Meet Anna Radchenko - Director and multiform artist.

I meet Anna Radchenko, a London-based, award-winning director originally from Russia, for brunch at the very lush Coral Room in central London. Having followed her online, I always found Anna’s work so exciting, new, and original, which feels rare these days, especially in a society where “blending in” is the new normal. Not with Anna. Her neoteric style and fearless visuals are always so present through her commercials, fashion and art projects.

From various art projects. Photography by Anna Radchenko.

F: What is your background? Where did you start?

A: I am originally from Moscow. I actually graduated in Finance, so nothing connected to the Arts world. I then started doing photography and researching photography courses, developing a passion for it. Russia has a very strong reportage / documentarist schools, but I never found anything related to Arts and Photography. I was always interested in my world, not documenting reality. I had my own visions and ideas. I wanted to create my own reality. I eventually graduated with an MA in Fashion Photography from London College of Fashion, because at the time I thought I wanted to be a photographer.

F: And then what…?

A: I moved to stay in London after my graduation. I then met my husband after three months, and started looking for work opportunities as a Commercial and Fashion photographer, where I did some editorials and projects for brands. It was fun but it was not fulfilling, and I realised that my favourite projects were actually more artistic and not aiming to sell the outfit. I did admire the art of it, like for example Steve McQueen’s work.

F: So then what did you decide to do?

A: I started working more on the set design and production design, working with producers and gaffers for still photoshoots, and then gradually moved into working on film sets. I noticed that instead of just doing stills, I could create movement too. I then started directing short films and fashion installations. As I was working on more projects, I started showing my photography portfolio and my moving image portfolio. The reactions I got were very distinct. People immediately felt that my videos were stronger than my photography. It was very unexpected, but I was very pleased of course.

F: So from Photography to Videos…big change.

A: Yes, absolutely. It was a bit of a surprise to me and it took me a while to digest this, as it was upsetting but flattering at the same time. In the end I was very happy, as I had finally found my true passion. I continued working to expand my video portfolio. Eventually I met a great DP from Latvia and we decided to start working together. He had many contacts in the industry, and through our work together I started working with very high-end production companies here in the UK, and I am now represented as a director by Kode Media.

F: So now you are not just shooting fashion…..?

A: No, I am also doing commercials. I just wrapped a commercial with a big sports brand featuring female football championships, which was great! I also just finished shooting for a fashion brand too.

F: I love your styles. They are always so mesmerising.

A: I am still working on Art Projects, as I feel I need to continue to establish my visual style. Commercials are great to shoot, but can also be artistically limiting, as I cannot always push my own visual style in them. I think there is room for design-led and surreal images and in the future I will hopefully be able to blend commercials with my surreal visuals as new hybrid for commercials.

F: What are your goals? Work-wise that is…

A: This is a good question, because I don’t know what I will become when I grow up. If you had asked me a year ago I would have probably told you feature-films. However, at this stage I realise that I’m really interested in short-form surreal images and creating a mood rather than creating a character. Blending technologies and forms. I would love to shoot more music videos.

F: Have you every had any obstacles as a woman working in this industry?

A: To be honest, no. However, I do want to know more about it and of course I heard stories from very close friends. I also think that to a degree, if you are talented and passionate, you might experience some problems, but you should do your best to overcome it and continue pursuing your ambitions and dreams.

As I am still at the very beginning of my career and when I choose my crew and Director of Photography, I choose based on my taste and their experience. Gender never comes into question. I do think we need to encourage more women in the industry in general, but we need to inspire them and continue hiring them on set. Women get certain types of projects, but it can also be very limiting.

F: But you’ve not had that problem.

A: Well, you never know who hires you because you are female director or because you are genuinely good. It’s not just about the film industry, it’s with many other industries as well. Women only got the right to vote not too long ago. Baby steps, but we are making progress. The change is happening.

Anna Radchenko at the Bloomsbury Club bar in London. Photography by Nic Roques.

F: Being a soon-to-be mother (Congratulations) how are you feeling at work?

A: I am in my first semester, so I have actually experienced a small problem recently. I was working on a big commercial and during the intervals I had a small incident and needed to seek medical attention immediately. So, I approached the producer, which felt like the most “slow-motion” walk of my life! I explained to him the problem, and the producer immediately understood my situation and put into motion this military-like operation! They organised an Uber for me and I was able to direct via FaceTime. They connected the producer’s phone to the speakers so everybody could hear me. It was actually great, and everything went fine. I felt very supported and luckily the doctor’s appointment went well too. It was very inspiring and everyone was so supportive.

F: It must have been a great feeling and possibly relief to know how supportive your colleagues were.

A: Yes. It also made me realise that I had never thought about my gender before, whilst working on set. I then stared to worry what was going to happen now after my colleagues knew I was expecting. Would they still give me work?

F: Have they?

A:. Yes, they have. We’ve just signed a new project a few days ago with a high-end fashion label featuring a very famous actress. Very exciting indeed. It felt really good.

Kokosmos (2019) by Anna Radchenko with model Yana Dobroliubova.

F: Are there any projects that have made a particular impact on you?

A: The space project “Kokosmos” had a big influence of me. It was the first time I tried CG and I realised anything was possible. I also made so many mistakes as I had no idea how it worked. I was completely ignorant about CG, and then of course it was in post-production for two years, because I made so many mistakes. It is so difficult to find CG professionals, as they are always so fully booked and very expensive. Eventually I found someone who had just moved from Turkey to London and wanted to establish themselves in the industry here. He was very good and explained to me, very politely, all the mistakes I made and how to advert them next time. It was so great to discover the potential of blending technologies with my style. Your imagination never stops. I am not interested in small-scale, I am interested in large-scale projects. I like to push my boundaries and explore my imagination.

F: Any tips for female filmmakers?

A: If you are at the beginning of your career, you will need to do some passion projects to establish your style, as it will be difficult to finance your projects. It’s important to continue shooting in your spare time too. Promote your projects and optimise your social media presence. Share your projects and educate yourself about self-marketing.

Side note: This interview took place six months ago. Warmest congratulations on the birth of your baby Anna.