Ada Chyrowska is a producer behind “Override” starring Luke Goss, Dean Cain, Amar Adatia, Jess Impiazzi and Kimberly Wyatt. She has worked her way up in the film industry and has now produced her first feature film. We chat with her today to discuss some of the challenged she faced in the film industry as she reflects on her prosperous career.
Can you tell us how you got into filmmaking? What drew you to it?
I come from a creative background as my parents both work in the arts as antique restorers. As a kid I’ve always had a vivid imagination and created stories, characters, and dialogues with my toys and figures. When I was about 9, I wrote a series of 3 short books.
For my a career, I had to find a job that contained all these aspects and filmmaking was it! I love producing and being involved in all stages of the filmmaking. I started off as pretty much everyone in the industry – being a runner and PA on various shoots and working in different departments – whatever was needed – art, camera or lights- I was there. I discovered that I enjoy the role of a producer, so I started working closely with different film and TV producers as production manager and then assistant producer until I felt confident to run my own production and make my own films.
Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve done in your career so far?
I’ve worked on production across film, TV and advertising. As much as I always say to keep your doors open and gain different experience, film has been the hardest but most rewarding for me and with time I was able to focus only on that. I still occasionally produce for TV and advertising, but I try to choose the projects that really speak to me.
What inspired you to create Override?
We randomly came up with the idea during a team dinner in a Chinese restaurant in Soho discussing Black Mirror and how it exploits the idea of reality TV. Next thing we knew we were throwing ideas for a new film – Override.
We combined our best ideas and next thing we knew Override was written and few months later we flew to Los Angeles to start filming. Like with everything in the creative world, you get inspired by things to see, watch and read and give it your own twist. You can be inspired anywhere and by anything.
What was it working with the Override cast?
Every single cast did an incredible job to bring the film to life, and my favourite part is seeing it all come to life when actors take over the characters from the pages.
Jess and I are good friends now as we spent so much time together in LA living in the same hotel. You create amazing bonds on set with crew and cast and we’ve been friends for a very long time.
You managed to produce at a young age, how difficult and exciting was that?
That’s probably the best summary – difficult and exciting. It’s the biggest responsibility to carry on your shoulders and you want people to trust and respect you, especially that most of the time I had to manage people who were a lot older than me. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, and I can’t see myself doing anything else. I love my job!
What’s your filmmaking mission? Name the most important thing you want viewers to experience when watching your movies.
I always want people to take something out of the films I make, whether it’s a message or for them to just simply enjoy the film. The best stories are stories inspired by people and our lives and even in Override you can find elements of that – the desire to be loved or the extent of our guilty pleasures.
Would you ever consider directing?
Never say never, it’s been on my mind for a long time – I would probably direct something I’m very attached to creatively, but I think it’s not the right time yet. It’s definitely in the cards in the future. When I do direct, I want it to be great otherwise what’s the point of doing it? But until then I still have so much to learn.
Do you think the film industry has changed in the last years?
It has changed drastically, especially with the shift to all digital platforms and overload of content. It takes very little for us to switch off a film or a series (myself included!) and we forget that it’s someone’s hard work. It also takes a lot to keep us gripped throughout and not look at our phones. That’s why I still enjoy going to the cinema, I feel like that’s the only time we can switch off and enjoy the film and celebrate the way it’s meant to be watched. This faces great challenges for film makers, but we have to make sure the content we create is original and gripping.
What’s next?
Since 2020 lockdown and having more time on my hands I’ve gone back to writing as it’s always been a passion of mine. I would definitely like to incorporate more writing into my work. We are currently working on two more feature films and it’s something totally new and different. I’m really excited for it.
OVERRIDE IS RELEASED ON 6TH SEPTEMBER ON DVD ANDDIGITAL PLATFORMS
Amazon DVD pre-order: https://amzn.to/3lCxqGg
HMV DVD pre-order: https://bit.ly/3lPZNBh
