Casting Director: Yulia Koval

– I’m from Kyiv, but my father was in the military, so we moved around Crimea a lot. For some time, we settled in Yevpatoria until 2014, after which we moved to Odesa. My parents still live there—my father now teaches at the Maritime Academy—and I’ve been living in Kyiv since I was sixteen, when I came here to study at a technical university.

– I have two degrees. My first is in engineering—I’m a design engineer. My second is in producing, which I studied at the Karpenko-Karyi University.

– Possibly. I’m considering it. I think it would be very interesting for me.

– When I was four and we were living in the village of Novoozerne, my mom enrolled me in an arts school. I studied solfeggio, piano, fine arts, and choir. I also took dance classes. Of course, I wanted to be a dancer or ballerina. Of all the performing arts—whether theater, opera, or ballet—I always choose ballet. I still really love it. As a child, I was also fascinated by figure skating—it’s such a beautiful sport. I always found figure skaters so graceful, like swans. I still like actresses with delicate features, like Paulina Andreeva with her elfin looks or Yuliya Snigir with her refined facial structure.

– I’m relatively new to the profession. I started on set because I really wanted to be close to filmmaking. My first job on set was as an assistant director. I also worked in theater. Balancing both was tough—I had no days off. But, as they say, theater is like a wife, and film is like a mistress.

Then I was lucky to work on the project “To Catch the Kaidash” (Spiymaty Kaidasha). I was thrilled to be part of it. It was one of those rare experiences where you’re heading to set at 4 a.m. knowing it’s going to be an amazing day. You feel excited to work, you’re in a great mood. That doesn’t happen often. We had a great team, and I made many wonderful connections. After that, I did a bit of art direction. One day I thought, “It would be cool to try casting,” and two days later I got a call offering me a casting job. Of course, I said yes.

I went through an interview and was hired. It turned out to be a very tough project with poor working conditions, but it gave me tremendous experience. I was juggling several projects at once and still working in theater. I was working so much I barely had time for anything else. But in hindsight, it really shaped me. I did in a year and a half what some people don’t do in ten. I’m very grateful for that period—it brought amazing people into my life, made me reevaluate many things, and showed me I’m capable of more.

It’s amazing how powerful our thoughts are. As soon as I thought about trying casting, the opportunity appeared. I’m someone who constantly doubts herself, but I’ll say this: it’s crucial to be ready for opportunities when they come, even if they’re scary or difficult.

– Honestly, no. I think agent and casting director are two entirely different professions. I know some people manage to combine both successfully, but I don’t see myself as an agent.

– I’m afraid of losing interest in the profession, of becoming disillusioned with it. I’m not afraid of taking breaks—sometimes breaks are actually necessary and helpful. Other than that, I don’t really have any fears.

– My favorite project is “To Catch the Kaidash”, directed by Sasha Tymenko.

– Sitting quietly and knitting (smiles).

– In Novoozerne, Crimea, where we lived, there were more children than adults. We used to organize concerts on the old dance floor, sell tickets, and invite both kids and adults. Like mini variety shows by request. Getting kids off the streets and back home was nearly impossible. It was such a great time.

– I really love drama, but to challenge myself, I’d actually take on a comedy project —something like Sex and the City.

– Not an object—I’d say I’m like my dog. He’s selectively affectionate, loves attention, but isn’t overly cuddly. If he wants to come over, he will, and if not—he won’t. He’s not very friendly with everyone—he chooses who he wants to interact with. Just like me. And honestly, having a dog is amazing—he’s always happy just because you came home.

– I try to watch something new every day to develop my visual memory. Recently I really enjoyed Chiki, Kept Women (Soderzhanki), Chikatilo—I think that’s Nagiyev’s best role—and Bridgerton. There’s also the animated show Disenchantment on Netflix by the creators of The Simpsons—my husband and I couldn’t stop watching it. In film, I love Balabanov.

– When I read a script, I already have a general idea of who could fit. So I don’t always do open casting calls. I invite specific actors who I believe can handle the role. That’s why I don’t really post casting calls on Facebook anymore. I don’t use Acmodasi—it’s inconvenient. I also don’t use Dream Cast. I mostly keep actors in my mental database. I don’t keep a blacklist—I’m just naturally a bit resentful (smiles).

I love when actors update their portfolios and send me new photos and videos. It’s great to see how they grow and change. I think every actor should have two portfolios: one for film/TV, and one for period dramas—with minimal makeup and styling. A business card video under one minute with key info, a showreel, a resume, and a few quality photos.

– Once, Albina Pererva came in—she had acted in Kyiv Day and Night—and she really impressed me with her natural presence. She had this balance between inner and outer authenticity.

– Life is built on three pillars: family, love, and work. When there’s balance between all three, that’s a beautiful thing. When everything is good at home, in love, and in your career—when you’re in the right place with interesting projects and room to grow—it’s the best. That said, I’m not the kind of person who will be devastated if life doesn’t go according to plan. If my personal “life script” falls apart, I won’t despair—life can take so many different paths. When one door closes, a gate of opportunity usually opens. The key is to always be ready—both for setbacks and for new chances.

– Be content with what you have, but always strive for more. If the life scenario you wrote for yourself doesn’t work out—like if you don’t land the roles you want— don’t give up. Our main goal is to be happy. If acting doesn’t work out, maybe producing or screenwriting is your calling. No dream comes to us without the strength to achieve it.