Casting Director: Olena Shevchuk

- For a long time, I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do in life. I studied accounting for two years but couldn’t take it anymore and dropped out. My boyfriend occasionally acted in commercials and once invited me to join him for a coffee commercial casting. The plot was simple — they were looking for couples in love. But what really struck me was the casting director and the casting process itself. It was exciting and interesting. At that moment, I thought this was one of the professions I’d love to pursue. But I didn’t follow that instinct and instead went back to university to study international tourism management. After graduating and working in that field for a year, I finally became a casting director. Strangely enough, I now realize that my knowledge of tourism helped me in my work. In 2009, I saw a casting manager job posting at STB for format projects like So You Think You Can Dance and The X Factor. I went for the interview and started working in casting. I worked for a few years in talent shows, then moved to a different department in television as a producer’s assistant and later as a line producer for a travel show. I hadn’t planned on returning to casting, but unexpectedly received an invitation from 1+1 to work on The Voice of the Country as a casting director. I hesitated for a long time, as I was already thinking about career advancement and continuing as a producer. But after watching several seasons of the show, I realized I was genuinely interested — the participants were so talented, bright, and charismatic. I really liked the project. Plus, I was involved in the filming process. Walking through the studio, I’d hear Sviatoslav Vakarchuk’s team rehearsing, singing beautiful harmonies, while Ivan Dorn’s and Potap’s teams were doing their thing elsewhere. It was an incredible synergy.

- A few years passed, and our team leader offered me the chance to head the casting department of the production company. Finally, in 2015–2016, I started working on films and TV series. At first, it was tough because I didn’t know many of the nuances, but gradually I got to know our actors and the industry overall. With every new project, I discover something completely unexpected and beautiful.

- Without a doubt, And There Will Be People directed by Arkadii Nepytaliuk. At first, the material was complex and deep — it’s a historical drama. I was thrilled to work with Arkadii: he was always open to suggestions, both in casting and from the actors on set. Authenticity and individuality were crucial for him in this project, which gave me more creative freedom — something I really value in my profession.

- I really like Nataliia Mazur from Lviv. In And There Will Be People, she played the main character’s sister, Zina, the priest’s wife. She was a revelation in terms of how she lived the role. I’ve cast her in other projects too, so I’m familiar with her range. Nataliia is incredibly sincere, and it comes through on camera. I’m also in love with Masha Bruni. I think she can handle any role — comedy or drama — and she’s also excellent at improvising. Overall, And There Will Be People introduced me to many interesting, unique actors.

I’m afraid of falling into conveyor-belt-style production, where the same actors are cast repeatedly. The tight deadlines often leave no room for exploration. And, of course, the material is key — as in every department. You have to love the project you’re working on.

I’d love to work on a project about musicians — maybe cast a film about a rock or punk band, especially a Ukrainian one. Music is a huge part of my life; I used to work in that field and know many musicians. I’d also love to do casting for a film about athletes. They are people of incredible inner strength, and I truly admire them. I’m always drawn to complex stories and full immersion — from casting to the set. Often, by the time shooting starts, there’s still a ton of work to do. Prep time is short, and it’s rare to get to the set during filming.

There are a few. One of them is Istanbul. Everything there is magical — from the Sultanahmet architecture to the modern neighborhoods. Not far from Istanbul, there’s a wonderful place called the Princes’ Islands. These are pedestrian-only islands — the only transport allowed is horse carriages and bicycles. The islands are surrounded by the Sea of Marmara. It’s insanely beautiful, wild, and magical! I also really loved Croatia. About 7–8 years ago, I had an unforgettable work trip there. It all started a week before that — I went to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, and on my way home from the stadium I thought: “Oh God, I wish I could go to another one!” Just a week later, I came to work and was told: “We’re urgently flying to Croatia for a shoot.” The shoot was planned across the whole country. And guess what? RHCP were performing in Zagreb — and we were filming in Zagreb that exact day. It was surreal to see them again, this time abroad! What struck me was the age of the audience — quite mature. I remember a woman in a short leather skirt, tight top, short hair — and her daughter next to her in the exact same outfit. Real rockers! Those are the kind of moments I want more of in life.

An actress. I actually liked being the center of attention until a certain age. But then I probably grew up — now I’m happy with a small, close circle of people around me.

– Yes, in And There Will Be People. It was a small role in a group scene — one of the most emotional ones, the suicide scene of Hryhorii Hintsburg. I had a very important role (smiles) — the secretary recording the minutes of a meeting. I remember we discussed the character’s age for a long time — she had to type fast on a typewriter. I told Arkadii we could cast a young secretary, because the layout of a typewriter and a keyboard are nearly the same. I added that I type quickly myself. That’s how I got the role. What I didn’t consider was that it was an old-fashioned typewriter. The keys would stick, and my fingers kept slipping into the gaps. I got really nervous. Recently, we shot a short film by Katia Tsaryk called Hug Me. I had a scene in a metro carriage — also silent — but I can’t talk about it yet. So maybe soon, I’ll have my first showreel (smiles).

– I have a dog — my main hobby, if I can put it that way. We’ve been through everything together, from dog shows to sporting competitions. I even took a course in zoopsychology. I also really love music. Unfortunately, I don’t play any instruments, but I’d love to learn piano. Sports are another important part of my life. As a child, I trained seriously in rhythmic gymnastics and was a candidate for master of sport among juniors. Now I just do it on an amateur level — to stay in shape: yoga, swimming, TRX.

– Different films resonate with me at different times. I enjoy Xavier Dolan’s films — though they’re quite specific. One of my favorite actresses is Marion Cotillard, so I love almost everything she’s in. Among my favorite films are Pawn Sacrifice by Edward Zwick and True Romance by Tony Scott — very different in tone.

– It really depends on the translation. I try to read in Ukrainian. Right now, for example, I’m reading Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg.