Strange Occurrences on the Set of 'Hiding the Ex'
Director Serhiy Kulybishev has revealed a series of uncanny coincidences that took place during the production of the Ukrainian series 'Hiding the Ex'. The filming process encountered several unusual events, including an unexpected April snowfall and a real air raid siren sounding during the shooting of a scene that featured one. Despite these peculiar disruptions, production proceeded according to schedule without major issues.
The series, which consists of 10 episodes, premiered on a Ukrainian internet television platform. Kulybishev, who served as both director and screenwriter, noted that the crew joked extensively about the real snow falling on the day they were scheduled to film a Christmas episode, for which they had prepared artificial snow.
'We didn't expect it. The crew laughed a lot, saying, "Why did we even bother spreading fake snow in the studio when we could have just filmed outside?"' Serhiy Kulybishev
Further eerie parallels emerged with the actors' personal lives. For instance, the character played by Artur Logai expresses a fear of disability, a line that gained poignant significance after the actor lost a finger in an accident during the summer.
'The series is full of these strange coincidences. For example, Artur Logai's character says he's afraid of becoming disabled. You've probably heard—Artur actually lost a finger this summer.' Serhiy Kulybishev
Filming was meticulously planned, with the team calculating the required minutes of footage per day and budgeting for unforeseen circumstances. Although they occasionally fell behind schedule, they managed to recover the lost time. The story begins with four men meeting at the funeral of their mutual ex-girlfriend, with their names initially withheld from the audience. This series is part of a growing wave of Ukrainian productions gaining attention for their unique storytelling.
The Series' Significance for Ukrainian Cinema
'Hiding the Ex' represents an important project for Ukrainian filmmaking, as it blends elements of drama and the supernatural to attract viewer interest. The unpredictable nature of the shoot, exemplified by the April snow, underscores the serendipity often involved in the creative process.
- It taps into a growing interest in Ukrainian television series.
- It offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes.
- It incorporates contemporary realities, including the emotional impact of actors' personal tragedies.
Its release on an internet television platform is likely to boost its popularity with younger audiences and strengthen the position of Ukrainian content in the competitive media market.