How is your project developing?

Our educational and entertainment web series “Multiratura” has entered its second season. Thus far, 14 episodes are out! In the recent series, the writers have come up with a new interesting take —in the end of each cartoon, we did a quiz on the series, and subscribers wrote answers in the comments. It was awesome! This year, “Multiratura” was also released in the online movie theatres “Ivi”, “Kion”, and “Kinopoisk”, and is about to be released on “OKKO”. We also participated in festivals, awards, and forums not only in Russia, but also in the world. By the way, this year “Multiratura” was submitted to the main web-series festival, Realist Web Fest, and is now a nominee for “Made in Russia” award of Snob project.

Do you have any new projects? Which?

After “Multiratura” web series, we produced two more: “MultiSpace” and “MultiHistory”. That is, in two years we have released more than 30 episodes, all in all. In the next few days we will be releasing the first work of our new direction, “MultiGeography”. All our projects have a common name —“MultiKnowledge” —multiznanya.ru.

 

Today computer technology is rapidly developing. Many interesting cartoon projects are appearing. How do you compete with other cartoons today? What helps you?

Through our cartoons, we try to lead young people on social media through humor to literature and Russian history. It’s just that we ourselves miss it! It turns out that if you make a product that you need for yourself, then it will be interesting to others! In fact, even our cartoons have derivative works. There are companies that produce cartoons with the same idea and even under similar names. Of course, at first we were outraged that our ideas (which have already been released and are even available in online cinemas) were being stolen, and that they were also taking funding for it. But that’s another issue and that’s on their conscience.

Speaking of competition, we love it, it motivates us to improve ourselves! At the same time, we have occupied a rather difficult niche for Russia: educational animation for young people (our cartoons are 12+). It’s neither hype content, which is quick to “score”, nor children’s content, where kids watch the same episode 100 times. But we have a powerful team, both in creation and promotion. In production, our strength are perhaps the best comic writers in Russia, headed by director Vladimir Fedorov, and a well-coordinated short cycle of cartoon production (we create a 3-minute cartoon in a week).

 

What would you recommend to aspiring professionals who also want to create cartoons? Are there any life hacks? Share you professional secrets.

We have more than 20 people on our team right now, and almost all of them are talented young guys of 18 years old or a little older. They are mostly self-taught. That doesn’t mean they didn’t study anything. On the contrary! They are constantly evolving, sending articles and tutorials on how to improve something. In our fast-paced world, that’s the ultimate life hack —constant self-development. There is no other secret, it seems to me that this principle is universal. You need to always be aware of the latest trends in the profession, follow competitors and thematic groups on social media, undergo training and develop.

 

In your opinion, which areas of digital culture are best-developing today? Mobile apps, websites, VR technology, or something else?

My point is that digital culture is what is very rapidly evolving right now! Look at five years ago —Russia didn’t have so many talented kids and projects back then. And the most unique projects emerge. In general, I see a big trend toward digitalization of culture. For example, 360 degree online tours of museums are just amazing! As for us, we are now planning to create a mobile application, a game, but not a simple one… with an educational and entertaining content, like our cartoons. We are looking for partners to do it.

 

What advice would you give to novices in creating digital culture projects? What shouldn’t one be afraid of during the startup period? What challenges are to be expected?

You need a good idea and a great team that believes in the project. All the rest is secondary. Any challenges is just a task to be solved to further proceed to the goal.