Interview highlights on directing, production, and family life
The conversation began with a reflection on the September premiere of the feature film Holidays and whether plans for a sequel or TV series were laid out from the start or evolved over time. The consensus was that the distribution strategy included both a feature film to introduce audiences to the characters and a subsequent series to explore their daily routines, a move that helped build a lasting connection with viewers in North America and beyond.
The film Holidays marked the director’s debut behind the camera for a full-length feature, following earlier work on a short film and the pilot for the Macron project. When asked about the director’s path and professional growth, the figure emphasized that leadership responsibilities come with tough choices. Management duties extend beyond directing to include producing and series production, and the process involves balancing offers with refusals while keeping the storytelling moving forward.
The question of whether steering a project translates into real leadership was answered with an emphasis on comfort on set. The director described feeling at ease while working, much like an actor who now has a clear plan for what will be done. The project encompassed pre-production, script readings, workshops, and character development, followed by post-production tasks such as color grading, sound design, music, and editing. The value of experienced colleagues was highlighted, with Good Story Media cited as a crucial professional support that aided the early stages of the project.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of directing Holidays, the focus turned to post-production. The director noted the tight deadlines and the need to coordinate schedules, sometimes sacrificing personal acting commitments to ensure the project stayed on track. Trust in the creative producers and showrunners was essential, and the team’s shared taste for quality helped navigate these pressures.
The cast of Holidays, including Maria Aronova and Vitaly Khaev, was praised for its strength. The director explained that assembling top professionals hinges on preserving trust and recognizing each performer’s unique temperament. Each actor brings a personal approach, and contributions are welcomed and integrated into the development process. The key is to maintain a steady, respectful dynamic on set, allowing performers to showcase their authentic charisma while aligning with the project’s overall vision.
On how acting experience translates to roles behind the camera, the director offered a candid reflection: they see themselves not just as a director, but as an actor who occasionally performs the director’s duties. This perspective helps maintain emotional balance, find common ground with performers, and reassure everyone that answers may already exist within the scene.
Revisiting longtime collaborations, the discussion turned to Anastasia Kalashnikova, Nikita Pavlenko, and Sergei Kanaev. Relationships built over years can endure professional dynamics, provided there is mutual respect and a clear focus on the work. The director emphasized offering analysis and guidance while staying out of the way to let each professional shine. If everyone performs their role well, the outcome improves across the board. The belief is clear: there are not enough directors or screenwriters in the cinema, so a thoughtful, serious approach to material and task assignment remains essential.
Early creative choices also featured the Macron project, whose pilot was shot before deciding to continue with Holidays. Scheduling realities and a focus on ongoing work led to prioritizing the series already in production, with no expansion into new shows at that juncture.
The director’s childhood involvement with KVN is another point of curiosity. The path included school-level performances, participation in regional leagues, and trips to national events, with a shift from writerly aspirations to acting frames shaping a future in cinema. The experience helped develop quick wit, stage presence, and the resilience required for both acting and directing.
On social media content, the director acknowledged a mix of rest and work. Some posts are leisurely, while others demand careful planning and execution. The act of creating videos can feel like a break or a burden, depending on the moment, underscoring the tension between recreation and accountability in a creator’s life.
The arrival of fatherhood in the spring brought a profound personal shift. Nighttime wake-ups, new responsibilities, and tighter schedules changed the rhythm of daily life. Family tours and shared projects with a partner and child have become an important part of the routine, illustrating how personal life and creative work intertwine. Children bring happiness and new kinds of inspiration, and balancing professional deadlines with family time remains a central juggling act.
Regarding parenting choices, the speaker rejected the idea of a fixed parenting plan. The belief is that life, upbringing, and the influence of those around them shape a child’s development more than a rigid timetable. A natural, evolving approach is preferred, recognizing that tools and skills will come into play at different moments. The goal is to raise a capable, attentive parent capable of listening to a child’s needs while offering guidance. The perspective emphasizes flexibility and ongoing personal growth for both parent and child.