Interview with Andrey Nyanchuk-1 / ITech content

Contents:

• How TV shows are created and launched
• Working as a mime in the USSR, the Kuleshov effect, and winning at Cannes
• Modern television from the inside, playing by the rules, and self-censorship

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Andrey Nyanchuk is a renowned theater and film director who won the Cannes Film Festival awards for Best Musical Film and Best Actor. He is also a non-verbal communication coach and the founder of the Non-Verbal Communication Academy, where he teaches effective communication skills. In addition, Andrey Nyanchuk is a public speaking expert and teaches a course on "Storytelling." His experience and knowledge help many develop their presentation and storytelling skills, which are especially relevant in today's world. In an interview, Andrey Nyanchuk shared his thoughts. He discussed relevant topics related to his experience and professional activities. Nyanchuk emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry. He also emphasized the role of teamwork and effective collaboration with colleagues in achieving shared goals. In his opinion, success in the profession depends on the desire for self-improvement and a willingness to take on new challenges.

• how are TV shows created in Russia;
• what to do if you reach the limit of your development;
• what are the main trends in television now;
• how can a presenter break into TV;
• is it true that television exists only for ratings and money?
• how can a presenter overcome censorship and, even worse, self-censorship.

Television, despite the widespread belief that it is fading away, still retains its relevance. In the modern world, it faces new challenges, such as competition from streaming services and online platforms. Nevertheless, television continues to attract viewers thanks to unique content, live broadcasts, and news. In addition, many viewers value traditional formats such as interviews, reality shows, and sporting events, which are difficult to reproduce digitally. Thus, television, although adapting to new conditions, remains an important element of the media landscape.

This statement is indeed interesting, because television remains popular, it's just that its format has changed. Previously, people had fewer options for information and entertainment. I remembered visiting a village as a child and noticing that the street was deserted, but there was a whole pile of slippers and shoes outside one house—everyone had gathered inside to watch television. This demonstrates how television brings people together and remains a central source of information and entertainment, regardless of its format.

Over time, the variety of choices for viewers has increased. Television has evolved from its peak popularity, when people rushed home to watch their favorite series, to today's reality, where a significant audience has switched to the internet. However, this does not mean television will disappear—it still has a devoted audience. As technology advances, interactive projects are emerging, and TV channels are beginning to emphasize such formats. Thus, television will continue to exist and adapt to new conditions.

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Andrey Nyanchuk is a renowned theater and film director. He won the Cannes Film Festival awards for Best Musical Film and Best Actor. Andrey is also a non-verbal communication coach and the founder of the Non-Verbal Communication Academy, where he teaches effective non-verbal communication skills. In his professional career, he acts as an expert in public speaking and teaches a course in Storytelling, sharing with his students the secrets of successful storytelling and audience engagement.

How TV Shows Are Conceived and Launched

The idea for a TV show is formed through an in-depth analysis of current trends, audience interests, and unique concepts. It is important to consider the target audience and what topics attract them. Researching successful formats and their elements can help identify potential opportunities. To determine whether an idea has potential, it is worth testing on focus groups, assessing audience reaction to the concept, and analyzing how easily the idea can be adapted to different platforms and formats. The success of an idea also depends on the team's ability to implement, creativity, and innovative approach.

Theater directors, of which I am one, have an effective method. When I start staging a play, I begin telling its story. I do this by speaking to twenty different people. Usually, strangers aren't very interested, and at some point, they leave the conversation. This process helps me understand what needs to be changed in the narrative. Ultimately, I strive for everyone to listen to my story to the end. Only then can I continue working on the production. This technique helps reveal more interesting and engaging plot elements, which contributes to a more engaging theatrical experience.

When creating a TV show, it's important to have a clear initial idea. You need to share it with the audience and monitor their reaction. Over time, it becomes apparent which aspects of the idea work well and which require refinement. To engage viewers, you need to consider their interests and preferences. Once it becomes clear that certain elements of the show are resonating, you can confidently develop the concept further, adding new elements and improving the content.

