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Your feedback wanted about video (DVD) we're creating about Russian-Wst relationships
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Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Everyone....

Some of you know that I have produced and directed documentary films and other video programs that have been broadcast on television...

I am considering producing and creating some videos/ DVD's about Russian-Western relationships... (I am not sure whether I would like to do this- or rather, whether I have the time at this time to do this- but I am considering producing them now)....

I wanted to hear about some of your ideas about what kinds of videos/ DVDs that you would like to see, what you believe would be of greatest interest and use to you and to others...

Here are some initial brainstormed ideas that I jotted down as to videos that I thought might interest peoiple and be of value to them: (all of them are centered around Russian-Western relationships, and mostly are aimed at Western men seeking advice on relationships with Russian women):

--how to find the best Russian relationship/ match for you

--Lena and Khashyar's story (how they met and their suggestions for others seeking Russian-Western relationships)

--advice for Western men in how to find and have a successful Russian-Western relationship

--What is a Russian-Western relationship like?

--Different Russian-Western married couples speak about their relationships

--Why Russian women seek Russian-Western relationships

--What it's like being married to a Russian women

--Lena's advice for meeting and communicating with a Russian women

--Lena and Khashyar's advice about communicating with a Russian woman

--10 things to avoid when meeting a Russian woman/ pursuing a Russian-Western relationship

--Why Russian women seek Western men for relationships (Russian-Western relationships)

--What a Russian woman really wants

--How to avoid being scammed

--How to communicate with a Russian woman

--How to tell if a Russian woman is a scammer. (how to avoid being scammed by a Russian woman)

--How to find the Russian woman of your dreams (the perfect Russian woman for you)

--What do Russian women believe?? What is the mind of a Russian woman

--How to find happiness in your Russian-Western relationship.

--All about Russian women

--Inside a Russian woman's mind

--The Russian women's roundtable: answering men's most commonly asked questions.

--Why Russian women are seeking Western men

--How to find love and happiness with a Russian woman

--Lena and Khashyar's advice for seeking a Russian-Western relationship

--An Introduction to Russian women (Russian Women 101)

--Conversations with Lena and Khashyar about Russian women and Russian-Western relationships

Again, this was an initial brainstorm of ideas, and I would appreciate receiving your feedback about this, as well as your ideas as to what video topics you feel would best serve your needs and be of interest to you and to others...

Do you feel that these types of videos/DVDs would be useful and interesting to Western men??

I welcome and appreciate your feedback.

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

Please add other ideas of what video/DVD topics you feel would be of most service and interest to others....

Thanks,

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

By the way, these videos/DVDs would be informational videos where people can hear Lena and my ideas about Russian-Western relationships in person and in our own words, rather than being more artistic films like the documentary films and broadcast videos that I have produced

If (or when) I do produce these videos, they will be created with the goal of serving those who watch them by providing them with honest and helping information based upon Lena and my experience with Russian-Western relationships...

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

Lena and I were speaking about this last night, and Lena mentioned that she wanted to gather some of her Russian friends together (in America) and film informal conversations with them about their lives in America, their views on Russian-Western relationships, etc...

We also spoke about filming the same informal conversations with Russian-Western couple (husbands and wives together)...

I am going to work on ideas for what would be most appealing and helpful to Western men in this kind of video, and would appreciate your feedback about this...

Khashyar

Posted by: briang61

Hello Khashyar,

This idea is a good one. I especially like:

"How to find love and happiness with a Russian woman".

"Lena and Khashyar's advice for seeking a Russian-Western relationship"

"The Russian women's roundtable: answering men's most commonly asked questions."

I think another area of interest would be the dreaded Visa Process. Maybe even a video that would help explain, prepare and ease the minds of Western Men's future brides. This would be in Russian of course.

Brian

Posted by: Khashyar

Thank you for your feedback, Brian...

Lena and I are working on the treatment for the first video now, and may film in a week or two...

I think that the video that we will create first will be entitled something like: "How to meet and happily marry a Russian woman"

We want to create the first video for the benefit of Western men, because I feel that that is the group that would have the most interest in a video...

Lena and I are going to structure it as a primer and 30 minute detailed summary of the Russian-Western relatioship process, from start to finish.....

It will probably be about 30 minutes long.....

I welcome more ideas as to how we should structure the video/ DVD

Lena and I will consider the suggestion for the video about the visa process for Russian women... Thanks for the suggestion.

Khashyar

Posted by: j_c

Have you thought about posting them on the internet as a downloadable film , I know the resolution would have to be cut down , but it would be available to a much wider audience.

Regards

JC

Posted by: Khashyar

Hi JC...

Thanks for your feedback.

It's possible to place a downloadable version of the video online on our website, though it probably would be several megabyte in size, and not the best resolution... You can only compress a certain framesize at a certain quality in a MPEG or AVI file...

There also would be the question of the bandwidth it would use/ take up on our website...

But, Lena and I can consider it, as well as consider perhaps places clips or segments of the video on our website...

Khashyar

Posted by: Bordric

I think you should add something about the family mainly parents and their reactions or something. I do not know really but just something on my mind today.

Both sides also. Considering my brother thinks I am insane for seeking a lady outside of the community so to speak.

