Milana Maksiutova

Film and Stage Design

Works [Diaries]

11.2023

Siegeswahn (for Instant36 Competition)

It was a very fun and unusual project for me as a set designer (though I also tried myself as a make-up and clapperboard person in this one) — how does one produce a professional film in under 36 hours? Being invited on board two days before the start, I was honestly anticipating and dreading the process at the same time, only to end up having one of the most ambition-driven experiences I had so far.

08.2023

Klima retten für 99 Cents

This project was rather challenging, but nevertheless great for experience in many ways, being the first commissioned job. Because of the specific theme of climate change and the plot revolving around it, we had to produce many original designs, sometimes uncommon props – packs of oil tainted, fake banknotes being probably the best example.

07. – 08.2023

Opake Gesichter

I was invited in the project later than the initial team, having the task to support and lead the set design department in two locations from the script – a coffee shop and an underground swingers club – among helping out with a prop piece for a marionette theatre. Not only I think it was the most interesting project in artistic terms so far, but I met some of the best colleagues on that set.

06.2023

Nachts, wenn die Hunde bellen

My second project with Filmakademie Wien, where I was assisting for a few days of preparations only, having tasks like helping in cosmetic works in the main location – main character’s apartment- or consulting team members on props and how they fit into the Russian background and culture of the portrayed family.

04.2023

Cats & Dogs

My very first project in Vienna, a short film for Filmakademie Wien, where I was getting the hang of the shooting process and general things: how a usual working day goes like, what people on set do what and where one’s responsibilities start or end. A great learning experience, which showed me on practice how a set designer together with technical team can recreate many environments in artificial spaces.