'I Have Two Projects in Development in Hollywood and 20 in Russia'—HSE University Graduate Shares Experience of the Film Industry

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Valery Kolesov is a seasoned and accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer. He was also the first student to enrol in the Film Production Programme at the HSE Campus in Perm. We spoke with Valery about his journey into the film industry and why there's no need to fear starting a new career—even if you've never worked in film before.  

Valery Kolesov

Film director, producer, and screenwriter based in Perm

— What was your connection to cinema before studying at HSE University? 

—I've been making films—hard to believe—since as far back as the late 1990s. This autumn will mark 26 years. I was fortunate to attend Gymnasium No. 2 in Perm, where one of the teachers was film director Konstantin Berezovsky, widely regarded as the father of Perm cinema. He directed the only Soviet film ever produced in Perm during the entire Soviet era: Three and a Half Days in the Life of Ivan Semyonov. He became my mentor and guide into the world of cinema, working with me for nearly 15 years.

After that, I became a director, screenwriter, and music video maker, winning numerous contests and festivals across Russia. In 2013, I directed the music video What Does My Perm Say?, which won every festival I entered. Among other accomplishments, this video was selected from hundreds of others by Rammstein's music video director, which opened doors for me in the film industry and allowed me to meet many successful filmmakers.

After that, I graduated from Perm Film School, where, among other things, I studied screenwriting under Lyubov Mulmenko, a Perm playwright and a long-listed Oscar nominee for Best Screenplay of a Foreign Language Film. In 2021, I began working on major films shot in our region, including Ivan Semyonov the Troublemaker and New Year Trees 8. For the latter, I even served as the production manager.

— How did you choose this particular programme? Did you consider other options, or did you decide to enrol in the one offered by HSE University right away? 

— My principle is that I never wanted to leave Perm.

I truly love this city, which is home to my family, parents, and countless friends and acquaintances. Therefore, I have chosen all my studies and work opportunities on film sets in Perm, despite receiving many offers for a successful career in other cities.

But I wanted to become established in the film industry in my hometown, and I was simply working towards that goal.

Therefore, when I saw the announcement for enrolment in the Film Production course at the HSE Campus in Perm, I didn’t hesitate for a second and was the first to apply on the very same day. I went to the dean's office with my application papers, and they accepted them, issued Receipt No. 1, and said, 'You are the first person enrolled in this course, congratulations.' It was a great pleasure to be a pioneer of this film production course.

— What do you particularly remember from your studies? 

— What stands out most to me is the moment during my studies when Maria Zatulovskaya, a producer at Bazelevs, flew to Perm. She taught us a course on Presentations and Pitching and invited us all to the cinema after class to watch her film Resurrected. Maria bought tickets for our entire study group right at the box office and walked confidently into the theatre. The cashier asked us, 'Who is this?' and we proudly replied, 'The producer of the film we're about to see.' I've probably never seen a jaw drop that wide before. 

Now that I’ve become a producer myself and teach the Presentations and Pitching course, I’m waiting for my film to be released in theatres so I can take all my students to see it, just like Maria did. This opportunity will come very soon, as My Dog is an Astronaut, a family dramedy on which I worked as both the screenwriter and creative producer, is set to be released in December.

— At what point did you start working with Central Partnership?

— I am an independent entrepreneur who creates film projects and oversees the entire creative process—from writing the script and filming on location to the final editing and marketing of the finished product.

This was also the case during my studies at HSE University. I have created several dozen film projects, and with one of them—Munchausen: A Trip Around the World—I pitched at the Medvezhonok children's and family festival. After this pitch, Vadim Vereshchagin, CEO of Central Partnership, took notice of me and offered me a job on several projects for Central Partnership. It was before I even graduated from HSE University, and after I did, many leaders in the film industry wanted to meet me and offer me opportunities to collaborate on joint projects.

Today, I work with numerous film companies around the world, preparing projects for both Russia and the United States. I currently have two projects in development for Hollywood: a unique genre musical and a dark, action-packed techno thriller. In Russia, I currently have around 20 films in the works, which I am developing with various film companies. 

— What knowledge from your studies has been particularly valuable in your practical work? 

— Besides knowledge, there is another valuable resource—connections. And these connections were also why I pursued my studies.

During my year of study, I gained the necessary contacts, primarily at Bazelevs, and secondly, I acquired the phone numbers of other Russian and international film professionals, which I was able to use effectively.

Therefore, I have nothing but the warmest and most sincere words of gratitude for the Film Production Programme. I achieved what I had been striving for: to work globally while continuing to live in Perm—and I succeeded. 

— What advice would you give to those looking to transition into the film industry from another profession? How realistic is that goal, and how can the programme offered by HSE University support such a transition?

— I have just one piece of advice: 'Work, work, and keep on working.' Breaking into the film industry is incredibly challenging, but HSE University provides all the essential knowledge you need to launch your career. After that, it all depends on you—your knowledge, connections, and consistent hard work will lead to the results you’re aiming for. 

Go for it—study cinema, ask your teachers plenty of questions, and make the most of the course by extracting as much valuable information as you can. And most importantly, never give up, even when it gets tough. Set only the highest goals for yourself and move toward them, step by step. 

Today, absolutely anyone from any profession can enter the film industry. The key is to eagerly absorb knowledge and be prepared to work hard—and work a lot. Good luck!

 

Read the interview in Russian on IQ Media