An open casting call for New Star Factory was held at the Mosfilm studio in Moscow, with the event reported by TNT’s press service to Gazeta.ru.
The project teams behind New Star Factory reviewed a diverse pool of participants. The selection process featured key figures from the music and entertainment industry who guided and evaluated the contestants. The leading participants were at the center of attention as producers and creative consultants considered each candidate’s potential to become a star in the new generation lineup.
According to Sergei Zhukov, the group’s leader from Hands Up!, the casting gathered a remarkably strong field. Finding the right fit proved challenging for the producers as they weighed talent, stage presence, and musical direction. The group’s experience highlighted a mix of performers and aspiring artists who brought distinct styles to the table.
There were few unconventional entrants or rappers in the mix this time. Instead, many hopefuls presented polished singing acts, with several contestants performing their own repertoires. Zhukov noted that mentors and producers placed emphasis on energy, charm, charisma, and the songs chosen by the participants, all of which influence how each artist might connect with audiences.
As the conversation evolved, the sense grew that tastes in music were shifting. The audience of a new generation seemed to crave melodic lines and expressive delivery that capture attention in a crowded field. The expectation was clear that young performers could become new stars who define trends for their era, and the task of selecting a handful of finalists would remain intensely competitive.
Yulia Sumacheva, the general producer of VaiTMedia, explained that the casting drew talent from across Russia and neighboring regions, including Kazakhstan, Abkhazia, and the Republic of Belarus. In a single day, producers, music editors, and mentors auditioned nearly a thousand hopefuls, underscoring the breadth and ambition behind the project.
In the days surrounding the casting, chatter suggested that Hands Up! would be featured in the first feature film about their group, signaling an expansion of the project beyond the talent search itself into broader storytelling and media opportunities.
Meanwhile, memories from the Star Factory era linger in industry conversations. A former participant recalled a dramatic encounter that shaped perceptions of the event, illustrating how pivotal moments during early casting phases can leave lasting impressions on contestants and observers alike.
The casting at Mosfilm showcased a cross section of young performers eager for a launch pad. It also highlighted the role of mentors, producers, and music editors in shaping the trajectory of a new star factory that could redefine contemporary pop music narratives in the region. The process continued as organizers reviewed performances, weighed potential, and prepared for subsequent rounds that would determine which artists would advance toward stardom within the program.
As the project moves forward, industry watchers anticipate ongoing developments that will reveal which contestants align with the creative vision and audience expectations. The experience at Mosfilm underscored the importance of energy, authentic voice, and musical identity in an era where fresh talents compete for a place in the national and international spotlight.