Vita
PAULA ESSAM, raised in Cologne. After graduating from high school, international social sciences studies at Sciences Po in France, spent a year abroad in South Korea, where she gained her first media experience as a reporter for a travel reality show, appeared in digital formats and variety shows, and was also the first foreign cheerleader for the Doosan Bears. Back in Germany, she co-founded a fashion start-up and appeared on “Die Höhle der Löwen” without securing a deal. Learned acting at the IAF Cologne and appeared in Sam – Ein Sachse (Grimme Prize 2024), How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast), Der Beschützer 2. Internship at Endemol Shine (Lego Masters), writer in the show writers' room at btf. Active as a presenter since 2024 – including Berlinale, Max Ophüls Prize – where she discovered her passion for live formats and audience proximity and rekindled her enthusiasm for entertainment. Voluntary chairwoman of Pro Quote Film, responsible for event and format conception, booking, budget negotiations. Award-winning fiction writer in the FM:Stories competition by ndf x zdf, participant in the “Diverse Geschichten” residency in Austria, collaboration in writers' rooms, development of own comedy and dramedy projects. Inspired by Keke Palmer and Issa Rae, future in fiction and entertainment. Studying at ifs since 2025.