Back to Best Of

Lessons from amazing projects: Russian Ark

We’ve all had tough projects, but this one might just top them all, and it hits on three of my favorite topics: design, management, and film making. Here’s the rundown:

  • Russian arkIt’s one continuous 90 minute shot.
  • It’s a feature length film shot on an independent film budget.
  • The film spans 33 rooms of the famed Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg.
  • It has over 800 actors and performers.
  • It has various plays, dances and orchestral performances, all performed live and in a scripted sequence.
  • It took years to plan, write and develop the custom steady-cam technology.
  • They only had budget/time for 4 tries, and got it on the 4th.

I’ve both seen the film, and have visited the Hermitage (prompting a 2nd viewing of the film). Understanding Russian history helps make the film more than a stunt, as the story can be hard to follow (It’s an abstract and art-y film, both figuratively and literally as it’s shot in an art museum). But even without it, the film is a visual delight and a project management wonder.

If you’re a designer or a manager you’ll be in awe even if you only make it through half the film. Moreso, the DVD includes a making-of featurette that entirely blew my mind: it will put whatever is stressing you out right now into deep relief.

Trailer, netflix listing, and reviews.