By: Ethan Brown
In the quaint, resort town of Mukachevo, Ukraine, where childhood options for creative outlets were few, Ruslan Prokhorov found his calling in an aviation modeling club. This early immersion in the mechanics of flight and the artistry of model building sowed the seeds for a future where the sky would become his canvas. Unlike his peers, who found joy in the simplicity of football games, Prokhorov was crafting his destiny, piece by piece, in the quiet of his workshop, embodying the youthful inventor’s spirit.
His journey took a significant turn when he moved to Russia in 2008, leveraging his economics degree to carve out a space in the television industry. It was here, amidst the bustling creativity of Moscow, that a chance encounter with a video of a young German inventor’s drone flight reignited his childhood fascination with flight. This was the spark that set Prokhorov on a path of aerial innovation, combining his boyhood dreams with his burgeoning technical skills.
With the unwavering support of his wife, Polina, who reminisces about Prokhorov soldering parts on her parents’ kitchen table, they invested their wedding gifts into what would become the foundation of their future. This kitchen, the birthplace of Prokhorov’s eight-rotor drone, symbolized the humble beginnings of an aerial odyssey that would redefine the boundaries of cinematography in Russia.
Under the banner of Newscopter, a company born out of necessity and ambition, Prokhorov ventured into uncharted territories. The buzz about a device capable of capturing cinematic quality footage from the skies spread like wildfire, cementing Prokhorov’s status as a pioneer in the field. His first televised aerial shots in April 2014 marked a significant milestone, not just for Prokhorov but for viewers who were introduced to a new dimension of storytelling.
However, Prokhorov’s heart always beat the fastest for the creative challenges and opportunities presented by the film, advertising, and music video industries. Collaborations with Hudjakov Production to shoot music videos for Russian icons like Timati, Meladze, and Egor Creed, as well as commercials for global giants such as Mercedes, Coca-Cola, and Porsche, allowed him to showcase the full spectrum of his creative and technical prowess.
Yet, it is his work on the Disney projects “The Last Warrior: Root of Evil” and “The Last Warrior: Dark Knight” that holds a special place in Prokhorov’s heart. These films, which have become as much a New Year’s tradition in the Prokhorov household as “Home Alone” has in others around the world, represent more than just professional achievements; they are a legacy of joy and wonder for children globally.
Today, as the owner of a pioneering company, Prokhorov’s journey is far from over. His recent accolade for actively contributing to the development of photo and video content on online platforms is a testament to his ongoing quest for growth and innovation.
Prokhorov’s story is a beacon for those searching for their passion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the dreams of a child, whether in a chess club, a robotics workshop, or an aviation modeling group, can illuminate the path to one’s true calling. For Prokhorov, the skies were not the limit but the beginning of a journey defined by boundless creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
