«FRESH PRODUCTION» and «CL Productions» (Greece) have launched the international co-production of «I Anatropi» TV series. This is an adaptation of the first part of the best-sellers Greek trilogy, published in 2000 and having received the State Prize for Best Novel in 2001.

The novel tells us the story of a young Greek woman Helen, who runs after her beloved man from Greece to Russian Empire – Odessa. It takes place at the turn of the ХІХ-ХХ centuries. Helen lives a life full of events and always makes her own decisions.

We asked a few questions to the representatives of the Greek side – director Dimitris Koutsiabasakos and producer Costas Lambropoulos, and also to Julia Cherniavska, representing Fresh Production:

- Who`s  idea was to make the TV series after «I Anatropi»,  and how did it happen?

D.C.: When I first read the novel, I was impressed by the characters and the cinematic dimension of the narration. I remember the first thing I thought when I finished reading: «This could be the great TV series!»

C.L.: «I Anatropi» is a book that raised many discussions in Greece. It was also warmly accepted by the Greek audience. One of the reasons is the colourful and lively language of the writer which easily generates images. The images are so vivid and strong that it is inevitable to think that it could be adapted for television.

- How did you meet the «FRESH PRODUCTION» and why did you decide it must be a co-production?

C.L.: The contact was arranged through my friend and collaborator Dimitris Koutsiabasakos who had already recommended Fresh Productions with great enthusiasm. I absolutely trust his judgment and so he became the liaison between the 2 parts.  

D.C.: I met Oleg Shcherbyna and Julia Cherniavska last summer at the Mediterranean Film Institute script workshop and I was impressed by their personalities and professionalism. I told them about «I Anatropi» believing that the Greek story taking place in Ukraine would interest them.

- Iuliia, what prompted you to this coproduction?

I.CH: As a producer, I am basically interested in the possibility to raise such large-scale international project. Besides, I really like the novel. I hope that we`re able to make a decent adaptation.

- Question for D.C. and C.L. – Could you please tell us about your plans regarding «I Anatropi»? In which countries it is to be shown?

D.C.: I believe this question should be answered by Costas.

C.L.: We have started discussions and both parts are very optimistic for a positive outcome. There is the will for collaboration and mutual understanding. We aim of course at both Greek and Ukrainian audiences. However we do not ignore all Russian speaking viewers as I believe that this kind of TV series can trespass the national borders and appeal to a broader audience.

- What are your expectations for the co-production with Ukraine?

C.L.: The immense experience and the scale of the Ukrainian productions allow us to expect nothing less than absolute professionalism for an artistically flawless result. However, I expect that there will be good will and the appropriate conditions for collaboration.

D.C.: Good collaboration which is important for a good result.

- What is the specificity of the director’s work in co-production?

D.C.: The director has to address to a variable audience with different cultural criteria and tastes that approach certain historical events in a different way.

C.L.: Dimitris is absolutely right. Trying to bridge the different tastes and criterions of every country is a big challenge for the director. On the other side, my experience has taught me that the people have more in common than differences.

- Could you please tell us about director`s vision of this project?

D.C.: From my side I will try to focus on the characters and their relationships. I will also try to create the aura of this particularly interesting historical era- end of 19^th century -beginning of 20th.

C.L.: The book itself doesn’t allow any novelties in the director’s approach. The heroes and their relationships are at the epicenter of the story. However, their acts and fate are defined by the great historical events of their time. The depiction of the era and of its sense will definitely help the audience’s travel in time. It is a unique challenge for us and also a basic parallel axis in the director’s approach.

- How do you think, what will attract the audience in «I Anatropi»?

D.C.: I believe that the viewers, either from Greece or from Ukraine, are mostly interested in watching a fascinating story with interesting characters. These elements exist in «I Anatropi». Furthermore, female audience will see in the heroine a courageous and audacious woman who tries to correspond to the challenges of her time.

C.L.: The series’ biggest advantage is the theme itself. Behind a television or cinema success hides a good script that reveals complete characters. Besides that, I would also like to add the unique historical dimension of the series that enlightens the relations between Balkan Greece and the Russian Empire.

 

I.CH: Though the events of «I Anatropi» belong to the past, it seems to me that this story is very relevant also today. Besides, it`s impossible not to be attracted by Helen`s character – it is a brave and strong woman accepting all the challenges of both life and the historical period with dignity.

Conducted by Darina Goriunova, PR manager of the Fresh Production Group

 

Dossier:

Costas Lambropoulos, «CL Productions» executive producer

Born in Nemea in 1961, he studied in the Dept. of Sociology, Photography and Screenwriting of the University of Sophia (Bulgaria). He worked as an executive producer of many feature films, documentaries and television series.

«CL Productions» is one of the most successful companies in Greek film and TV industry. Through the collaborations with Cappa Productions Martin Scorsese U.S.A., Theo Angelopoulos, Filmauro Aurelio DeLaurentis, Village Roadshow, Network Production U.S.A., Hellenic Ministry of Culture, and the participation in the organization of 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the company has paved the way for international productions and during 25 years has produced 130 feature films, 18 TV Series, 30 documentaries, 7 productions for the Cultural Olympics, more then 600 events for the “Herodes Atticus” and “Ancient Epidaurus” theatrical festivals in Greece.

 

Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, director
Dimitris Koutsiabasakos was born in 1967. From 1984 to 1986 he was a member of the Theatrical Group of Volos. In 1988, for a year, he undergoes an intensive course of the Russian language at the Lomonoshov University in Moscow. In 1989, after the successful exams, he is accepted by the Film Direction Section of Pan-Russian State Film Institute (V.G.I.K.). He graduates with honors in 1994 (degree of Cinema and TV direction, Master of Fine Arts).

He works as a film director in Greece and he is a member of the Greek Directors Guild (F.E.R.A, M.E.I). He teaches film acting in several Drama Schools. His films have been awarded at several international film festivals. From 2004 to 2007 he had been a lecturer at the Aegean University, on the faculty of Cultural Technology and Communication. Apart from Greek, which is his mother language, he speaks fluent Russian and very good English.

 

Julia Cherniavska, General producer of «FRESH PRODUCTION»

Since 2005 – Founder and Managing producer of «Fresh Production». Since 2007 – General producer of «Fresh Production Group». She has produced 31 TV movies, TV series and TV shows.  She has written the scripts for 6 TV movies. 2008-2011 – jury member of the «The Coronation of the word» National literary contest. In 2010 – participant of the Mediterranean Film Institute «Script 2 Film» workshop.

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