Andrey Maximov, known to many as the author of the sensational series Slovo Patsana (The Word of a Boy), often talks about things that seem simple but turn out to be essential. In his interviews, he returns to the theme of dreams, but not as something ethereal, but as an inner compass. For him, it is not a fantasy, but rather a deep understanding of himself, without which any plans turn into running in circles.
Maximov's talk about the future is always practical. He believes that plans should be flexible and grow out of that inner dream. Success does not come from blindly following instructions, but is born at the intersection of honesty with oneself and hard work. It is this approach that seems to underlie his main project.
The phenomenon of Slova Patsana. Krov na Asfalt (A Boy's Word. Blood on the Asphalt) is the best proof of his words. The success of the series is not just luck or a lucky guess. It is the result of an honest desire to tell a story that truly moved him, without regard for current trends. History has shown that when an author is true to his goal, the audience feels it and responds with millions of views.
- In what roles in cinema do you feel most comfortable? Do you set any limits for yourself in your work?
- All actors have very different paths to choosing their profession. Tell us how you came to this decision.
- Many believe that the path of a true actor must be “thorn-filled” — years of service in the theater, endless auditions, minor roles before “the one role.” Do you agree with this opinion?
- Tell us about your student years: what were your expectations of your profession at that time and did they match reality?
- How did you get into the TV series “Word of a Kid. Blood on the Asphalt”?
- Did you expect the series to be so successful when you first read the script?
- Were you familiar with the project's director, Zhora Kryzhovnik, before the casting? What are your impressions of working with him?
- Tell us about your most vivid memory from the filming process.
- How do you prepare for a role and immerse yourself in the character? Before filming the series “The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt,” did you study materials about that period to get a more detailed feel for the story?
- Your colleagues from the project shared that they were not ready for so much attention from fans of the series. How are you experiencing this stage? Has the series changed anything in your life?
- Many actors are afraid of getting stuck in one role. Do you have that fear? What advice can you give to avoid it?
- What films inspire you?
- One of your most memorable appearances was in the series Fisher. What experience did you gain during filming?
- What role do you dream of playing? Tell us about your future plans.
In what roles in cinema do you feel most comfortable? Do you set any limits for yourself in your work?
I feel most comfortable playing characters who are not so straightforward. Who have some internal problems, issues that they want to resolve. I like such characters. I can't say that I prefer to play positive or negative characters. I don't set such limits for myself. I understand that if the script is good, if the director is talented, if all this is necessary to create a quality film, then I am ready to go a long way in cinema. I don't have any strict limits.
Andrey Maximov
All actors have very different paths to choosing their profession. Tell us how you came to this decision.
When I was five years old, I was with my nanny outside the city. At that time, an amateur theater troupe came to our House of Culture, although perhaps it was not entirely amateur — and I am wrong to call it that. This theater was called the Kvadrat Theater Studio. After the performance, I asked my nanny to take me backstage. I told her that I was incredibly interested, and she couldn't refuse me because she worked for us. My nanny took me backstage. There, I somehow got to know an actress. Of course, at the age of five, I couldn't really get to know anyone, but I was introduced to one actress. She told me about the children's theater studio at the theater, and soon I started attending classes there. At first, my parents tried to dissuade me, but they soon came to terms with it and began to support my hobby.
Many believe that the path of a true actor must be “thorn-filled” — years of service in the theater, endless auditions, minor roles before “the one role.” Do you agree with this opinion?
I fundamentally disagree with the opinion about the thorny path and service, and I believe that everyone has their own path. It seems to me that acting is a field in which there are no algorithms or equations whose solution guarantees success. Every actor follows their own path: some work diligently their entire lives but never get the role that will bring them fame. Others may find popularity in their very first project. However, this does not mean that any of them are better or worse — they are simply following their own paths.
Andrey Maximov
Andrey Maximov, creator of the sensational series “Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt,” spoke candidly about how believing in his dream and working hard led him to success. He emphasized that even the most ambitious goals can be achieved if you have a clear vision and are not afraid to start from scratch. For Maximov, it is important not just to dream, but to take action — to write, shoot, try, even if those around him have doubts. The series became not only a breakthrough for him, but also proof that a sincere story told from the heart resonates with viewers. And there are new projects ahead, because he has no intention of stopping.
Tell us about your student years: what were your expectations of your profession at that time and did they match reality?
— Vladislav, good afternoon! Congratulations on the release of your wonderful track “Daleko” (Far Away). Our entire editorial team has already added it to their playlists. Judging by other reviews, it was particularly well received by those who also enjoyed the live version of “Tysyachi ruk” (A Thousand Hands), which was done in the style of a rock ballad and differed from the rest of your work. Tell us, what are you more into right now: hip-hop/rap or lyrics, and which is more difficult to create?
How did you get into the TV series “Word of a Kid. Blood on the Asphalt”?
