About Creators: Nikita Khatsarevich

'You have to be the locomotive laying your own tracks and pushing straight through seas and oceans towards your goal. Inspiration may falter; discipline is the constant force!'

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Embark on an insightful journey with Nikita Khatsarevich, a distinguished Director of Photography from Ukraine. In this exclusive interview, Nikita shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the dynamic world of cinematography.

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Who are you and how did you start your career?

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"I’m Nikita Khatsarevich and I’m a DP. I started in Kyiv as soon as I finished school. Initially, I wanted to be a jazz musician and was passionate about playing the trumpet. However, I realized that I couldn't sustain the lifestyle of a musician. By chance, I ended up in Kyiv University of Culture and Arts."

Who or what influenced and inspired you the most at the beginning of your journey?

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"I have been and continue to be inspired by the fact that I have never worked a single day. DP is not a job for me; it's a part of my life, 99%. It works like drugs, you try it once, and then you never stop if you really love it. I want to be versatile and, for now, have the opportunity not to be limited to one style. I enjoy creating long, intricate technical shots, such as when an FPV drone is in the air, then caught by hands, passed to another person, and attached to a car with magnets. I also love mixing it up with short, action-packed scenes."

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Tell us about your favorite project. What makes it so important / special to you?

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"Each project is uniquely special. Every project represents a part of my life and the life of the team I worked with. I would say that my main project is myself. Trying to balance on two chairs and not forgetting about family and friends can be challenging. Lift your butt and start doing something that brings you closer to your goal! It's incredibly complex, contradictory, inconsistent, and selfish. Haha."

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What do you want to achieve in the near future and on a global level?

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"I would like to achieve perfect discipline and balance between everything that happens in my life. Also, I'd really like to film cars and start looking for scripts for feature films. Feel it could open more horizons for me, tell stories through the camera motion and lighting."

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The technology in cinematography is always evolving. How do you keep up with the latest advancements, and have any specific innovations significantly impacted your work?

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"Oh yes, that's a very good question. I try to keep an eye on all the latest trends in the market. I really love the 360 camera; it's a real gem. I enjoy coming up with complex and daring shots with it. It makes production a hundred times easier, and the results are almost as good as with a larger camera."

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Do you have a preference for shooting on film cameras or digital cameras? What are the inherent advantages and challenges you find in each?

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"It entirely depends on the project and the director. If the story we're telling benefits from film, then it makes sense. If not, a digital camera plus a skilled colorist can do a fantastic job."

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