In 2011, Alex Pissios teamed up with his uncle Nick Mirkopolous to convert an industrial block in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood into the country’s biggest studio for film and television outside of California. Cinespace Film Studios has filmed many well-known television programs, including Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Empire. After Nick’s departure in 2013, his niece took over as president and CEO of Cinespace, carrying on his uncle’s legacy in the film business and through numerous humanitarian initiatives.

The CineCares Foundation was founded in honor of the late Nick Mirkopoulos, to support Chicago locals from underserved neighborhoods through charitable efforts. The Mirkopolous Internship Program, which has grown into one of the most renowned job career development programs in the film business, provides education and job training in TV and cinema.

Alex Pissios also shares his late uncle’s conviction to transform the lives of disadvantaged people and as such, has ventured into humanitarian efforts that coincide with his uncle’s vision. Among the moves he’s made is to facilitate the generous donation of $50000 to Comer Children’s Pediatric Mobile Medical Unit which he believes will help keep more children healthy and happy within the area. A portion of the funds would also be used to provide teaching materials to a mental health organization at South Side High School.

Alex Pissios considers himself a civic leader and as such, has steered his organization into doing more for Chicago’s community by removing obstacles to healthcare, employment, and training.