High Five: Ukraine
This edition of High Five shines a light on Kyiv with Vlad Bolyelov, executive producer at Kinomoto x Limelite, sharing his favourite examples of Ukranian talent at its best. Enamoured with the craft, Vlad gains the most enjoyment from complex sets and art-heavy projects, and he’s not alone. Ukraine has become known for its spectacular art departments and set construction, where the level has risen steadily over the years while costs remain affordable. Although often underestimated, crews in Ukraine are incredibly skilled, many of them having learned from foreign art directors who shared their knowledge on big shoots in the country. The interest took off and locals have taken this knowledge and collaboration and transformed it into something completely new - a mix of local and foreign mentalities and outlooks that is evident in the fantastic work being produced.
Vlad here highlights five works shot in Ukraine by dedicated and imaginative crews who know no limits. These works in particular showcase the power and imagination of local art departments, set designers and creators...
AXE Music and Martin Garrix Music Video - 'Burn Out'
Agency: 72&Sunny Amsterdam
Production: Caviar UK
Director: Kinopravda (Collective)
Services: Kinomoto x Limelite
I love projects that are super extra. This branded content music video is not a Ukranian project - it’s directed by Kinopravda, produced by Caviar UK and serviced by Kinomoto x Limelite. I’m sharing it as it’s a perfect illustration for the aforementioned skills of local crews and the exceptional art department. Projects like this show what we are capable of achieving, they help us flex our muscles, raise some eyebrows and gain recognition.
Сёстры Music Video - 'Никаких стен' / 'No Walls'
Director: Tanu Muino
In this music video for Ukrainian musicians Сёстры, star director Tanu Muino - together with the world-renowned director of photography Nikita Kuzmenko - expresses the power and deep emotion of the track through tactile format, techniques and craft. The incredible talent and the stark and stunning location are two prime examples of Ukraine’s offerings. I also love the choreography, costume and makeup, which all work seamlessly together, elevating and strengthening each other as they should. Another highlight of this video for me is the visionary set design, with materials that also continue the themes of tactility, and nature / natural materials re-imagined.
Personal Project - 'Rise Against'
Director: Alexandr Kryshtal
This personal project came from talented director, Alexandr Kryshtal. This award-winning work (most recently at Berlin Commercial Festival) throws us off the deep-end into a powerful vision of our surreal and dark modern life. Alexandr applied seven different formats, including Red, 8mm film, VHS, MiniDV, Hi8, GoPro and film photos, where each format conveys a certain visual perception, thus showing the story from different points of view. The grit and grime only serve to further emphasise the director’s powerful message, a raw and real reminder for artists to stay strong on the path to their own greatness. As Alexandr stated about this project: “Heroes are the real masters of what they do in real life”, and in fact, all the heroes in the film are actually masters of their craft.
West Oil Group - 'Enjoy the Ride'
Agency: Fedoriv
In these vignettes, we see slices of what you can capture rather than imitate real life. People showing their humanity, soundlessly telling us stories about love, family, connection, distance and the joy of being near again. The lives of the real human beings who buy products, use services, ride trains, travel with their loved ones and make new connections - those are the stories that are truly interesting, and it’s refreshing and reaffirming when this is done with care, attention to detail and truly wonderful talent. Directors Pavel Buryak and Alexandr Kryshtal deliver their deep understanding and respect for human nature with such style and care, alongside agency Fedoriv.
MONATIK Music Video - 'Silno'
Director: Tanu Muino
Another stunning music video from Tanu and Nikita, this time for artist MONATIK. Tanu brings power, and this video perfectly exemplifies this. From the sci-fi aesthetics, surreal and dreamlike, to the intimate camera movements, the entire creative direction of this video is transportive. Talent, costume and location are also stunning, and help to show the distinct style of Ukrainian production, that prioritises the expression of a unique artistic vision for each project over industry trends. Stunning visuals also made by Ukrainians Eugene Pylinsky and Eugene Lekh (aka massa+).
