Ekaterina Behor: A Producer Who Inspires Audiences
Ekaterina Behor is a producer for whom love for art became the central driving force of her career. She chooses projects that leave a “pleasant aftertaste” to the audience. From commercials to TV and films, Ekaterina is high-in-demand. We sat down with this busy producer to discuss her latest projects, delve into her journey in the world of film and entertainment, and learn what it’s like to be an Eastern European filmmaker in the United States.
Ekaterina initially studied journalism and obtained her degree at PFUR. Her passion for storytelling, keen interest in visual expression, and skill to develop collaborative projects made her transition to study filmmaking at the University of Television Ostankino for a year. Shortly after, Ekaterina Behor secured her first job as a producer in commercials, including projects for the jewelry brand Silver Wings. This opportunity marked the beginning of her prolific career in her country as she went to join the broadcasting channel Music Box as a line producer, for which she worked for several years participating in their most popular programs, including the news daily program “NewsBox”, the show for young performers “Raskrutka”, and the weekly TV program Music Box’s “Top 10 Charts”. One of her best memories while working at Music Box was her collaboration with the CEO, Natalya Palinova. Natalya began her career in regional television before getting her big breakthrough in her career. Her rise to success in the show business industry was very inspiring to Ekaterina at the time: “Her story (Natalia’s) demonstrates that with hard work, perseverance, and a passion for what you do, it’s possible to achieve great things and make significant contributions to the world of entertainment,” she adds. With an established career in Eastern Europe and a thirst for more, Ekaterina moved to Los Angeles to seek new challenges.
At first, the move was not easy. Ekaterina mentioned that she had to adapt her skills to the American market and a new way of producing. It was for the best. Not only did her move “sharpen her skills,” but it also opened a new network to her and a wide range of opportunities. Looking back upon her early experience in the United States, Ekaterina mentions that making connections and putting herself “out there”, was both challenging and satisfying. It made her grow professionally. For international filmmakers who are considering working in LA, Ekaterina suggests not giving up and keeping an open mind when it comes to opportunities. Ekaterina started her journey in the USA with the production of her first commercial for the laundry detergent brand Tide. It went on to screen at 12 international festivals getting laurels for best production at the Avalonia Film Festival, the Creative World Awards, and the World Film Festival in Singapore. Ekaterina continued to work in commercials for many well-known brands including the Californian brand of vegan ice cream Napp’s.
As a foreign producer, Ekaterina is keen to work with other Los Angeles-based creative professionals of Eastern Europe origin to create a bridge. Her experience in both continents makes her the perfect producer for projects that involve a multicultural approach. This unique contribution to the film industry has opened many doors for her. She recently worked on an advertisement spot called “My Art is Real” for a painter Vasili Petrushko based in California.
Keeping this cultural bridge alive is important to Ekaterina. It is one of the reasons she became a member of the Eurasian Academy of Television and Radio in 2016. The Academy supports filmmakers and projects from Eurasia, as well as cultural exchanges, which Ekaterina firmly believes in.
Ms. Behor worked with GM.L Pictures in the role of a producer and took part in the following projects: “V-mates: Life with V-mates”, “OPPO: Future Era”, “Code 1/2”, “Honda: Coffee Knight – Burn It Up”, some of which went to win multiple awards at international festivals in Europe and the US.
Currently, Ekaterina works as a line producer for IMN Creative, a production and postproduction house. They just wrapped “Citadel,” a new Amazon spy series. Business Insider called it “Amazon Studios’ most ambitious — and riskiest — bet ever”. She also recently worked on the long-awaited “Extraction 2,” an action film directed by Sam Hargrave and produced by Russo Brothers. Working in live-action productions is very different from commercials. From project scale to duration and creative approach to budget constraints.
Ekaterina’s projects have received widespread recognition on the global stage, earning an impressive twenty-one awards and numerous nominations at prestigious festivals worldwide. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her innovative and influential contributions to the field of moving image. Among some of her most notable recognitions are: Florence Film Awards for Best Experimental Film Award (Italy) and Vesuvius International Film Festival for Best Music Video Clip (Italy) for the music video “Invincible;” Cleveland International Film Festival for Best Narrative Short (USA) and LA Independent Women Film Festival for Best Producer (USA) for the short film “Volatility;” Independent Short Awards International Film Festival – Best Short Gold Award (USA) and Avalonia Festival – Three Minutes and Under Award (USA) for “Tide Specs” Commercial.
While other producers focus on the nitty-gritty details of making a film happen, from pre-production to post-production, drafting budgets and contracts, and setting up meetings, Katerina does not forget about the bigger picture: inspiring and moving audiences.
Written by Heloise Wilson
