Joe Balass

Questioner
DISC Type : c

film director at National Film Board

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Overview

Joe Balass is an independent filmmaker who founded Compass Productions in Montreal in 1997. He is known for producing and directing award-winning fiction and documentary films that often blend seriousness with humor. His work frequently elevates underrepresented, racialized, and queer voices. People who have worked with him describe him as an auteur filmmaker with vision, courage, and perseverance.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Joes personal history often informs his work, exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and diaspora. He organizes the "Journées du cinéma québécois en Italie, " a festival dedicated to promoting Québec cinema in Italy, demonstrating his commitment to fostering cultural exchange and supporting the local film community.

He has been honored with full career retrospectives of his films at both the Cinémathèque québécoise and the Toronto Jewish Film Festival.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Value Seeker

Not Easily Convinced

It is quite likely of them to ask for pricing or other concessions.  While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters. They prefer to analyze every situation thoroughly.


Topics They Care About

Independent Filmmaking
As the founder of Compass Productions and a hands-on producer, writer, and director, he is deeply involved in all aspects of creating independent cinema.
Cultural Identity
Born in Iraq and based in Montreal, his films like "Baghdad Twist" and "Nana, George & me" explore themes of heritage, diaspora, and cultural belonging.
Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
He is recognized for focusing on racialized and queer narratives, exemplified by producing films like the Desi transgender family comedy "Venus".

Media Appearances

Joe has no verified media appearances

Work History

2005
film director at National Film Board
3-2004
Festival Programmer at Journées du cinéma québécois en Italie
2-2003 - 5-2003
Story Consultant at NFB workshops
1-1997
Producer, Writer, Director at Compass Productions inc
1-1997 - 1-2000
Board of Directors at DOC/Canadian Independent Film Caucus

Education

Education details unavailable from Concordia University
Education details unavailable from McGill University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 31 Location : Montreal, Quebec, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : film director at National Film Board
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Insights For Selling To Joe

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • If you have a lower priced product compared to the competition, call out the same
  • Tell them that you will come back if you don’t have a good answer for a question
  • Emphasize on objective proof of ROI, help them do a thorough evaluation

DONT's

  • Avoid rushing them, be polite and patient
  • Don’t depend too much on anecdotal evidence, it reduces their confidence
  • Avoid phrases like ‘do not worry about’, ‘no one compares to’ etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Joe is

  • Ensuring that the product delivers ROI, cost-effective pricing and process compliance are very important for them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Joe

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Joe move?

  • If they have the information that they need, they can move fast at making their decisions.
  • Can Joe take some risk or not?

  • They can take risk if they are convinced that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Joe

Personality Compatibility


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