Once you have a well-developed idea, the next step is to transform it into a full-fledged TV show. First of all, it is important to create a clear script that includes the structure of the program, descriptions of the characters and key moments. Next, you need to develop a pilot episode that showcases the show's concept and its unique features.

Following this, it's worth conducting market research to determine the target audience and identify potential sponsors or partners. Equally important is assembling a production team, including a director, camera operators, and writers.

Once all key elements are in place, filming and subsequent editing can begin. Ensure the final product meets high quality standards, as this significantly impacts its success. Finally, conduct a marketing campaign to promote the show to attract viewers and generate interest in your project.

It's essential to carefully develop the idea and structure the plot, as this is what holds the audience's attention. It's crucial to understand how to surprise, delight, frighten, or arouse interest. The dynamics, distribution of actions, and transitions between them should be carefully considered. All these aspects require careful calculation and preparation, after which you can move on to the story. Then you need to determine the participants in the process: who will be the hosts, what is their relationship, and how will their perspective develop.

When creating a product in the West, which is then turned into a franchise and sold to other cities and countries, the developers provide a so-called "bible" - a detailed document that describes all aspects of the business. After completing the internal content, they move on to the production stage, where they determine how the show will be organized, how filming and editing will be carried out, and calculate the budget necessary for the successful airing of the project.

Test drives of TV shows, or pilot episodes, do exist. This is the first episode, which helps producers assess the program's potential. Pilots are often filmed to showcase a show's concept, style, and format. Based on audience reaction and critical opinion, decisions are made about whether to continue production. Thus, pilots play a key role in determining the success of a television show and its future.

Once you've finalized the concept and launched production, it's important to create several pilots that won't air. In our country, this approach isn't common. However, ideally, you should film a pilot first to confirm the viability of the format. During filming, you'll be able to estimate the resources and time required, and whether you've calculated your costs correctly. This will help you avoid mistakes and increase the project's chances of success.

We film the next pilot to determine how long the current rhythm can be maintained. On television and online, viewers won't be interested in a show that airs irregularly—strict consistency is essential. With the second pilot, we begin to better understand the participants' work. This process continues through several stages, and only then is the final pilot ready for broadcast.

Working as a mime in the USSR, the Kuleshov effect, and winning at Cannes

You received a specialized acting education, and then continued your education at directing courses and at the directing department of Columbia University School of the Arts. Why did you decide to study so long and intensively?

It's a question of development. I received my first secondary specialized education as a mime, since I enjoyed doing plastic surgery, singing, and dancing. In the Soviet Union, the mime profession was rare and was called "plastic drama." I was in demand, had the opportunity to work abroad, and tasted fame, which motivated me to strive to develop my skills. I decided to continue my studies and become a dramatic artist.

During my training as an actor, I realized that I did not want to submit to other people's ideas. It was important to me to realize my own ideas rather than follow the directions of others. Therefore, I studied acting for only five years and simultaneously began studying directing. During my education, I moved from one school to another, striving to gain as much knowledge as possible. Learning new things has always been fascinating for me, and I applied the skills I acquired in practice. I continue to learn, and when I reach certain heights, I work intensively on my development.

When you reach the limit of your knowledge, the need for further knowledge arises. Education is essential for creating a solid foundation to build on. It not only broadens horizons but also opens new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Continuous learning helps keep your knowledge up-to-date and adapt to changes in a rapidly evolving world.

Your first education can have a significant impact on your current professional activity. It develops basic knowledge and skills that can be useful in various aspects of work. For example, the courses you study develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are important in any profession. In addition, an initial education often helps build a network of professional contacts, which can aid in career advancement. Importantly, acquired knowledge can be adapted and expanded upon in the work process, allowing it to be effectively applied in today's environment. Thus, an initial education is an important element that can positively impact career success.

I realized that an acting education is essential for understanding the demands placed on actors. When it is necessary to explain a task to an actor, words are sometimes not enough. Although this is considered a forbidden technique for directors, it is sometimes better to demonstrate the task so that the actor can learn it faster. I rarely resort to this, but sometimes I allow myself to.

