Mihail Faynshtein Producer and director Country: USA

Biography of Mikhail Feinstain

Mikhail Feinstain is a renowned producer and director, best known as the creator of the "Passport to Hollywood" program. This program allows Russian students to participate in a month-long training course in Los Angeles. The program covers various aspects of the entertainment industry, including acting, directing, language, and television.

Under Feinstain's guidance, the students have the opportunity to learn from acclaimed industry professionals and then independently create their own film at the iconic Universal Studios. Feinstain believes that getting into Hollywood is not an easy task, as it often goes unnoticed by tourists. He understands the challenges faced by aspiring filmmakers and aims to provide them with the guidance and connections needed to succeed in the industry.

Feinstain's journey in America spans over 16 years, during which he has gained valuable experience and insights into the workings of Hollywood. It was this realization that led him to collaborate with the Television School of Ostankino in Moscow to select the first group of students for the program. The selection process involved a casting call, ensuring that only individuals truly dedicated to their craft were chosen.

The program immerses the students in an intense and rigorous schedule, mirroring the demanding nature of the Hollywood industry. Feinstain believes that Hollywood is not just about the glitz and glamour often associated with it, but rather a place where hard work and dedication are paramount. The program features master classes led by industry professionals, including casting director Roni Yaskel, who has worked on Quentin Tarantino's films, as well as representatives from both Russian and Hollywood film industries.

Feinstain acknowledges the significance of accents in the industry, recognizing the success of actors like Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, who have achieved fame despite their heavy accents. However, he also acknowledges that the Russian market is still emerging in Hollywood, and while actresses like Olga Kurylenko are making waves, the industry is not yet fully open to Russian talent.

The program also emphasizes the importance of legal work authorization in the United States. Feinstain and his team provide visa support to the students, allowing them to legally work in America after a year. As a result of the program, three students have been invited to participate in film projects, highlighting the success and recognition achieved by the program's inaugural graduates.

Feinstain takes pride in his collaboration with the Ostankino Television School and is excited to open the doors of the program to students from all over Russia. Regardless of their location or educational background, Feinstain believes that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams in Hollywood. Final selections for the program will be conducted in Moscow, and all relevant information can be found online.