Meet Yelena Savranskaya

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Yelena Savranskaya. Yelena was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Jacquie Joy.

Hi Yelena, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am an independent filmmaker, and I relish the thrill of being on the set and immersing myself in the enchanting world of film magic. Interestingly, my first foray behind the camera was purely by chance. Many moons ago, I pursued acting and was asked by a friend to take part in her project—a B-type independent horror flick. Grateful for the opportunity, I accepted a small acting role. However, as is typical on low-budget sets, the production required additional crew, and fate led me to find myself not just in front of but also behind the camera. On that day, an epiphany struck me—I discovered an even deeper love for being behind the camera, directing the narrative, and capturing captivating moments.

Residing in the USA grants me access to a plethora of learning opportunities. I eagerly seized the chance to enhance my filmmaking skills and was fortunate to be accepted into the prestigious UCLA Extension Directing Certificate Program. As I delved deeper into the intricacies of the entertainment industry, I embarked on a journey of writing, producing, and directing my collection of short films.

The genres that ignite my creative fire are sci-fi and fantasy. In my creations, I infuse a supernatural element, breathing life into captivating characters, be they sassy heroines or heroes. My work is built upon a foundation of heartfelt emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. And rest assured, my tales always culminate in a satisfying and exhilarating twist, ensuring a memorable experience that lingers in the hearts of those who witness it.

Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
My journey began a long time ago in the Soviet Union. During my childhood, I developed a deep passion for theater and art. I enthusiastically produced and directed plays with my friends in middle school, which we proudly presented to our class every week. However, fate dealt a harsh blow one day when I was ambushed by bullies from my class. Instead of standing by my side, my friends ran away, leaving me to face the torment alone. The incident resulted in a concussion and profoundly impacted my young mind. In the aftermath, something inside me broke, prompting me to step away from art and shift my focus toward the realms of science, specifically mathematics, chemistry, and physics. As I transitioned into adulthood, I found success in the engineering field after relocating to the USA. Despite my achievements, I couldn’t shake the feeling that an essential part of me was missing. It took over two decades for the yearning for artistic expression to resurface, driving me back to my true passion: producing and directing. Today, as an independent filmmaker, I don the hats of a producer, director, and writer. My current endeavor revolves around building my director’s portfolio, primarily crafting captivating short films. Through this arduous yet rewarding journey, I have learned the significance of resilience and the pursuit of one’s true calling, no matter how long it takes to rediscover it. As I immerse myself in filmmaking, I am determined to create meaningful cinematic experiences, infusing each project with the same love and magic that once captured my heart as a child in the Soviet Union.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Jacquie Joy and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Jacquie.
Jacquie’s contribution to my film project, “Fairy All the Way,” was extraordinary. I was initially hesitant to approach Jacquie. Her portfolio boasted an impressive array of credits, and I wondered if she would consider collaborating with an emerging filmmaker like me. However, mustering up the courage, I finally reached out to her, and our first Zoom meeting dispelled any doubts I had. Jacquie’s personality and professionalism shone through, and I knew she was the perfect fit for my project.

Based in Australia while I was in LA, Jacquie was the supervising sound editor for “Fairy All the Way.” This crucial position involved overseeing the post-sound team and managing various aspects, such as budget, timelines, and communication with me as the Director and Producer. Her expertise and guidance were invaluable, ensuring the entire post-production process ran smoothly.

The project itself was ambitious, comprising two parts: a 10-minute feel-good fantasy film and a 2-minute music video featuring characters from the movie. Both segments demanded meticulous attention to sound effects and music to create a truly magical atmosphere. Jacquie’s talent as a sound editor was on full display as she flawlessly integrated a plethora of sound effects and enhanced the clarity of dialogue.

Moreover, she led a team of talented female artists to compose an original soundtrack for the film, adding enchantment to the project. Even in the 2-minute music video, where I requested a collaboration with another artist for rap bits, Jacquie demonstrated her versatility and adeptness in interpersonal skills. Her ability to connect with others and build strong rapport was truly impressive.

What truly sets Jacquie apart, aside from her exceptional skill set, is her unparalleled dedication to timeliness. There were no extensions or excuses—she delivered the project on time, displaying a level of professionalism that is truly commendable.

I cannot recommend Jacquie enough. Her talent as a sound editor and composer is unmatched, and her communication skills are outstanding. Working with her was a delightful experience, and I look forward to collaborating with her on future projects. Jacquie’s involvement elevated “Fairy All the Way” to new heights, and I do not doubt that she will continue to bring her unique magic to every endeavor she takes on.

Instagram: yelenasavranskaya