As a TV presenter, I often hear the question: "How did you get into television?" My path was not easy, but interesting. First, I worked at a radio station, where I gained experience communicating with the audience and mastered the skills of presenting on air. Then, thanks to persistence and perseverance, I managed to pass a casting at a local TV channel. This became the starting point in my career. Gradually, I developed my skills, participated in various projects, and learned from colleagues. The experience I gained in radio helped me adapt to television and become a successful presenter.

After completing my studies, I decided to immerse myself in the art of cinema. In the early 1990s, a new television industry arrived in the country, opening up incredible opportunities. This was a period when it was possible to realize creative ideas and develop skills. Many talented professionals came to television, with whom I had the opportunity to meet and work. This collaboration allowed me to gain valuable knowledge and experience. At that time, foreign companies were entering the market with new products, and I was interested in studying their technologies, including editing methods and camera positioning.

The question of the differences in television between the West and our country has always been of interest. In this context, it is worth noting several striking examples that highlight these differences. Western television often emphasizes freedom of speech, diversity of opinion, and high-quality content. In contrast, domestic television channels may adhere to stricter frameworks and standards, which sometimes impacts the quality and diversity of their programming. Cases such as reactions to social and political events demonstrate how the media landscape shapes public opinion in different countries. Western media often offer a more critical and independent perspective, while local channels may be limited in their expressiveness. This contrast in approaches to covering events underscores the importance of analyzing media content and its impact on society.

After returning from America, I was confident in my professional skills and believed I was a master of all formats. However, once in Paris, I realized this was not true.

I spent several hours in the lobby waiting for someone and watching a talk show. When he arrived and asked what was on, I shared my impressions, even though I didn't speak French. At that moment, I realized that the show's format was such that understanding what was happening didn't require knowledge of the language. This inspired me to study European television, and I discovered that it uses completely different technologies and principles.

When I started teaching, I taught people to convey stories through images rather than text. On television, words take on a different meaning: they become visual. It's important to be able to speak through frames, where content and logic are paramount. Using two or three different images can create a new reality, which is currently being actively used in television. The idea of ​​visual storytelling was first proposed by Kuleshov.

We received an award at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. This award is recognition of our creativity and professionalism in the film industry. We are proud that our work was recognized by experts and audiences, confirming its high quality and uniqueness. Receiving an award at the Cannes Film Festival opens new opportunities for the further development and promotion of our project. We are confident that this achievement will help attract attention to our work and expand our audience.

We worked on an exciting project - Nikolai Gladskikh's music video "Crude Furie." In this creation, we used a countertenor, which is a new direction in vocal art. Previously, countertenor parts were performed by castrati, but modern technology makes it possible to create countertenors from professional baritones. However, it is important to keep in mind that a countertenor cannot perform to their full potential, as their vocal cords need rest. So we were faced with the challenge of finding a way for a countertenor to remain alone on stage without straining his vocal cords, while still creating a fully-fledged musical performance.

I developed a concept based on a video installation with four screens surrounding the performer. This created a unique space in which other people and mysterious creatures coexisted. The performer interacted with these characters, and when it was time to leave the stage, he became one of the film's characters. After a short break, he reappeared on stage, emerging from the screen. The transition between the video and the live performance was so seamless that the audience didn't even notice it happening. The result was an aesthetically pleasing and unique experience for the audience.

The cinematographer, a VGIK graduate who worked with me on the project, submitted the clip to various festivals. At Cannes, our film was recognized as the best musical, and Kolya Gladkikh was awarded for best actor. He also received an invitation to perform at the three main stages of the film festival, which confirms the high level of our project and its significance in the industry.

It was unexpected and pleasant, but I was busy filming a commercial series and could not be there.

Modern Television from the Inside: Playing by the Rules and Self-Censorship

Television programs today continue to attract the attention of viewers, and their popularity often depends on current trends and public interests. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reality shows, documentaries, and talk shows that reflect social and cultural changes. At the same time, classic genres such as sitcoms and dramas remain relevant.

TV programming trends are truly cyclical: popular formats periodically return, adapted to modern realities. This allows for the creation of new versions of well-known projects that attract both old and new audiences.

