Sakharov Alik - American director with Soviet roots

Even before the official release of the long-awaited fourth season of the popular television series "The Game of Thrones", it became known that the Russian actor will take part in the project for the first time ever. Yuri Kolokolnikov was given the role of Stir, the leader of cannibal-tenns.

Despite the furor that produced this news in the Russian media, only some fans of the series are aware of the fact that another well-known person speaking Russian speaks for the creation of the series. Sakharov Alik, who became the director of two episodes in the new season, was born in Uzbekistan and emigrated to the US many years ago.

Although he did not receive any formal education in the sphere of cinematography, Sakharov managed to find work in his beloved area. He shot several episodes in such prestigious television series as "The Sopranos", "Underground Empire", "Dexter" and "The Game of Thrones".

The beginning of the way

According to the man, he was completely unprepared for American life when, in 1981, he emigrated to the United States, having barely reached the age of 22. He did not even speak English, but at the same time he was determined to do everything in his power so as not to stay on the street and earn a living. Sakharov Alik managed to change a dozen jobs, while working at a gas station, then as a private cleaner, until he got a permanent place and did not become a watchmaker.

The director admits that he lacks academic knowledge about cinema, but he was interested in cinema from a small age and many times revisited the legendary films of Soviet masters, beginning with the classics of Andrei Tarkovsky and ending with the works of Alexander Dovzhenko.

Even in the Soviet Union, Sakharov tried to shoot amateur films. And in the US, earning enough money to repair the watch, to buy the necessary equipment, he began to offer services to businessmen in the filming of industrial video. Over time, large companies recognized the talent of the new American, and Saharov Alik was able to devote all his time to his favorite occupation.

The first picture

Industrial video and commercials faded into the background when in 1992 Sakharov made his first artistic film. It was a black and white silent film "Pause", on which the future master was inspired by the work of Andrei Tarkovsky. Until now, he considers "Pause" his best creation. Evaluating the director's skills of Alik, HBO invited him to take part in the filming of the television series "The Sopranos." This project significantly advanced the beginner up the career ladder.

Advice of a professional

What recommendations do Sakharov Alik give to the beginning Russian filmmakers? He believes that the most necessary character trait for working in cinematography is modesty. It is important to be able to rise from the zero level, but at the same time never hope that success will come in one evening. You just need to roll up your sleeves and start working; If you work hard, people will notice; If you have the talent, people will see.

As for the English language, Alik Sakharov, the director of many episodes of famous TV series, admits that he still does not have it at the proper level. He never took lessons and simply taught the language through scraps of conversation. And yet, despite not the most perfect possession of English, Sakharov quite successfully communicates with colleagues and actors.

Creating a legend

Although the current project of the director has millions of fans around the world, few know who Alik Sakharov is. "Game of Thrones" - a kind of creation of many hundreds of people involved in the cinema, and Alik himself refers to the series quite soberly and pragmatically. He recognizes the uniqueness of the storyline and the epic scope of the narrative, but at the same time reminds journalists every time: "The Game of Thrones" is just a great series. At the same time, the "Underground Empire" is also a great series. And the "Sopranos" - no worse.