'Never compare yourself to anyone, this is a dangerous action that can ruin you and your career!’
Step into the creative world of visionary director Maksym Getman as he takes us through his diverse career in photography and directing. In this exclusive interview, Maksym reveals his sources of inspiration, most beloved projects, and the unique challenges he navigates in his artistic journey.
"I’m Maksym Getman, and I’m a director. I dreamed of taking pictures from an early age. This dream remained a desire that was difficult to realize for a long time. My parents sent me to a military academy after school, where I studied for 5 years and acquired a new skill. Then, I began working as a military officer. This stage lasted for 2 years, after which I decided to embark on a new path that continues to inspire me to this day. I picked up the camera and started taking photos. Over the course of several years, I have created advertising and fashion campaigns for Ukrainian brands and collaborated with fashion magazines such as Vogue, Bazaar, L'Officiel, and more. The next stage was transitioning from photography to directing. The ability to lead large sets, interact with actors, and finally witness something truly impressive, vibrant, and magical in my work captivated me."
"I would say that in the world of photography, my greatest influence has been Mario Testino. He created such incredible stories through his photos. Everything in his shots was so light, airy, and stylish that you could almost lose yourself in those pictures. In the realm of filmmaking, I'm particularly drawn to the works of Terrence Malick and Paolo Sorrentino. These directors have their own unique genres, and in my opinion, their films operate on an entirely different level of perception."
"This is a new advertisement for Polestar that hasn't been released yet. However, this project is particularly meaningful to me. I've poured my emotions, personal experiences, and life lessons into it. What makes this project even more special is that it was shot in the mountains, which hold immense significance as a source of inspiration and energy for me."
"Each project has its unique challenges. Shooting cars, for instance, requires meticulous attention to technical details to ensure they appear attractive, showcasing their best features and forms. The same principle applies to working with artists in music videos – it's crucial to pay careful attention to essential aspects in every project."
"One of the most stressful moments in my career was when the DOP and I decided to shoot a music video for a German artist in Bangkok just two days before the scheduled shoot."
"Art projects hold immense significance for me as they allow me to unleash my full potential and showcase my skills to the fullest extent. These projects provide me with the creative canvas to craft something truly special."
"At this stage, my development in dramaturgy and working with actors is of utmost importance to me. These are the cornerstones of my future aspirations in the world of cinema."
"When I lived in Ukraine, I always dreamed of shooting advertising for Porsche, now this dream has come true."
"Work a lot more than I did, especially at the beginning. Time is the most valuable resource we own."
"My most favorite movie for me is 'A Hidden Life' by Terrence Malick."
A big thanks to Maksym Getman for sharing his insights and experiences in the world of photography and directing.
