NYFA Alum Anatolii Panchenko talks about his career and playing the role of Mikhail in the TV miniseries INFINITI, nominated for an International Emmy
New York Film Academy (NYFA) Acting for Film alum Anatolii Panchenko is a Ukrainian-born actor. Anatolii was part of one of the biggest TV shows in France — Le Bureau des Légendes (a.k.a The Bureau) as Alexis Bakatine in the show’s fifth season, and most recently played the role of Mikhail in the now Emmy-nominated TV miniseries INFINITI.
Anatolii spoke to NYFA about his recent projects and career after graduating from the One Year Acting for Film in 2019.
NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?
A.P: I grew up in Donetsk, Ukraine. In 2014, during the initial phase of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, my family and I relocated to Kyiv. Subsequently, I dropped out of university and started working on ships. However, I’ve always been obsessed with film and during one of my stays in Kyiv, in between contracts, I went to the admissions event of NYFA and later got an offer to study. I didn’t take it then; I went on and worked at sea for another 6 months. But the desire to learn more about film had been haunting me. Eventually, I thought, 'What the heck, I should give it a go.' So I quit my job at sea and went on to study in Los Angeles for a year.
Photo by Anna VialovaNYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? Have you won any awards or been showcased in any festivals or competitions?
A.P: I got incredibly lucky to land my very first audition in the industry for the French Spy TV show 'The Bureau' (Le Bureau Des Légendes). I couldn’t believe I got it; the circumstances of how I secured the audition and the casting process make for quite a story (I ended up sending 16 different takes within a period of two months to get the part). I remember flying to Paris and heading to the studio for our table read. The person who drove me to the meeting asked how much I knew about the show (I joined in the final 5th season). I honestly replied, 'Not much.' He then said, ‘It’s a big deal here... probably one of the best shows ever produced in France.' I was floored. Meeting all the folks, working with brilliant co-stars under the direction of Éric Rochant was one of the best memories I’ll ever have.
NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about the TV Miniseries INFINITI & how you got involved in the project?
A.P: When 'The Bureau' was about to premiere at CANNESERIES, I auditioned for 'INFINITI.' I did the self-tape, sent it over, and then the pandemic struck. CANNESERIES got cancelled, and I returned to Kyiv. I started working with local productions on commercials because longer narrative projects were on hold. About a year later, I received news that 'INFINITI' would be in production in Ukraine within a few months. I remembered the part of Mikhail I had previously auditioned for, which I apparently didn't get. But I called my agent and said that I want to audition for the project again. I recalled how ambitious it was, and I loved the role of Mikhail. I entered the casting room, auditioned for another part, and secured it. However, a few days later, my agent called and said they wanted to consider me again for Mikhail. So, I went through more rounds. Eventually, Thierry Poiraud flew to Kyiv, and we conducted a live casting session, and I landed the part. Just took me a year to get that role:)
BTS of INFINITI; Photo by Denys Lisovets | © Empreinte Digitale / Federation Entertainment Belgique / Canal+
NYFA Alumni Network: How did you prepare for the role of Mikhail in INFINITI?
A.P: Mikhail is the right hand of the flight director, and (spoiler alert) eventually steps up under insane circumstances and takes charge in Mission Control. I was eager to understand the dynamics within MC, the responsibilities of the flight director, and how they collaborate with astronauts and other departments. I did as much research as I could on this. Moreover, Mikhail's inner journey struck a chord with me, resonating deeply with my own personal experiences.
BTS of INFINITI by Denys Lisovets | © Empreinte Digitale / Federation Entertainment Belgique / Canal+
NYFA Alumni Network: What was your reaction like when you found out that the series has been nominated for International Emmy Award in the TV Movie/Mini-Series Category ?
A.P: I was floored and couldn’t believe it. I remember texting Éric Laroche, our producer, saying, 'No way!!?' The next three messages came in real fast: 'ABSO', 'F***ING', 'LUTELY'. Emotionally, I felt like I did a backflip.
BTS of INFINITI by Denys Lisovets | © Empreinte Digitale / Federation Entertainment Belgique / Canal+NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project and others?
A.P: I think working with the camera department was a skill I heavily leaned on. Our DoP on INFINITI, Christophe Nuyens, brought custom anamorphic Panavision Lenses from Paris. His team used top-notch camera equipment, so skills like blocking, working with light, adjusting performances according to the specific lenses used, framing, and different camera rigs came in very handy.
At NYFA, we rotated through diverse roles, giving us an understanding of how productions function. So I also had immense respect for all the departments on set. When there are a hundred people around you making efforts to make the show look great, you just can't afford to give anything less than your absolute best.
The NYFA Alumni Network congratulates Anatolii on all his success!
Check out these articles on The Bureau and INFINITI:
https://www.vogue.com/article/the-bureau-french-tv-season-five
INFINITI:
https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/infiniti-canneseries-canal-plus-studiocanal-1235222771/
https://canneseries.com/fr/series/infiniti/?fbclid=IwAR2wmN8uK-Gf9XbdP1PjTnlacxVcYL587gydouJxavy-CtETmX55NFEtRLA
https://www.iemmys.tv/international-emmy-awards/nominees/
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