Arina Sakoun: Passionate Hollywood Producer

Arina Sakoun came to the United States from Russia to pursue her passion of working behind the scenes in the film/television industry. She has worked on many projects including “The Ballad of Sadie LeBelle,” “Bidding of a Drug Dealer”, “Sleepless”, “Party Girl”, “Alienation”, “Leaving”, and others.

“As a producer I love to learn about all the creative ideas from other people and help them achieve exactly what they imagined their projects to be. The most exciting part of it is seeing the results. Coming to screenings or receiving stills or clips of works in progress. Every time I look at them, remembering all the challenges we had to overcome to achieve this and thinking: “Wow, we really did it. It was all worth it after all”. Every project I’ve taken has been more challenging than the other, but I work through it and learn. I am extremely excited for all the results of the team’s hard work.” – Arina Sakoun

When producing a movie or a play or commercial  what challenges come up?

Every production always brings new challenges. It is always about balancing between bringing the best version of the creative vision to life and being realistic with it considering all the resources available to us. But I think challenges are good, it often means the project is ambitious and therefore worth overcoming those challenges. I also believe they are something to learn from; how can you become a better professional if you only do the things you know how to do?

But I think if I had to pick the biggest challenge it would probably be time. There are so many resources that can be accessed if you just have time, which, unfortunately, most projects don’t.

When do you know your job is complete?

Every project has its own unique objective. I think my job is done when the main objective and the goal I was given is completed in the best possible way. Whether it be achieving the creative vision, financial success or creating an educational, entertaining or thought-provoking product. I also know that my job is complete when everyone involved in the project feels that their job is complete. At the end of the day it’s a collaboration between many people and truly successful projects are those that leave every member of the team satisfied at the end.

What is the nicest compliment that you’ve ever gotten after producing something?

I think the best compliment I’ve gotten as a producer was by the creator that hired me: “Thanks to you I was able to completely focus on all the creative aspects of the film and it made the experience of making a movie so much more enjoyable for me.” I’ve always looked up to producers who were able to create an environment which makes it the easiest for people to do the best job they can. I strive to be that kind of producer, so hearing things like that makes me really happy!

What aspects of producing turns you on?

I love creative work and working with creatives. Collaborating with talented people and seeing their visions come to life is what inspires and motivates me to work as hard as I do. I love being a part of the process every step of the way, from reading different versions of the script to seeing different drafts of the final cut to then finally watching the end product.

Would you ever consider going into acting and if so, what would be your favorite role from everything you know about producing?

I’ve done 8 years of theatre back in school and I enjoyed it a lot. I like acting and I have so much respect for people who choose it as a career and succeed in it. I found myself enjoying a lot of behind the camera work, so I decided to stick to that. I don’t know if the future holds any acting for me, but I think if it does I would love to act in something I wrote and produced.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to explore the field of production?

My advice would be to put a lot of time and effort into networking. Production is a collaboration and if you want a successful collaboration you need people who work well and work well with you and each other. Creating a network of talented people will give you the best chances at creating great projects and being invited to great projects in the future.

Follow Arina Sakoun on IG @arina.sakoun

Photo Credit: Arthur Guimaraes