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How the "Mika-ElYa" Constellation” was born.

 

I came across an advertisement for a screenwriter for a feature-length youth project in a film group on Facebook. A ready-made script for a specific Technical Task was required. Preferably for yesterday (that is, very urgent).

The author of the post and the idea for the film turned out to be Kazakh actress and producer Linda Nigmatulina. I wrote to her in a personal message about my work system and offered to create a script together.

Understanding that any such post in thematic groups causes a stir among screenwriters, I was aware that Linda would most likely be bombarded with scripts and synopses - so I did not expect a quick response from her.

But, to my surprise, Linda answered almost immediately. We decided to call each other (literally for five minutes, since we were both busy) and... chatted for almost three hours.

During that period, Linda participated in theatrical tours (played roles in several plays) and was actively preparing to shoot her first feature film. But, despite a very busy schedule, she agreed to try to work on the script using my method.

The very next week we started working on Linda's idea. We worked remotely, coordinating in advance a schedule of calls via instant messengers, taking into account Linda’s busyness at the theater.

From the initial data, Linda's request contained: a youth story of survival in the winter mountains of Kazakhstan, an approximate idea of the character composition and a precise understanding that the story should educate the Viewer.

This was exactly the material that we began to systematically pass through the tools of my methodology. And I will never cease to be amazed at the magic that happens in the process of working together with the Customer.

Everything that previously seemed abstract and unclear suddenly becomes expressive, acquires details, becomes stronger and... begins to live its own full life, inspiring us (the Authors) to simply write down everything that we observe.

We completed it in 30 working days, communicating 3-4 hours a day. It is always important for me in what mood I release the Collaborator after completing the script. I sincerely believe that work on a script should fill the Authors with energy and not exhaust them. The resourceful state and readiness to act further are the main confirmation that work on the script is structured correctly.

And that was exactly the mood in which I let Linda go. She almost immediately began casting and pre-production, and then delighted me with photos from the set.

The full-length feature film "Mika-Elya" Constellation” was filmed in the winter mountains of Kazakhstan. The project is currently in post-production and I'm looking forward to its release.

Many thanks to Linda Nigmatulina for her cooperation and trust! My collection of experience has been replenished with another wonderful project!