About this project
Hi Kickstarters!
We've recently returned from an epic shoot in the former USSR, and must now chop 57 hours of footage into a tv series. Here's a little somethin' about the show...
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BACK IN THE SOVIET BLOC
Everyone knows Chernobyl, mail-order brides and vodka abuse. But there must be more to Russia and Ukraine, right?
Back in the Soviet Bloc is a 6-part tv series about contemporary life in former Soviet nations. It's hosted by Julia Nalivaiko, who was born in Ukraine and has lived in Australia since age 13. She's joined forces with Stuart McBratney, a filmmaker with 25 years experience, to document everyday life in her motherland.
She interviews a plethora of personalities, who share their hopes, their dreams, and discuss the challenges of a nation still transitioning from communism. Issues such as poverty, homelessness and corruption are addressed, yet the interviewees still express pride in their country, and hope for its future.
Julia is exposed to the richness and diversity inherent in their lives. She chats to a pop megastar. She visits the squat of homeless Roma. She sips Russia's best cocktails in a rooftop bar, and visits a pensioner living on $80/month. From green energy conferences, to debaucherous Odessa clubs, from Moscow's hectic highways to Kherson's serene waterways, Julia discovers a land of contrasts.
And while the series isn't a food show, Julia's culinary leanings lead her to local flavours. This includes a restaurant fancied by heads of state, and the home-cooked delights of an organic farm. (Though there they just call it a farm.)
Back in the Soviet Bloc is a journey through the former Soviet landscape, encountering its hearts and minds, exploring its beauty, and discovering its spirit. Caution: not suitable for persons sensitive to borsch.
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You made it through our blurb! Nice work. Here's what's next.
Having filmed mountains of footage, there's an epic editing task ahead. For this we need funds, and hope to raise $5,000 to cover post-production of the first episode.
Once we have one episode finished, we'll then shop it around to various networks, with the aim of securing a completion and distribution deal.
We'd love for you to be involved in this great adventure. Na zdarovye!
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 27.
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A thank you tweet, our eternal gratitude + Julia's secret borsch recipe!
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Digital download pack: includes original soundtrack, Julia’s favourite Russian recipes & 5 original photos to use as desktop wallpapers! (NOTE: soundtrack deliverable in July, other items available in February)
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Download of the entire series + digital download pack!
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Signed DVD of the entire series + digital download pack!
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Your name in 'Special Thanks' section of the credits, download of the entire series + digital download pack!
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5 x limited edition 17 x 30cm prints (choose from a selection of beautiful images), signed DVD + digital download pack, plus a surprise gift!
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Super-deluxe coffee table book with original photos from the series, signed DVD + digital download pack!
Pledge $1,800 or more Pledge $1,800 or more
Julia will cook a lavish Russian/Ukrainian feast for you & 3 friends, complete with caviar and home-infused Russian vodka. The evening will be filmed, and will appear as a special feature on the dvd! Guests receive the complete series and digital download pack. (Sydney or Newcastle only, unless you fly Julia somewhere at your expense) NOTE: Dinner available from January, though series not deliverable until June.
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
Associate Producer credit + complete series & digital download package. Plus a personal phone call from Julia & Stu to thank you for your awesomeness.
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
3-day DSLR masterclass with director/DP Stuart McBratney, anywhere in the world*. Feel free to bring some friends or an entire class to share the bill! (*Within reason...please email to discuss.)
Project By
Connected as Stuart James McBratney (422 friends)
Stuart McBratney has 25 years of filmmaking experience. He's won a bunch of awards, directed hundreds of tv commercials for clients including McDonalds, Honda and Orange, and has also written and directed a feature which was released theatrically in 2008.
Julia Nalivaiko was born in Ukraine, and has lived in Australia for 13 years. She's formally trained as a chef, though has learnt traditional Russian cooking from her mother and grandmother from an early age. Back in the Soviet Bloc is her first venture into filmmaking, and she's loving every minute.
