Max Karpylev

What is the story behind your film?
The film is really about the complicated relations between a father and son. I explore how loss and fear might be the most potent enemy of creativity. The hero struggles between an illusionary yet happy world and a harsh reality.

What should people take away, gain, and realize after watching your film?
We might be super busy with our creative endeavors. Especially when things such as Muse hit us, and we remain in a state of flow. That's a good thing. However, call your dad more often, and catch up with your parents as those things as Muses come at a price.

Do you think that films can change people for the better or for, worse?
That's the main idea behind any type of drama or piece of art, for that matter. Be it film, play, poem, or painting. Any form of art could and will change you. Whether you are conscious about it or not. That's why they call it a cultural placebo. Now the question is for the better or for the worse? I would want to think optimistically.

How was the creation of your project at the time of COVID-19?
Covid is something that will be with us for a long time. Just learn how to live with it. We forcibly vaccinated the entire crew and cast a month before the production began.

What creation style did you use in the production of your project? What cameraman elements did you use?
We were inspired a lot by the works of Tarkovsky. Some of those shots were achieved on a tiny budget, yet they look like a million dollars. How were we able to achieve that? Well, because our crew is absolutely passionate about all things film. And passion was the main driver behind their willingness to walk the extra mile. Good catering is also the key.

How did you select the actors for your project?
We looked at the authenticity of their prior performances of the story. The story calls for actors, not the director or a casting director. We went to local theaters and cast stage actors, as the story called for more of the theatrical style in production and performance.

Why do you think your film should appeal to distributors?
I totally don't care about distributors with this particular film. It's purely done out of love for carft, rather than commercial success, or any form of success for that matter. We did it for love. And when you do something for love, distributors come anyway.

At which festival has your film been screened?
Not many. We're just starting.

How did your acquaintances react when they first saw the film?
The most important viewer for me is my wife and my dad. I dedicated this film to my wife Alexandra. She cried at the end. That's the biggest appreciation for me and all that matters for now.

If you could change something in your film, what would it be?
I would leave everything as is. The film lives his own life after it was rendered and screened for the first time. I have no right to change it after all. It's like asking what you would change about your kid.

Which movies are your favorites and why?
Forest Gump. Big Fish. Inception. Matrix. Princess bride. It's hard to explain why. They just resonated the loudest within me.

What topics do you like to address in your stories?
Those dictated by the Muse.

What is your motivation for making films?
It's pure creation. There is nothing in the world comparable to that for me. That would be the biggest motivation I guess. Also, looking at people's emotions while they are watching it, and realizing that they are exactly as you planned them for. Well, that's golden.

Which contemporary filmmakers motivate you the most?
Christopher Nolan is my number one guy. Absolute genius. And Bob Zemeckis, of course. What a talent!

What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?
Hopefully, something good.

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Max Karpylev is a digital intermediate colorist, director, and producer. He was born in Siberia in 1986. Graduated from Siberian State University of Telecommunication & Informatics, majored in Radio & TV Engineering in 2009. Coming to Film Industry as a seasoned UI/UX designer, he utilizes his deep understanding of color psychology and merges Graphic Design and Film to achieve a one-of-a-kind look to his motion pictures. Max is an associate member of The Colorist Society International (CSI).

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14274899

INSTAGRAM: @maxproductionteam