Casting Director Armina Nimenko

— My mother named me Armina because I have Armenian roots. Actually, my grandmother is originally from Ukraine. One day, my husband noted that my name consists of two parts: the first — “Arm” — from Armenia, and the second — “ina” — from Ukraine. I believe that my name combines the traditions of both countries. Also, “Armina” was the name Persians used for Armenia during the Urartu period.

— Yes, I was born in Ukraine, near Kyiv, although there was a chance I could have been born on a plane! I spent my childhood between two countries, which is probably why I feel like a traveler at heart. I’m passionate about learning different cultures and once even dreamed of becoming a linguist, but my mother convinced me to apply to a theater school instead, as I was a very artistic child. At 17, I enrolled in a film school at Lenfilm in St. Petersburg. During my studies, I realized that an actor must be everything — able to do anything and know everything, be observant, and fill their creative toolbox, as all of that could be useful in the future. However, due to an economic crisis at the time, I had to leave the film school and start earning a living. With the help of my brother, I opened my own business, but eventually realized it wasn’t for me. Then I decided to explore the fashion industry, creating a clothing lab with friends, where we designed stage costumes from unconventional materials and organized shows.

— One morning I decided I wanted to act in films and went to the Dovzhenko Film Studio in Kyiv. I didn’t know anyone there, but I had a deep inner desire to discover the world of cinema. I was 16 at the time. Walking into that environment felt like stepping into a fairytale. I immediately felt it was my element. When I entered one of the pavilions to observe the filming process, director Anatoliy Mateshko happened to be shooting “The Birthday of the Bourgeois.” There I met a crew member who invited me to take part in one of the crowd scenes of the series a few days later — the scene took place in a Kyiv theater. After that, I was offered a small episodic role, but by then, I had already moved to St. Petersburg.

During my studies, I was frequently invited to play small parts. When you’re studying and practically living at the film studio, you meet and get to know a lot of creative and interesting people. One day, I was invited to a screen test for Alexander Sokurov’s project Russian Ark. It was an incredible production filmed in the Hermitage — a feature film shot in a single take with about 1,000 actors. Grandiose locations, historical costumes, live orchestral music — it all created an atmosphere of celebration and wonder. It felt like I was back in a fairytale.

— These days, I hardly act due to a lack of time, but I do occasionally appear in small roles in projects by director friends.

— After trying different professions, I decided to take a break and work in real estate. One of my clients turned out to be a film crew looking for a location for the movie Butterfly Kiss. That’s when I realized it was a sign — that the film industry wasn’t ready to let me go.

After nine years, I returned to Kyiv and once again went to the film studio. This time, I saw it wasn’t the quiet place I remembered — it was alive and buzzing with energy. I realized then that I wanted to work in the film industry from the inside — not as an actress, but with actors.

I moved back to Kyiv permanently and began sending out my résumé to work as an assistant with actors. Very quickly, I was invited to work as a casting director at one of the Kyiv studios. That’s how my journey as a casting director began. I worked there for a while and was later invited to another studio.

I’d like to highlight the longest creative partnership I’ve had — with director and producer Oksana Bayrak. All of her projects are heartfelt and very family-oriented, and I’m thankful and happy that we were able to walk this path together. I’d also like to mention my work with Anastasiya and Anatoliy Mateshko. They were the very first people I met in the world of film, and I’m grateful that life brought us together again many years later to collaborate on several beautiful projects.

When I joined the actors’ department, I saw the state of the profiles, photos, and portfolios and decided I wanted to build a bridge between two different worlds — that of producers, directors, and casting directors, and that of actors. At the time, the internet was beginning to flourish, so I made it my mission to digitize our work and move the actors’ department online. In 2011, together with friends — and now my husband, Oleksandr Nimenko — we founded the online actor agency ABA Studio. It was a platform where actors could conveniently store and present their portfolios, photos, videos, audio recordings, and filmographies. We started traveling across cities in Ukraine and abroad to meet actors and add their materials to our database. I truly love meeting actors in person. These days, I’m no longer actively casting. I mainly lead the studio and represent a number of international actors.

— Our database is closed and available only to professionals in the film industry. Actors can visit our website abastudio.org, go to the “Contact” section, and email us at: actors@abastudio.org with a well-structured message and their acting materials.

— A casting assistant, talent manager, casting director, actor’s representative — these are positions that require a high level of attention to detail. If you mix up even one date, an actor might miss their flight, or not arrive on set at all, which can lead to serious consequences for the entire film production. Managing schedules demands focus and a strong sense of responsibility. At first, I was afraid of mixing up dates or times, but with experience and professionalism, that fear faded. I believe fear arises from chaos — when everything is clear, there is no fear.

— A dandelion: at first it’s bright and sunny, and later it becomes airy, gentle, and light. I try to apply these qualities in both my work and my life — to make the complex simple, the simple beautiful, the beautiful magnificent, and finally — weightless.

— First: for people to wake up with a smile, lightness, and gratitude. Second: related to our profession — for interesting ideas and projects to flourish, for traditional culture to be revived, for all specialists to enjoy their craft, and for every viewer to feel joy, inspiration, and a positive energy from watching quality productions. Third: that the goldfish never falls into the hands of evil people.

— Traveling, discovering new things, and learning languages. For example, right now I’ve started studying Chinese. Traditional Chinese opens up a whole new perspective on life.

Also, for more than ten years, I’ve practiced qigong — a system for mind and body that helps me maintain inner harmony and balance. I’m truly happy to be working in the film industry and that we’ve been able to organize a casting studio. I’m grateful to our entire team — they’re incredible. And I also want to thank all my colleagues — casting directors, directors, and producers — for our shared creative journey!

— A dentist, although I myself don’t particularly enjoy going to the dentist.

— I love children very much and would love to support the world of childhood by creating as many quality projects as possible involving children.

— Don’t despair. Believe in miracles — they do exist. At some point, the stars align and an actor gets that call: “You’ve been cast in the lead role.” I’ve seen it happen many times. The most important thing for actors is to remember that what’s meant for you will always find its way to you — at exactly the moment when you’re ready for it.

Also, always remember that no matter what skills you have, luck plays a big role.

And speaking of skills — if you mention something in your resume, be prepared to demonstrate it. Create materials you can present. If you’re not at least moderately proficient in a skill and ready to show it when asked — it’s better not to list it at all.

For actors who aren’t employed in theater and therefore lack a steady income, I would recommend finding a parallel job to take care of financial needs — while continuing to develop in your acting craft.

It’s also very important to believe in yourself. In the word confidence is the root “faith” — try to preserve that “inner faith” without emotional attachment. As they say: “Ask for nothing — and you’ll receive everything.”

Diana, thank you for the meeting and warm conversation. I wish your project success and prosperity!