AN INTERVIEW WITH FILMMAKER ANNA SKRYPKA

We recently sat down with talented filmmaker Anna Skrypka from the Ukraine, who is doing some incredible things in the world of film. She was happy to share her advice to aspiring filmmakers and her influences growing up that inspired her to pursue a career in film. Here is what she had to say:

Please introduce yourself to the readers:

My name is Anna Skrypka, I was born and raised in the Ukraine and I am a producer currently residing in LA.

When did you first get into Film production?

I made my very first short in 2008 and this was the most exciting and interesting experience I’ve had so far. I always knew that I wanted to do this but I wasn’t sure if it was for me.  However, I definitely fell in love with the process and from this point on, I was sure that this was going to be my life.

Who were your influences in this industry and what inspired you to get into this type of work?

There are so many great filmmakers and it’s very difficult for me to choose whose works had the biggest impact. I would say that my favorite writer/directors are Quentin Tarantino and Luc Besson. I’ve seen every film they have made, and the reason they stand out for me is that their films have introduced to worlds and characters that I had never seen before, and felt completely real and interesting and unique. On the other hand, Kathleen Kennedy and Harvey Weinstein are producers whose works and achievements inspire and motivate me to keep producing and looking for new stories to tell and new talent to work with.

Do you think hands on experience is better than sitting in a classroom learning about filmmaking?

I think that everything is good in moderation. While I believe that, in the film industry, hands on experience is a very important part and actually being on set, or at a production office, can get you places faster, I still think some of the knowledge that can be obtained in a classroom is as essential as experience in the field. I also think that having knowledge or a degree in a different field can be extremely helpful to climb the ladder in this industry, especially in fields like business, law, engineering or psychology.

What would you say has been the biggest achievement of your career so far?

I want to believe that my biggest achievements as a producer and filmmaker are still ahead of me. I do think that making a decision to pursue my dreams so far away from home in a country and city where I had no family, friends or any sort of support at the very beginning was the craziest thing I’ve ever done. I also think it was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made and I have no regrets doing that.

What kind of projects are you working on right now?

At this moment we are releasing a digital series on YouTube called “Behind The Blinds AKA Filmmaking 101”, and we have two projects in development: a feature film about a Ukrainian girl getting caught in the net of human trafficking and a comedy TV series about a young actor getting himself into questionable situations and industries in Los Angeles.

What would be your ideal project to work on and why?

My dream project to produce is an adaptation of Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin. I have always been fascinated with his writing and by this very complex period of the Russian Empire’s history through this incredible love story. I hope one day I will be able to bring this masterpiece to the big screen.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Quentin Tarantino. I would love to be able to just watch him work. I think he is a fascinating human being.

What would your advice be to aspiring filmmakers?

Never, ever give up on your dreams and do not stop trying and creating no matter how hard it is to get a project off the ground. It is true that sometimes success is a matter of being at the right place at the right time, but more often than not, it is also the amount of failures that doesn’t stop you, that can make that perfect timing happen. Lastly, do not to forget to enjoy your life, we only have one and should not forget about that.