I got into “Slovo Patsana” like this: I was invited to audition for the role of Kashchei, which I really wanted to get. I prepared diligently, and when I arrived at the audition, the casting director said that the auditions had been successful. Then I attended the premiere of the series Fisher and learned from Vanya Yankovsky that Nikita Kologrivy had been approved for the role of Kashchei. I was disappointed because I wanted to be part of this project. About two weeks later, I received a letter with an offer to audition for the role of Zhelty, and of course, I was happy to get this role, which I now love very much.
Andrey Maximov
Did you expect the series to be so successful when you first read the script?
Of course, I didn't expect such success. And on the set, I don't think anyone expected such success, but when I got home, I said to my wife, “Sonya, I think this is going to blow everyone away,” and that's exactly what happened.
Were you familiar with the project's director, Zhora Kryzhovnik, before the casting? What are your impressions of working with him?
I am familiar with the work of Zhora Kryzhovnikov, director of the film Gorko. It is one of my favorite Russian films—incredibly funny and beautiful. I find it amazing that Andrei Nikolaevich (Zhora Kryzhovnikov) directed both the funniest Russian film and now the most dramatic one. I have wonderful memories of working with him, even though I didn't spend much time on set. Despite this, I observed the process from the sidelines and can say that it was organized at the highest level. The recommendations that Andrei Nikolaevich gave to other actors were very precise, which is of great value to any actor. Zhora knows how to express his thoughts concisely and accurately, which allows actors to better understand their roles.
Tell us about your most vivid memory from the filming process.
Those were two memories. The first was when there were scenes where Yellow was, so to speak, on his last legs. I was very nervous before filming, but in the end we all had a good time, laughing and joking. Those were some of the most fun shifts because I was very nervous and scared, so I kept joking and laughing to relieve the tension. The second moment I remember was related to Anka Peresild. At first, I was a little afraid of her and worried about working together, but Anya turned out to be an amazing professional actress, despite her young age. Working with her was a real pleasure.
Andrey Maximov
How do you prepare for a role and immerse yourself in the character? Before filming the series “The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt,” did you study materials about that period to get a more detailed feel for the story?
When I was invited to audition for the role of Kashchey, I read the book “The Word of a Boy” because one of the actors in our theater is from Kazan. I also watched a documentary on YouTube. So when I was approved for the role of Zhelty, everything had already settled in my mind and it was easier to work on the role.
Your colleagues from the project shared that they were not ready for so much attention from fans of the series. How are you experiencing this stage? Has the series changed anything in your life?
Of course, I wasn't ready for this turn of events either, and it was a big shock for me. I shared my thoughts with director Andrei Nikolayevich (Zhora Kryzhovnikov) about how the series showed that dreams of acting fame can come true. It's amazing, considering our age of clip thinking, when everything happens in fifteen seconds and everyone is in a hurry, that people suddenly spend time waiting for each new episode and watching the series. The love of the audience, their reviews and words are an actor's dream come true, and it's amazing! I don't think any of us expected such a turn of events. And this series has definitely affected my level of popularity and recognition on the street.
Andrey Maximov
Many actors are afraid of getting stuck in one role. Do you have that fear? What advice can you give to avoid it?
I am afraid of getting stuck in the role of a negative character, so I try to be selective in my choice of TV series. If I agree to play a villain, it has to be a vivid and memorable character, no weaker than Fisher or Yellow. That's why I advise actors to be selective, not to be afraid of missing out on an opportunity to earn money, and to try to diversify their portfolio by participating in various film projects.
What films inspire you?
I have a favorite film director—Paul Thomas Anderson. All of his films inspire me. I watch how the actors perform, how everything is thought out and created, and I want to start working as soon as possible to be at the same level.
One of your most memorable appearances was in the series Fisher. What experience did you gain during filming?
I think that participating in this project was my first serious professional experience. In my interviews, I always speak gratefully about Sergey Talalayev and Lyubov Lvova. They literally took me by the hand—both literally and figuratively—and helped me, even though I was very nervous. I am very grateful to them for everything that happened on set.
Andrey Maximov
What role do you dream of playing? Tell us about your future plans.
I dream of a role that is completely different from the roles of Zhelty or Fisher. I want to play a kind, funny, perhaps slightly naive character. This is closer to me than the roles of villains, which I also love, of course.
In fact, I don't have a specific dream role. I dream of interesting projects. I want to come to the set not only to earn money, but also to study my character with interest and talk about him at home.
A conversation with Andrei Maximov is an honest conversation about the most important things. He reminds us that dreams and determination are not just pretty words, but a working tool that helps us move forward no matter what. His own path is a vivid confirmation of this.
The huge success of the series “The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt” was not the final goal for him, but a new step. It is the result of painstaking work and belief in the project. Maksimov looks to the future with new plans and ideas, proving that true success is when one achievement naturally paves the way for the next.
Ultimately, Andrei's story is about how important it is to listen to yourself and not be afraid to follow your dreams. His experience inspires us not to wait for ideal conditions, but to act here and now, turning ideas into real, high-profile projects that resonate with millions.
