Alyona Yanushko

She is the Producer of Elena Maksyuta ‘s The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby film.

SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Alyona Yanushko and what do you do or have you done?

Alyona Yanushko: I am a graduate of the Russian State University of Cinematography – the world’s first film school. While studying at VGIK, I started producing films and opened my own film company, New Wave Film Company, which produces original films.

SKSM: When was the point that you thought I want to produce movies?

Alyona Yanushko: Initially, I built an acting career in the theater, where I was able to try myself as a director. Then I realized what kind of profession it was and decided that directors needed support and began to provide it while still a student.

SKSM: What interests you most about video production?

Alyona Yanushko: I like that cinema is an international art and it speaks a language of images that is understandable to the whole world.

SKSM: How did you become involved in ‘The Man Who Loved Flowers‘ as a producer?

Alyona Yanushko: We met director Elena Maksyuta at film school, she told me about her desire to film a Stephen King story, and we did it!

SKSM: What does and/or is the role of a producer in a film adaptation?

Alyona Yanushko: A producer is a person who walks hand in hand with the director through the entire production process, from the conception of the film to its release.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much, after so many years?

Alyona Yanushko: There are eternal works that become classics, usually such masterpieces about a person, his feelings and weaknesses that are understandable to any generation. But also “eternal” stories are stories based on archetypes and mythology.

SKSM: What was it like to work with Elena Maksyuta on this film?

Alyona Yanushko: I really like working with Elena Maksyuta, she knows exactly what she wants and is very organized, despite her creative nature. We currently have several projects planned, including a feature film and a TV series.

SKSM: How do you communicate with a director to carry out the production process for a film?

Alyona Yanushko: We are constantly in touch and can write each other a message in instant messengers at any moment of creative inspiration, even at night.

SKSM: Was there any funny things that happened while filming (Bloopers, etc)?

Alyona Yanushko: Rain! Every filmmaker’s fear. We had everything ready, the locations, the equipment, and the crew… We had to shoot in the rain.

SKSM: Were there unexpected moments or difficulties during the making of the film that have become a new point of view?

Alyona Yanushko: In principle, apart from the rain, everything went according to plan. There were, of course, financial restrictions, since this film was not financed by the state, it was shot independently, with our own money.

SKSM: What did you think of the film adaptation itself and are you satisfied with the result?

Alyona Yanushko: I think that everything that the director had in mind was realized on the screen. It was important to create an atmosphere and tell the story of Stephen King – it turned out very stylish.

SKSM: Where was the film premiered?

Alyona Yanushko: The first screening of the film took place in the director’s creative workshop at VGIK, and then the film traveled to international film festivals and was shown in the USA, France, Great Britain, Italy and other countries.

SKSM: Do you plan to screen the film at a particular festival?

Alyona Yanushko: Over the past year, we have already conquered half the world, but there are still festivals to which we plan to send the film.

SKSM: What “good or bad” comments have you received on your film?

Alyona Yanushko: Basically, everyone says: “What a beautiful film in the rain!” Although we didn’t plan for rain ????

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Alyona Yanushko: Of course! I like a lot of his work.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Alyona Yanushko: Over the past few years, I have been actively involved in supporting young filmmakers, making short films, participating in international film festivals, now I am ready for big projects, working with the USA and France, we are planning to shoot several full-length films, and we are also currently completing the filming of two documentaries from our company, and a TV series is in development.

SKSM: What one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Alyona Yanushko: I have an education as a film critic.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Something you’d like to tell our readers?

Alyona Yanushko: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about our film! We are grateful to Dollar Baby for the opportunity to make this adaptation possible.

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Alyona Yanushko: I hope Stephen King watches our movie!