Γιώργος Λαζαρίδης

Giorgos Lazaridis (1927–2012) was born in Athens. He began working in journalism in 1948, publishing chronicles, essays, and theatre reviews in Athenian newspapers. Soon, his interest would expand to the field of cinema, writing for newspapers in Thessaloniki and New York. For numerous years, he was a regular writer to the Kinimatografikos Astir magazine, the sole publication in the field circulating around Athens at the time. At the same time, he started working with Nikos Tsiforos and Alekos Sakellarios as an assistant director, and it wasn’t long before he started writing his first scripts for the companies such as Anzervos, Spentzos Film, and Finos Film. Prior to transitioning to production, he was the Head of Press and Public Relations for a number of films, designing their advertising campaigns and introducing the concept of trailers, which were not used in Greece until that time. In 1953, he made his directorial debut with the film O babas ekpaidevetai, when Nikos Tsiforos abandoned the director’s seat last minute. In 1959, he became one of the founding members of the influential film company Afoi Roussopouloi – G. Lazaridis – D. Sarris – K. Psarras, which left an indelible mark by promoting and firmly establishing the careers and the names of its actors and creators, thus transforming the cinematic landscape of the time. Very prolific, he wrote theatrical works, films, and shows for television, revues, comedies, dramas, and thrillers, of which the following stood out: Snow White and the Seven Bachelors, The Young Lady's Fool, Thanasis Who?, Youngsters and Adults in Action, as well as West Side and East Side.