It should be noted that streaming platforms also influence the popularity of TV shows, offering a variety of content and allowing viewers to choose the programs that interest them. Thus, modern TV programs are shaped by both traditional media and digital platforms, making them more accessible and diverse.

Cultural formats are constantly changing: some disappear, others return with new nuances and meanings. A striking example is Irakli Andronikov, a prominent cultural scholar, historian, and writer. His unique approach to presenting material was truly impressive. Modern trends, such as stand-up comedy, can be compared to his style, which captivated audiences and made complex topics accessible. It's fascinating to observe how old formats adapt to the new demands of the times, preserving their essence and attracting the attention of new generations.

Three current trends that previously existed in different interpretations have regained popularity: travel, interviews, and political reviews. These areas attract audience attention and offer new ways of perceiving information, allowing for a deeper dive into current topics. Travel provides an opportunity to explore the world and discover new cultures, interviews offer unique opinions and insights from experts, and political reviews help better understand current events and their impact on society. Together, these areas create a rich context for discussing the most important issues of our time.

It's interesting to see how people try to rediscover already known ideas and concepts. When Valeria Gai Germanika presented her work "School", many noted her innovative approach using a moving camera. This made me smile, because French directors had been experimenting with similar techniques even before 1980. One of the latest examples of this approach was a film shot from a dog's point of view. Examples like this show how old ideas can be perceived as new and highlight the importance of context in the world of cinema.

There is a common belief that only their own people are hired on television. How true is this? In fact, while connections play a role in the industry, many successful presenters, journalists, and specialists have entered television through talent and perseverance. Competition in television is fierce, and professional skills and unique ideas are often decisive factors in selecting candidates. Thus, while connections can be helpful early in a career, achieving success requires serious skill and a willingness to continually develop.

Indeed, such a period did occur, but it was localized and only affected a few channels. It's important to understand that television is a business. Why hire someone who will cause problems and misunderstandings? Furthermore, a show host should attract viewers, not irritate them. Therefore, the selection of presenters is not limited to those close or familiar.

The problem with getting into television is that not all companies hold competitions. Every organization in this field strives to maintain its position and protects it. When a newcomer comes with their own project, they will have to go through many tests. At first, he'll likely have to perform routine tasks for others, but as things progress, there's an opportunity to make a name for himself. If he can attract attention, career advancement can happen very quickly.

Is there an alternative path?

In the telecommunications industry, there's an opportunity when television companies announce their recruitment of presenters. Bright and memorable personalities are extremely rare, and that's why there's a constant competition for them. On major channels, such presenters can be counted on the fingers of one hand. When new talent emerges, it instantly attracts attention and becomes popular. However, to succeed in this field, you need to have certain skills and abilities.

If you entered the world of television solely on the strength of your appearance, there's a risk you won't be able to stay afloat. Television is an extremely competitive environment. If you disappear from the air for a few months, viewers will quickly forget about you. Moreover, there's a chance your popularity will begin to wane, and audiences may become irritated. If you don't evolve and adapt, your initial popularity may quickly fade. Demand for you will wane, and you'll end up on secondary channels instead of prime time. Similar examples can be found throughout the industry. To remain relevant and in demand, you must constantly change and consider the interests of viewers.

There is a perception that many actions in the media are aimed solely at gaining ratings and financial gain. But is this really true? Every presenter must have certain moral and ethical boundaries that should not be crossed. It is important to understand that quality content and respect for the audience play a key role in creating a successful media image. A presenter striving for long-term success must balance commercial interests with their responsibility to viewers.

Modern television is heavily profit-oriented, which often leads to a decline in content quality. Production processes are now based on different principles, where commercial gain plays a primary role. However, there are television channels that adhere to a different strategy. For example, the Kultura channel continues to develop regardless of financial constraints and delivers high-quality programming. However, to achieve even greater results, it requires more funding.

