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Elisha Karmitz
CEO at mk2
Professional Background
Elisha Karmitz has carved a remarkable niche for himself in the world of cinema and multimedia. He joined mk2 in 2006 as the Managing Editor of the free monthly magazine Troiscouleurs, where he began to showcase his keen insight into film and multimedia communication. His innovative spirit led him to take on greater responsibilities, and by 2008, he ascended to the role of Head of mk2 Multimedia. In this capacity, he not only directed mk2's communications but also spearheaded diversification operations that would define the company’s modern approach to cinema and multimedia.
In 2012, Karmitz took a significant step forward in his career by launching mk2 Agency, a specialized branch of the company focused on brand activation. Under his leadership, mk2 Agency quickly made its mark on the entertainment landscape with its creative approach to engaging the audience. By 2014, Karmitz was promoted to CEO of mk2 Holding, solidifying his status as a key player in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Elisha's academic foundations were laid at Jules Ferry, where he studied Hypokhagne - Khagne, Philosophy. This philosophical background undoubtedly enriches his approach to storytelling and viewing cinema as a multifaceted art form.
Karmitz’s professional journey is highlighted by numerous collaborations on critically acclaimed films. He has co-produced documentaries and feature films that have received international recognition, including Jia Zhang-Ke’s Mountains May Depart (2015), which competed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Screenplay award at the Asian Film Awards. Furthermore, he was involved with Xavier Dolan’s It’s Only the End of the World (2016), which received the Grand Prix award in Cannes and a César for Best Director. These accolades underscore Karmitz's commitment to high-quality cinema.
Among his notable achievements is the staging of the world’s largest 3D film screening for LG at Paris’s Grand Palais in 2011. This event was not only a visual spectacle but also found its place in the Guinness World Records, showcasing Karmitz’s ability to push creative boundaries. In 2013, he founded the Cinema Paradiso festival, a groundbreaking pop-culture event held at the Grand Palais. This event uniquely intertwined food, cinema, and music, attracting an audience of 160,000 attendees and establishing itself as a vivid cultural hallmark.
In a bid to embrace emerging technologies, in 2016, Karmitz and the mk2 teams launched the first permanent space in Europe dedicated entirely to virtual reality, mk2 VR. This innovative venture signifies a new cultural and entertainment paradigm, showcasing exclusive VR screenings and events throughout the year. Under Karmitz's guidance, mk2 VR has set high standards for programming, featuring a diverse range of content—including drama, animation, documentaries, videogames, and immersive experiences—all selected for their quality and emotional resonance.
In 2017, mk2 further expanded its horizons by starting the international distribution of VR content at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in the intersection between traditional cinema and new media.
Future Endeavors
As of 2019, mk2 Agency underwent a dynamic rebranding process, evolving into mk2+, which continues to exemplify Karmitz's vision for an immersive cultural experience. The Cinema Paradiso festival was notably hosted at the Louvre, merging art and cinema in an unprecedented manner. In addition, Karmitz initiated the formation of a new venture, YWF (Young, Wild and Free), focused on immersive cultural and entertainment experiences, with its first project being the PSG Experience.
Karmitz is not just a leader in his field; he is a visionary dedicated to reshaping the landscape of cinema and multimedia experiences. Through his innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment to quality, he continues to inspire and engage audiences globally.
Achievements
- Managing Editor at Troiscouleurs magazine for mk2.
- Developed and led mk2 multimedia operations since 2008.
- Founder of mk2 Agency, specializing in brand activation.
- CEO of mk2 Holding since 2014.
- Co-produced acclaimed films recognized at Cannes and Asian Film Awards.
- Staged the world’s largest 3D film screening for LG at Grand Palais.
- Founded Cinema Paradiso, attended by 160,000 people.
- Launched mk2 VR, the first permanent space for virtual reality in Europe.
- Initiated the international distribution of VR contents at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Rebranded mk2 Agency to mk2+ and hosted Cinema Paradiso at the Louvre.
- Created the YWF initiative for immersive cultural experiences.