Saturday, August 12, 2023

Interview with Directors Konstantin Frolov and Tata Feodoridi

Konstantin Frolov, cinematographer and producer from Ukraine, is a graduate of New York Film Academy. Since he moved to Los Angeles in 2014 Konstantin has participated in various productions including his work as Director of Photography for critically acclaimed films "Yumna" (2015), "Calling" (2015) and "Hands" (2015). As a producer Konstantin has several films premiering in 2016 that are promising to be a part of major film festivals.

KONSTANTIN FROLOV IMDB

TATA FEODORIDI IMDB

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Q. Hello Tata and Konstantin, it's a pleasure to have you with us for this interview. Congratulations on your six awards (including ‘Best Feature’, ‘Best Producer’ and ‘Best Director’) at last June's edition of the “Rome International Movie Awards” (click HERE).
Your new movie is “The Way”: in a few words, what is it about? 

Tata. The film explores the theme of finding people's own path in life by emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself, listening to one's inner voice, and embracing all aspects of oneself, even those that we may not like.
The movie is an inner journey where the lead character leaves their past behind and goes through a series of obstacles in order to find their inner child. This journey is often challenging and difficult, but it is ultimately rewarding.

Q. What can you tell us about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere? Was it difficult to find the right collaborators and, above all, a cast who could translate your cinematographic vision into acting and images?
Tata. The reason we were able to complete this movie was because of the right team. We came together with a shared vision of making a beautiful, joyful, and experimental film. We were all excited to be a part of something new and groundbreaking, and we were all willing to experiment and take risks.We knew that making a psychotherapeutic film would be a challenge, but we were up for it. We wanted to create a film that would challenge people's perceptions of mental health and therapy. We wanted to show that therapy can be a beautiful and transformative experience.We also knew that we wanted to make a film that was informative and educational. We wanted to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of mental health and therapy. We wanted to show people that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there is hope for recovery.

Konstantin. A good team is essential for any film project, but it is especially important for experimental films. Experimental films often require a lot of creativity and collaboration, and a good team can help to bring the director's vision to life.


Q. What got you into filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?
Konstantin. I've been working in film industry for more than 12 year. Loved creating videos when I was a kid. And Filmmaking became my life. I've got my Masters degree in film and television in 2015. I've had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects over the years, from short films to feature films to television shows. I've learned a lot about the filmmaking process, and I've had the chance to collaborate with some amazing people. I'm grateful for all the experiences I've had, and I'm excited to continue learning and growing as a filmmaker. and always excited what waits for me in the future.

Q. What can you tell us about your film work prior to “The Way”?
Konstantin. Over the years, I had worked on a diverse range of projects, including TV movies, feature films, documentaries, short films, and TV series. My portfolio of works includes award-winning productions such as Roommate wanted, The Way, The Demo, Nothing Can Stop Us, The Millionaires, and Crime Cleaners, to name a few. Collaborating with some of the most distinguished artists in the industry has been a defining moment in my illustrious career. I have worked alongside Domingo Zapata and renowned musicians such as Orgy, Ookay, Christian Meier , Steve Vai, Korn and Florian Picasso. And also collaborated with influential personalities in the YouTube community, such as Rudy Mancuso, Anwar Jibawi, Simon Rex, Inanna Sarkis, Hanna Stocking, Dom Zeglaitis, and Big Nik. Together, they have created captivating videos with a combined total of almost 100 million views. Apart from my work in the film industry, I’m  also a specialist in creating and shooting content for commercials and music videos. His unique ability to combine cinematography with compelling storytelling has enabled him to produce stunning visuals that capture the essence of the message being conveyed. Some of the well-known brands that Konstantin has worked with include Gold's Gym, Norms Restaurants, Brinc, Spalding, Harrahs resorts, and Gym 80. 

Q. Any future projects you'd like to share?
Tata. We are working on our documentary TV Show called “The Legends on Titanic”, and based on 5 episodes we’ve developed so far it’s a piece of art! We are not going to stop here and working on a new ambitious feature script. We are planning to film next year. More to come. Our first movie, “The Way”, has gotten so many awards and attention, and we are humbled by the response. It is clear that there is an appetite for well-made films that explore important topics, and we are excited to continue making films that make a difference.

Q. How would you describe yourself as a producer?
Tata. As a film producer, my driving passion is to bring stories to life on the grandest stage possible – the global arena. I firmly believe that the power of cinema transcends borders, languages, and cultures, connecting us all through the universal language of storytelling. With each project I take on, my mission is to create an experience that not only entertains but also inspires and leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Q. Directors (and indeed actors) who inspire you?
Konstantin. Hayao Miyazaki, Terrence Malick, Christopher Nolan and artist Salvador Dali.

Q. Your favourite movies? And of course, films you really deplore?
Konstantin. Since movies is practically my life I can spend days on this topic. And I always find inspirations from many different movies. Definitely want to mention Christopher Nolan’s movies such as "Memento", "Inception", "Interstellar". In other hand I like Marvel movies like "Guardians of the Galaxy". Lots of enjoyment I find in Hayao Miyazaki masterpieces as much as Sergio Leone’s movies.

Q. Where can people see your work?
Konstantin/Tata. We are working on our website now and the best way to find us and our updates is Facebook page (click HERE)
We’ve translated the movie to many languages for example Italian and working on global distribution at the moment.

Q. Thank you for this very inspiring interview, Tata and Konstantin. Here at the “Rome International Movie Awards” we look forward to seeing and appreciating your new film productions!
Konstantin/Tata. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as we accept the prestigious awards bestowed upon us at your remarkable festival. The recognition and accolades we have received fill our hearts with immense pride and motivation to continue our creative journey.
Being a part of your festival has been an incredibly humbling experience for our team. The warmth and support we received from the audience, fellow filmmakers, and the entire festival community have been truly inspiring. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the passion that unites us all in the world of cinema.
As we bask in the glow of these awards, we are already looking forward to submitting our future projects to your esteemed festival. Your recognition has reinforced our belief in the importance of sharing meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. We are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and hope to contribute more to the world of cinema through our upcoming endeavors.

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