Vladimir Grishko’s Directorial Debut: A Journey of Love and Music

Vladimir Grishko’s Directorial Debut: A Journey of Love and Music

Published: April 02, 2014

The premiere of Vladimir Grishko’s new music video for the song “Love Lights the Way” is just around the corner. What makes this video special is that Vladimir himself has taken on the role of director. We had the opportunity to sit down with the artist and delve into the inspiration behind his decision to try his hand at directing and the story behind his debut video.

The Birth of a Director

“Lisa”: Hello, Vladimir. First of all, congratulations on your directorial debut. Secondly, we’re eager to know, what inspired you to become a director?

Vladimir: The idea of directing my own video has been on my mind for quite some time. However, as it’s not an easy task, I decided to gain some experience and learn from the masters before venturing into this new realm. Observing or participating in the filming process is one thing, but leading it is a whole different challenge.

Overcoming Challenges

“Lisa”: Despite the challenges, you’ve managed to complete the video, and it’s now in the editing phase?

Vladimir: Yes, I’ve overcome the hurdles. I couldn’t and didn’t want to give up halfway. There were difficulties, but that’s normal for a beginner. I constantly sought advice from renowned directors and wasn’t shy to ask questions when something was unclear. My goal was to avoid disappointing my audience.

A Dream of Lost Love

“Lisa”: Tell us about your new music video.

Vladimir: The video for “Love Lights the Way” is a dream—a dream about lost love. The main character is visited in his dream by his beloved, a love he lost many years ago. The video will feature symbolism, and I believe each viewer will interpret it in their own way.

The Story Behind the Script

“Lisa”: Did you write the script yourself? Why did you choose this particular plot?

Vladimir: Yes, it’s entirely my idea. The plot came to me as I connected with the song “Love Lights the Way,” written for me by the young but very promising author Alexey Malakhov. It’s a very touching and sensual song that evokes deep emotions in those who have someone to remember. This is reflected in my new video. Love doesn’t disappear; it remains within us and reminds us of its presence.

A Romantic Appearance

“Lisa”: That’s very romantic… Will you appear in the video yourself?

Vladimir: Yes, of course. My “partner,” the leading lady in the video, is Yulia Sakhnevich—a superb choreographer and finalist of the show “Dancing with the Stars.” She will play the role of the beloved who appears in the main character’s dreams.

Involvement in Editing

“Lisa”: It’s known that the video is currently being edited. Are you involved in this process, or are you solely focused on directing while others handle the production?

Vladimir: You know, I’m a perfectionist and very meticulous in my work. I strive to see every project through to the end and will redo it as many times as necessary. Therefore, I’m also actively involved in the editing process. This is my brainchild—how could I abandon it at such a crucial moment? (laughs).

From Opera to Pop

“Lisa”: Let’s talk about your transition from opera to pop music.

Vladimir: My creative mentor and close friend, Luciano Pavarotti, once told me that a talented person has no moral right to confine themselves within certain boundaries. There’s nothing strange about an opera singer working in the pop genre. Moreover, working in opera requires adhering to specific canons. I decided it was time to experiment, feel something new, and see what I could achieve in this field.

A Diverse Audience

“Lisa”: How does the audience that comes to see you at the Metropolitan Opera in New York or the Mariinsky Theatre differ from those who listen to your pop repertoire?

Vladimir: Someone once asked me a similar question, and I replied that if I had sung classical opera pieces at the Metropolitan Opera and then suddenly switched to singing songs about dumplings and vodka, the audience would indeed be very different. My pop repertoire consists of very beautiful and restrained songs. I don’t allow myself any liberties. I could never sing about nonsense. Therefore, my audience pleases me—the most important thing is that people feel my music, and everything else is unimportant.

Spiritual Connection

“Lisa”: It’s known that you periodically sing at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and St. Vladimir’s Cathedral.

Vladimir: Yes, during my free time from tours, I try to sing at Sunday services. It’s a place where one can rest their soul, open up, and cleanse themselves from the hustle and bustle that fills our lives.

A Life Filled with Music

“Lisa”: So, you even sing during your leisure time?

Vladimir: I can’t help it (laughs).

Family Support

“Lisa”: Doesn’t your family mind that you dedicate so much time to music?

Vladimir: No, of course not. I’m the breadwinner in the family; I can’t just lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling. I’m always on the move. And any free minute I have, I dedicate to my beloved family.

A Weight Loss Journey

“Lisa”: By the way, since we’re talking about movement… You’ve lost more than 35 kg. Share your secret with our readers.

Vladimir: There’s no secret. You just need to understand that we eat to live, not the other way around. I excluded all products from my diet that don’t bring any benefit but affect weight. I completely gave up meat, sweets, and carbonated drinks. Some people panic at the thought of living without their favorite sausage and bread. But I can assure you that once you see the first results, you won’t want to touch harmful products again. I can now wear a suit that I wore many years ago. I feel much younger.

For more information, visit Journal Lisa.