The decision to present Major Grom’s story as an audiobook alongside comics and film wasn’t about replacing the other formats. It was about expanding the media landscape and drawing in new fans from the large community of Bubble Comics and cinema enthusiasts. Major Grom becomes the flagship audiobook from the Bubble publishing house, available exclusively on Yandex Music to introduce listeners to this universe.
When comparing audiobooks to movies, one key question is how the content differs and what the audio format brings to the table. The audiobook offers the advantage of listening during workouts or while traveling, while films compress the story due to run-time constraints. The audiobook delves deeper, emphasizing Major Grom’s relationships with friends, the romantic threads, and other subtler plot points. Think of it as a comic that’s even more expansive and detailed.
Regarding length and production, the book runs about six hours, divided into 20 segments to facilitate easy listening. It features full sound design, with music and sound effects weaving through the narration to enrich the experience.
Voicing a book is a demanding task, and the hardest part of the process is often the initial experience of audiobook dubbing. For the narrator, it was a new venture that required warming up the voice and mastering the basics learned in training. Sitting for hours and reading aloud proved exhausting; the voice can drift, and pronunciation can waver after a while.
Among the most effective warm-up methods is placing a cork between the lips and practicing a few lines before recording. The cork is positioned with the front teeth, then removed to sharpen diction. It’s best used briefly to avoid jaw fatigue, and breaks can help refresh the voice between takes.
Asked whether the voice sounds right in the recording, the narrator admits a common self-criticism: hearing one’s own voice can feel off, and many voice actors worry they don’t measure up to seasoned professionals. Yet this is a demanding craft, and experience grows with time and dedication.
On singing, the narrator explains a passion for performing on stage or on screen, even if studio recordings aren’t a daily affair. Singing brings genuine joy, and the performer values the act itself more than obsessing over every vocal detail.
Being the first actor to take on Major Grom in a major Russian feature film adaptation and to voice the Bubble audiobook is viewed as an exciting, pioneering opportunity. It’s a role that comes with risk—but explorers often tread on uncertain ground, discovering what works through trial and error.
In the prequel Major Grom: A Difficult Childhood, a younger version of the character is portrayed by Kai Getz, a 14-year-old actor. The narrator notes that Kai resembles a youthful version of the grown character, while recognizing that childhood visuals differ from adult appearances. One scene in St. Petersburg featured a shoot on Isaac Square with the participants, including Serezha Marin, who played Grom’s father in the production.
Among the projects the narrator has worked on, the social impact of each one stands out differently. While Fire and Major Grom resonate with audiences, the series Swamps showcased the broadest acting range and emotional breadth. Each project carries its own social value, making it difficult to pick a single most impactful work.
Watching major foreign premieres remains important for professional growth, though current schedules make it challenging. Online cinemas continue to offer access to world premieres like House of the Dragon, while still keeping a pulse on new releases. The narrator emphasizes that staying connected to global cinema is valuable, even if time is limited.
Domestic TV series have also seen a surge in quality thanks to competitive platforms that drive higher production standards. Recent viewing includes Zero Patient and other notable titles, with the belief that platforms are driving the future of cinema in the country, even as traditional theaters continue to operate.
Looking ahead, September’s online cinema festival in Sochi represents a bold idea: a dedicated event for platform-backed cinema. The narrator would attend with several projects, viewing it as a forward-thinking move for the industry.
When asked about home and travel, the narrator notes frequent returns to Zelenogradsk, a city that has evolved with safer, more modern amenities while retaining its family-friendly atmosphere. While visiting, changes are evident, though some older houses remain, reflecting a mix of growth and preservation.
St. Petersburg holds a special place, with the narrator proudly supporting Zenit and regularly attending matches. A balanced view toward culture—appreciating both positive and lawful fan enthusiasm—guides this stance.
Free time is simple and unglamorous: films, computer games, strolls, or riding a scooter. There is no elaborate hobby list; the most enjoyable activities are the basics—keeping a tidy home and tending to daily life as a relaxing release.
Travel holds a particular allure, but the narrator remains selective. While many places have been visited, there are only a few favorites, and if given a choice, Japan and a mountain stream would be the dream destination for a future retreat.
In terms of a sense of home, St. Petersburg remains central. The city has been a base since 2009, and while life is busy, frequent visits to the region reinforce a strong connection to the place. The writer considers it home and commits to spending time there at least monthly, preferring the quieter rhythms of home life to the bustle of public events.
Overall, the narrator values the simple, grounded life and prefers staying in rather than chasing social engagements, finding comfort in familiar surroundings and routines.”