NY Elite: Congratulations on being an ISC finalist. What does it mean for your work to be selected at the International Screenwriting Competition in New York?

Leonid Lopatin: I am very humbled and honored to have been selected as one of the finalists with the screenplay “The price of redemption”. As a creative person, it is important for me to get recognition for my creativity.

NY Elite: Can you tell us about the work that you participated with at ISC? What is the story about?

Leonid Lopatin: The hero, whose life is filled with love, has a successful career, but loses everything in an instant.

He is accused of bloody crimes against women. Fortunately, he is acquitted for lack of evidence. The process takes seven long years. He no longer has the strength to return to normal life, he sinks to the very bottom. He is attacked and mortally wounded by two unknown persons. The doctor gives him a month to live.

Suddenly, as if a miracle happened, a little girl appears. Her purity and naivety make him begin a new life. But to receive the reward of new life, he goes through the bloody mess of redemption.

Part of the story is based on true events. Names and places have been changed.

NY Elite: Can you tell us yourself and your artistic talents?

Leonid Lopatin: I am an artist and have studied art and architecture in St Petersburg.

NY Elite: What scripts have you written so far?

Leonid Lopatin: I have written, directed and produced the feature movie “The die is cast”, which has been awarded in 2017 with 11 awards at film festivals around the world. Furthermore I have written the playscreen for the feature movie “The eight flags warrior” and for a TV series “Kalyta” which is filmed 2021-2022. One of my earlier works is a movie for children “Peter and Jan” in 2000, followed by a comedy “The bank robbery” in 2007.

NY Elite: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in?

The eight flags warrior: playscreen writer and producer.
Kalyta: writer, director and producer.
The die is cast: writer, director and producer.

NY Elite: What type of scripts do you want to write in your career?

Leonid Lopatin: Feature films, genre: action and drama.

NY Elite: As a writer, what is the most important aspect of building a character?

Leonid Lopatin: As a writer, for me the most important aspect of building a character is that the hero is  memorable and possesses a unique character.

NY Elite: What projects are you currently working on?

Leonid Lopatin: Filming the TV series “Kalyta”.

NY Elite: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways?

Leonid Lopatin: I express myself creatively in many different ways: I draw pictures and I have had exhibitions in different parts of the world. I work as a designer and work in different 3D programs. I illustrate books, I have built two violins and I have also designed and produced furniture.

NY Elite: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking/writing?Leonid Lopatin:

Leonid Lopatin: My advice to writers looking to pursue a career in the film industry is to try to make their own movie. Trying to see your story through the eyes of a director, through the eyes of a cameraman, and in the end through the eyes of movie spectators. That is the success of your story!