An American-Ukrainian actor, producer, screenwriter, and filmmaker based in the United States, with international recognition at film festivals in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Sweden, including awards for acting performance and comedy-driven storytelling.

Professional focus centers on character-driven narratives, emotional authenticity in performance, and stories that combine humor with social and human depth. Experience spans all stages of the creative process, from concept development and writing to production and artistic evaluation.

In the judging process, a creative and performance-based perspective is applied, with particular attention to the quality of acting, depth and authenticity of characters, originality of storytelling, tonal balance, and the overall creative impact on audiences.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

The opportunity to see diverse creative approaches and strong ideas from around the world, and to stay connected to the industry.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job was on a TV show focused on “Court cases”. It taught me adaptability and how to work effectively as part of a team.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

The dramedy series “Just Matthew”. This project reflects my creative vision and has received international recognition, making it especially meaningful to me.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

Balancing creativity with the realities of today’s industry.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Clear storytelling, authentic performances, strong emotional impact, and high-quality production. It’s important how well the idea is executed and the overall impression the work leaves.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I develop projects from concept to production, working on story, characters, and production organization. What I enjoy most is bringing ideas to life — seeing how words turn into a living story.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I am currently developing a feature film based on the dramedy series “Just Matthew”.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

Observing people — myself, others, and my three-month-old daughter.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

I believe every person is born to make the world a little better. I found my path in sharing a positive message through characters people can relate to.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The industry is becoming more independent and accessible. To navigate it, it’s important to stay authentic, create your own projects, and focus on kindness, empathy, and human connection.