The production process requires significant resources. New technologies are emerging that simplify creation and improve the quality of content, but their cost is often high. This need cannot be ignored, as competitors are also updating their tools and approaches. However, with limited budgets, it is difficult to allocate such sums for investment. To justify the costs, it is necessary to produce content that will be immediately relevant to viewers. Thus, a vicious circle arises, making it difficult to find a balance between quality and financial capabilities.

In this situation, the presenter must exhibit confidence and calm. It's important to establish rapport with the audience, maintain interest and engagement. Listen carefully to participants, ask open-ended questions, and don't be afraid to improvise to maintain the momentum of the conversation. It's also important to consider the audience's mood and reaction to adapt the approach and topic of discussion. The presenter must be prepared for unexpected situations and be able to quickly find solutions to ensure smooth and productive events.

In this environment, there's a fundamental law: you come to work, and all the rules are immediately revealed to you. Either you accept the rules of the game or you refuse to participate. If you're willing to accept them, be prepared to follow the established rules. Of course, there's a subtext, as Evgeny Schwartz did, but, unfortunately, our presenters don't have the professional training to exploit it. Talented presenters have facial expressions, charisma, and temperament, but the ability to work with subtext remains inaccessible to most.

Censorship significantly affects the quality of TV programs. For example, a trendy joke can lose its freshness and humor after being edited by editors. As a result, when the program airs, it no longer evokes the expected reaction from viewers. This leads to content that becomes less appealing and out of sync with current trends and audience sentiment. It's important to find a balance between the need to comply with regulations and creative freedom to maintain the originality and relevance of television programs.

I support the idea of ​​censorship, although in practice it doesn't exist. However, internal censorship can be observed everywhere. Recently, I consulted for a Russian television channel funded by the local government. When I asked why they didn't implement certain projects, I was told it was impossible for them. I asked, "Who said it was impossible?" To which the answer was, "Nobody, but we're a state channel." Despite the lack of official guidelines, people impose their own restrictions, thereby justifying their inaction or lack of competence. It's important to understand that such internal barriers often hinder the development and free expression of opinions.

If a joke no longer makes you laugh, it's a failure. In Soviet times, censorship played a significant role in creativity. I remember how many of my projects passed through this filter. But that was its beauty: when something is forbidden, you are forced to find creative ways to ensure that the original idea still sees the light of day.

Censors who are capable of imposing bans often lack imaginative thinking. In contrast, you are a creator, which means you have a unique ability for creative thinking. Try presenting your idea from a different perspective, and this can change perception.

An author should not act as their own censor. It is important for a writer to retain the right to freely express their thoughts and ideas. This allows them to create original and sincere content that will resonate with readers. Self-censorship can limit creativity and hinder the development of a unique style. Freedom of expression fosters a deeper understanding of the themes and issues the artist seeks to explore. Therefore, the absence of self-censorship not only improves the quality of work but also helps establish a more sincere connection with the audience.

When I was young, I thought that the abolition of censorship would lead to us becoming our own censors. Every artist has an inner sense of what is wrong and what is unacceptable. However, this is a misconception. An artist is a person who explores and experiments, stepping into uncharted territory. They strive to find new paths and create a unique language of expression. This is an extremely delicate and risky field, where it is easy to make a mistake. It is important to understand that creative freedom can lead to unexpected results, and this is precisely its value.

You can't be your own censor. As soon as you begin to limit your imagination, it becomes an obstacle to creativity. Many people suffer from an inability to dream. If you ask someone about their dreams, more often than not, the answer will be vague and insincere. In my classes, I encourage people to use their imagination, but they often encounter internal limitations. The barriers that exist in life are reflected in their consciousness. A true creator knows how to overcome these limitations.

Cannes is over, and now is the time to think about the next steps. What new goals and projects do we plan to implement? It is important to analyze the experience gained and identify areas for further development. Future events and collaborations can be an excellent opportunity to reach new heights and expand horizons.

My immediate plans include teaching at Skillbox, as it requires a significant amount of time. I need to record an hour of video each week, and my videos are staged. After completing this process, I intend to adapt my play "Nonsense" for YouTube. I am confident that this format is ideal for presenting my work and attracting a new audience.