Irina Vysotskaia

What drew me to screenwriting was the desire to share a vision. It’s like having an ongoing conversation with the audience — a way to explore specific points of view and raise awareness about the emotional and societal dynamics that shape us. That sense of purpose continues to fuel my passion for the craft.

It’s a deeply personal process for every writer. For me, it feels like entering a channelling state. The most important step is discovering the message I want to convey — and the characters meant to bring that vision to life. That part can take years. Once the core is clear, the writing tends to flow quickly. I often say I like to “date” my characters, in a sense — to get to know them deeply — so that the script becomes a bare record of our exchange. I wrote PROGRAMS in a week, yet I spent a year searching for the storyline that could channel the vision.

I draw inspiration from collective consciousness — the challenges we face as a society, the systems that need change, and the human experiences that deserve a voice. My attention naturally gravitates toward issues that are ripe for reflection or evolution. When it comes to the characters, they’re usually sparked by personalities I’ve met, ones I admire, or ones I’ve gotten to know through letters, memoirs, and biographies. Their stories bring depth and authenticity to the scripts.

I have a special connection with PROGRAMS, especially considering the feedback it has received. It was written with the intention of touching subconscious programming — and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how that resonates with audiences. That said, I believe every project I’ve worked on holds a unique resonance and serves its purpose in its own time.

Honestly, with excitement. If you’re truly passionate about what you do, your perception of difficulty shifts. I tend to approach challenges as creative opportunities — they’re simply part of the journey.

In short — alignment with their current needs. The industry is ultimately seeking success and profitability. If professionals believe your screenplay has the potential to become a successful film, that opens doors. Your concept, structure, and writing must all be sharp, but most importantly, the script needs to appeal to the industry’s sensibilities at the right moment.

Yes — I often aim to surface unconscious programming that no longer serves us. My goal is to create stories that empower people to reflect, release limiting beliefs, and reimagine a more conscious way of living — both individually and collectively.

I see storytelling moving toward more unifying, universal themes — narratives that resonate across cultures and borders. That shared sense of humanity is what excites me most. It’s a powerful time to be a storyteller.

First and foremost: hold on to your vision and your unique voice. No one can be you better than you — and that means you’re not truly in competition with anyone else. That authenticity is your greatest strength and the key to standing out. Once your voice is clear and confident, the rest becomes a matter of strategy and marketing.

I’m currently in ongoing negotiations regarding my novel, stage plays, and screenplays, which is very exciting. I’m also deeply inspired by my next script, which is already in progress. It’s a beautiful thing to feel that creative fire burning consistently.