Niina Virtanen, Business Advisor, Business Tampere

Tell us briefly about your background in Tampere, your career and your current work

I have worked in Tampere for over 13 years in the film industry. I was a producer at the production company Wacky Tie Films for 10 years, and seven years of that time a CEO as well. In January 2024 I became a business advisor at Film Tampere, where I work with film and TV productions in the Tampere region. I'm in charge of our cash rebate process, organize events we host and am in charge of general communications of Film Tampere. I have also directed, written and produced various projects in the AV industry, music videos being especially close to my heart.

What did you especially appreciate at your own higher education institution?

I have studied both lower and upper university degrees at TAMK. I graduated as a Bachelor of Media in 2011 and Master of Culture and Arts in 2024. Based on the degree from years ago and the recent one, I would say that the best thing about TAMK is the people: enthusiastic, motivated and professional teachers and student colleagues. From TAMK I have gained the best friends of my life, longest-serving colleagues and also previous business partners. TAMK is full of creative, talented and endlessly inspiring people, without whom I wouldn't be where I am in my career today.

Why would you recommend Tampere as a student city?

Tampere is an exceptionally fast-moving and luminous city, where there is something for everyone and where everyone can find their place. Tampere is full of culture, civilization, sports, history and has emphasis on both nature and city life. I hope that students at TAMK bravely try different courses and opportunities, get to know people and say yes to even the craziest proposals - that way you can find, for example, the best and most important people in your life, like I did.

How would you describe Tampere as a city in general,  what makes it special?

Tampere is a small enough and big enough at the same time. Here you can easily and quickly go skiing in the forest or to a club for a metal concert - even in the same evening. Tampere doesn't show off or isn't too egotistical, here you can be yourself and take it easy.