1. Hello Marty, We appreciate you providing us with an exclusive interview regarding your project, “Frankly.” Viewing your project has made us very happy. Would you kindly describe your experience working on this project?
Thank you for the kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the project. “Frankly” was a deeply personal and spontaneous collaboration with my close friend and talented cinematographer Anatoly Trofimov. This project was born out of pure creative impulse, without any strict planning or structured approach. It actually started when some of our friends were doing a photoshoot as a creative experiment, and we decided to join them without any specific expectations. We brought along an ARRI FLEX 16 film camera, and every single shot you see in the final piece was conceived on the spot, shaped by the energy of the moment and our shared artistic vision. It was a truly organic process, driven by the desire to capture raw, unfiltered emotions, and I think that spontaneous approach is what gives “Frankly” its unique, authentic feel.
2. Why did you decide on this specific fashion idea?
The idea for “Frankly” was also born out of pure spontaneity. Initially, we didn’t want it to be just a collection of random behind-the-scenes shots from a photoshoot. Instead, we decided to add a narrative layer, something that would give the visuals a bit more depth and personality. Our approach was to capture real, unscripted moments, letting the two girls in the film share whatever thoughts or stories were on their minds. It didn’t have to be anything profound or deeply meaningful—just the kind of small, passing reflections that everyone has at times. It was more about capturing a certain atmosphere and being honest in the moment, without the pressure of crafting some grand, fabricated message. This is actually how the name “Frankly” came about—it felt like the perfect way to express the raw, straightforward honesty we wanted to capture. Just a candid glimpse into someone’s mind, without filters or overthinking.
3. Give us more information about yourself and your career path.
My journey as a filmmaker began in Russia, where I spent the first decade of my career working on a wide variety of projects, ranging from music videos and commercials to short films and branded content. About three years ago, I moved to Los Angeles, California, where I’ve continued to refine my craft, focusing primarily on fashion films and high-concept visuals. Since relocating to the U.S., I’ve continued to concentrate on working with top-tier celebrities and high-profile fashion publications. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned figures like Milla Jovovich, Renée Zellweger, Zoë Saldana, and Jessica Alba. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my creative vision resonate within the industry, and I’m grateful for the trust these icons place in my work. Independent cinema has always been a major influence on my style, as I appreciate its raw, honest approach to storytelling. I believe that fashion and film share a unique connection—both capture a moment, an attitude, or a state of mind—and this intersection is where my creative interests truly come to life.
4. Would you mind giving us a sneak peek at some of your next projects in this field?
As I continue to grow my company, Marty Rush LLC, my focus is on creating larger, high-impact projects for major fashion brands and publications. I’m excited to expand the scale and scope of my work, pushing the boundaries of what fashion films can be. My goal is to craft visually stunning, emotionally resonant content that captures the essence of the brands I work with while staying true to my minimalist, cinematic style. In the coming months, I’m planning to take on more ambitious projects that not only challenge my creative instincts but also allow me to collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. It’s an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to exploring new creative territories through Marty Rush LLC.
5. What have been some of the most challenging positions you have held in your professional life, and what challenges did you face along the way?
Working with celebrities is always both a privilege and a challenge. It’s a unique space in the industry where not only your technical skills matter, but also your ability to build trust and maintain strong personal connections. High-profile clients expect not just great visuals, but a professional, seamless experience on set. This means you have to be quick on your feet, with a deep understanding of lighting, framing, and composition to ensure they always look their best on camera. I’m particularly proud of my ongoing collaboration with Priyanka Chopra and the talented team at Fashion2Max. We’ve worked together on several projects, including her Gettin’ Ready video for the Met Gala, which was a collaboration with Bvlgari, filmed in New York. We’ve also captured significant moments like the South Asian Excellence at the Oscars event in Los Angeles, and even traveled to Mumbai for the launch of Max Factor in India. The fact that I’m trusted to join her on such significant projects—from Los Angeles to Mumbai—speaks volumes about the professional connection we’ve built over time. It’s this kind of mutual respect and long-term collaboration that I find especially rewarding in my career.
6. What is your opinion of the global entertainment industry as it stands today?
I think the most exciting thing about the global entertainment industry today is the sheer variety of content available. There is something for everyone—whether you prefer raw, human storytelling or cutting-edge, AI-driven content. The rapid advancement in technology has made filmmaking more accessible than ever, giving creators the tools to express themselves without the barriers that once existed. However, I believe that the key to thriving in this constantly evolving landscape is adaptability. You need to stay curious, open-minded, and willing to embrace new tools and technologies. Rather than seeing these changes as a threat, I view them as opportunities to expand my creative horizons and find new ways to connect with audiences.
7. To conclude, what message would you like to share with the next generation regarding your love of guidance?
First of all, I want to thank you once again for the opportunity to participate in this interview and for being part of your festival. I genuinely appreciate the work you do to support independent filmmakers, as it’s platforms like yours that inspire us to keep creating. As for a message to the next generation of creatives, I would say this: when you create, don’t worry too much about trends or the opinions of others. Instead, focus on being true to yourself and expressing what you genuinely feel inside. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset as an artist. Listen to your inner voice, trust your instincts, and let your work be a true reflection of who you are. Together, we can make this world a better, more inspiring place through the stories we tell.
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