Four seasons ofMasterChefhave been produced since the bombing began three years ago today, on February 24, 2022.
Schedules for the new run had been mapped out, tasks drawn up and cast confirmed.
Food-delivery logistics had long been organized with local suppliers.
A before and after of the ‘MasterChef Ukraine’ studio following a Russian airstrikeBanijay/Starlight Media
Then, in a flash, the devastating impact of the war undid all the work.
Pre-production was due to begin three days later.
An anxious line producer called Vyshniakova and relayed the carnage in front of her.
More images of the StarLight studio following the bombing
We had to evaluate whether we could produce the series there, she recalls.
Initially, they were in denial, like they were going through the stages of grief, says Vyshniakova.
Because of the damage, it was impossible to shoot.
Indeed that was the reality, and a solution was needed.
The STB online grid series has held a special place in local broadcasting ever since.
Elsewhere, we hear a local version ofWheel of Fortuneis in at 1+1.
Trumps intervention
Ukraine now finds itself at another crossroads.
Adding in itsBreakfast with 1+1morning shows and work with the United News team, that number grows even bigger.
It has already transformed, evolved and taken on a new form and meaning.
The international community does indeed continue to support Ukraines recovery.
Zolba Productions is making the show in collaboration with Film.UA.
Canal+ expects to launch it this year.
By default, thats not for everyone.
Like him or not, it was a major vote of confidence by a very public Western political figure.
Other global streamers are barely present.
That might be wishful thinking, of course, given the increasingly hostile rhetoric from Trump towards Zelenskyy.
For the TV community, everything has been about adaptability, bringing us back to theMasterChef Ukraineproduction team.
A new studio build could take months, so that was out and an existing base was needed.
I had such a high level of adrenaline that I couldnt think about anything else.
HODs quickly moved in and assessed the challenge, and designers and decorators were hastily called.
Incredibly, just a month after the bombing, production began.
Its an example of the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian TV industry working in extraordinary circumstances.
As Betweens Udut puts it, In todays reality, a Ukrainian producer is nothing short of a superhero.
Starlights Pyrih sees it in more practical terms.
During these war years, weve learned how to rely on ourselves, she says.
We make our plans, and if something changes, we change with it.
Vyshniakova adds, We are really optimistic because this is the only way to survive.
