It seems there is nothing much to squeeze out of Alice's story. However, TV channel Ukraine has another opinion. They appointed director in the name of Maxim Papernik and started shooting a New Year musical "Alice in Wonderland."
I went straight to Maxim to find out the details of the New Year project:
- Maxim, tell us about the project team.
- I am the author of the idea. We wrote the script with Ivan Shishmanov. DOP Vyacheslav Lazarev, with whom I worked on the comedy "Bon appetit". Wonderful costume designer Alena Gres, whith whom last year I worked on the film "Cops from Perekop", as well as composer and sound producer Gena Krupnik, we worked with him on "Bon appetit" and "Chasing Two Hares".
In general, there's about 50 members of the crew. The size of the crew does not change: a large team of lamp men with a best boy, a large production group, which includes production designer Yuri Sirosh. There are props managers. Sometimes we can rent things, but most of them are made specially for the show.
- Why "Alice in Wonderland"?
- The idea came long ago, as last time I worked on a musical format ten years ago. So, the desire to return to the Christmas story has risen. Dramaturgical structure of "Alice" came to my mind about five years ago. During this time she has ripened, and when TV channel "Ukraine" decieded to shoot a Christmas musical, I suggested "Alice".
In my childhood there was a wonderful cartoon, which was created by the animation studio "Kievnauchfilm" with voiceover by Rostislav Plyatt. And the impression afrter this strange and original cartoon was very deep. That's how I discovered "Alice".
- What's left from the original idea?
- We saved the most recognizable characters. Despite the fact that it's not even original Carroll's characters. His version includes a bird named DoDo, Bill the Lizard and other characters who are not very familiar to our audience.
Alice is a very popular figure in European culture. Perhaps even more recognizable than Cinderella. She's a rebel by nature, she has her own idea of life, and I think it appeals to young people. In Europe, it's a trend having a corporate event or a wedding in the style of "Alice".
- Yes, but it is European. Are not you afraid that Ukrainian audience may not like it?
- Honestly, I'm not scared of anything. Especially in being creative. I am guided, first of all, by my feelings, so if Ukraine declares its European direction, it will be very good if our culture will include "Alice in Wonderland." We made the script understandable for Ukrainian audience.
- Let's talk about the plot...
- Why? The audience will watch it on the New Year's Eve? Alice runs away from reality into a fairy tale, and there she finds her love.
- A few words about the casting. Was it hard to negotiate with celebrities?
- To be honest this year it is very difficult to talk with the artists. The situation around has a big influence. But, fortunately, we managed to gather our dream cast. This year some of them don't shoot in entertainment projects. I respect that position, besides, everyone warned us in advance.
