Launching a New Production Company: Yuri Dvizhon’s Latest Venture
EXCLUSIVE: Yuri Dvizhon, a prominent Ukrainian showrunner, has inaugurated a production company based in London, kicking off with a star-studded series focused on sex education.
New Series Debut: The First Time
The First Time is a five-episode series that recently premiered on the Eastern European streaming service Megogo, marking the inaugural production of Dvizhon Studios. The series features notable personalities such as Oleksandr Teren, a Ukrainian war hero and amputee, who previously starred in the 13th season of Ukraine’s The Bachelor.
The show introduces a character named Niko, a puppet crafted by the puppet studio Talk to the Hand, known for their work on Mongrels and Yonderland. Niko is brought to life with the voice of Anna Lev, who is the official Ukrainian voice actor for Bart Simpson. The distinctive visual and graphic elements of the show were designed by Will Lim, a designer based in Seoul.
Set within the walls of the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, the series features co-host and social media influencer TUMAZAR, who facilitates open discussions. Niko, the puppet, engages by posing bold or unconventional questions that might not typically be asked by a traditional host. The library itself plays a role in the show, providing factual information and expert insights. The narrative is further enriched with street interviews and Niko’s humorous internal thoughts.
The creation of the series spanned over 36 months and took place in both London and Kyiv. It was developed in collaboration with the Olena Pinchuk Foundation, which aims to promote sexual education and foster informed discussions about sexuality in Ukraine, with additional support from the British luxury brand Aspinal of London. Dvizhon serves as the showrunner for the project.
Additionally, the show will be broadcast regularly on Megogo Music, which will include extended podcast versions of the celebrity interviews.
The First Time has also secured state co-financing for its second season through Tysiachovesna, a cultural support initiative in Ukraine.
About Yuri Dvizhon
Yuri Dvizhon, the founder of Dvizhon Studios, is a London-based filmmaker and showrunner with a rich portfolio that includes screenings at prestigious film festivals such as Series Mania, Berlinale Talents Sarajevo, Tallinn Black Nights, Stockholm International Film Festival, and Serial Killer. His recent works include Marriage (In)Equality in Ukraine and Pride Is Not Available In Your Region.
With over a decade of experience in the film industry, working on feature documentaries, TV series, music videos, and social impact campaigns, Dvizhon is now focused on developing a diverse range of entertainment, both scripted and unscripted titles. The First Time is a testament to the resilience of Ukraine’s filmmaking community in continuing to produce new content amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Directing much of this show from London while our team in Kyiv managed the production through blackouts and ongoing missile and drone attacks by Russia was a profound experience,” Dvizhon shared with Deadline. “It highlighted the stark contrast between creating a show about human connections and the harsh realities of war. I am proud that what began as a modest educational project has evolved into a comprehensive entertainment format with its own unique voice and visual identity,” he added.
Maria Panchenko, Content Director at Megogo, expressed her support: “Supporting projects that make a real social impact is crucial for us. The First Time blends entertainment with vital educational themes, providing a platform for open discussions about healthy relationships and self-acceptance, which is why we are excited to offer our viewers the opportunity to engage with such a pioneering show.”
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