportive space where you can take risks, learn from mistakes, and discover your own visual voice.”
As she continues to teach, Pantazopoulos looks forward to growing as an educator and helping her students on their paths. Being at a community college and within MCC’s Communications Department, she feels she has found the place where she belongs.
“This department has so many incredible teachers and resources available to students,” she said. “Community colleges are in general, usually hands-on and skills-focused, which suits filmmakers who care about the craft, production, editing, sound or storytelling.”