Posted by: Laters

Great idea Khashyar! Seems like you got a lot of great topics already laid out.

The addition of what the families of the RW think about this, as well as the families of the AM, is also a great addition.

You might also add a topic of why AM seek RW relationships in the first place. I know a lot of men enter this arena with the goal of finding a Russian wife. As for me, it wasn't my intention. Just sort of happened. The idea "why looking for a lifetime partner shouldn't be limited to your town" is interesting. If you tapped all the sources in your town, your city, your state... well there's 50 other states. Or you could get crazy and start large, with the world, and narrow it down. To be honest, the thought of dating or even marrying a woman outside of the country never ever occured to me. But I'm certainly glad it happened!!!!

If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to let you know.

Posted by: Missouri

Good idea but sounds like it might get more competitive for us men- But that's life- Right?

But seriously sounds like a good idea- Personally I would like a hardcopy to be available- Also- How about the top 20 questions that American men ask about the ladies- and vice versa for the laides asking about the men. Sounds like you've got many of those questions covered in your brainstorming.

Posted by: Greg in Ga

If you could get one of the bigger and cheaper calling card companies and maybe even a travel agency to help with some of the cost. I think you could make this idea work. Who knows how big this thing could be. I think having some different couples and small stories of how relationships did and didnt work out would be good.

Posted by: Khashyar

Thank you very much for your feedback, guys

I think that Lena and I are going to begin filming this weekend, and are going to continue to film for about a month...

Please feel free to add your other comments, thoughts, and suggestions about the DVD/Video here...

Thank you,

Khashyar

Posted by: Arnold_2

Hello Lena & Khashyar!

A movie entitled:

"Cultural Misunderstandings"

is on the top of my list.

It could be a comedy with serious undertones. It could be really good!

Remember the thread in which Brian (Jutman) brought up the issue that you have to take care of the resident cat, if you want to rent a flat in Moscow?

I thought that was the funniest thing ever!

In the US, I find it funny to see people with their pants down to their ankles walking in the street, as if they forgot to pull them up after using the restroom.

Even the term "restroom" is funny, because I envision a room with beds and sofas!

If this becomes a boxoffice hit, I want my 10% comission for generating the idea.

Best Wishes, Arnold

Posted by: Khashyar

Thanks for your input, Arnold...

I can see how producing something on cultural misunderstandings would be useful to Westerners, and is something that we might create in the future...

While Lena and I are in Washington D.C. for a couple of weeks (beginning at the end of March), we will begin filming the video/DVD, and will let everyone know how it is shaping up...

Thanks for everyone's feedback and ideas....

(Arnold, if the cultural misunderstandings video makes it on the top 10 list, then we will send you a certified check with a cut of the profits

) Thanks again for your input, Arnold...

Khashyar

Posted by: sidney

Russians are a superstitious people. Topics about what to do or not do might be something to look at. When meeting someone for the first time you don't want to offend or give a wrong impression. Also with so many ligitech computer cameras you may be able to put together one or two minute clips of members and what they feel is important to discuss. You can edit these and use what you feel acceptable. I know the quality isn't there but distance doesn't allow personal interviews and not everyone has a video camera. Just my 2 cents worth.
Sidney

Posted by: lruse

Khashyar,

In the event that you are still in the DC area I would welcome you to SouthWestern Pennsylvania. We have a small Russian population in this area that supports a local resort. I myself am originally from the area and married a Girl from St. Petersburg 3 years ago. I have travelled to Russia several times now, the most recent was in Jan. of 2004...Moscow to Komi republic then Northbound to Inta VIA train....I have travelled to St. Petersburg as well.....The Hermitage is awesome!!!!!!!

-Lee

Posted by: Juggler

The whole idea sounds good and will be of great help to others but will the Russian / Western theme also include the problems of British guys too?
Although most problems are very similar, we have our own unique problems.
I would be happy to assist in any way I can if you proceed with the project.

Posted by: That1Guy

Hey Khashyar,

Great idea! You certainly have many topics that I would have chosen already on your list. Although it would definitely be expensive and time-consuming, I think it would be interesting to see interviews of couples that are just starting their correspondence, and follow that through to a conclusion.

I wonder if you might also consider interviewing people at some of the private and government entities involved in this process. For example, employees at the various government agencies, immigration attorneys, marriage agency owners or employees, etc.

It would be interesting and informative to hear their perspectives. Do government agencies really do things to make this process difficult intentionally? To what degree do marriage agencies commit fraud in order to extract cash from lonely western men and Russian women? What about legitimate marriage agencies - what pitfalls can these people identify? What advice can they offer? What are some common mistakes that can unnecessarily complicate or delay the immigration process? What resources are available to help with the process?

Also, maybe more emphasis from the RW perspective? What can Russian women expect from their western husband? What differences turn out to be problematic? What about life in America, or other "Western" countries? What are their expectations, and how might these differ from reality? Are there typical reactions at various stages of the process that can be identified and discussed? I suspect the market for this information is very likely much smaller compared to information targeting western men, but I would think Russian women would find it interesting and helpful. Thinking about it, I know I would be interested in seeing things from this perspective, so perhaps too would other western men.

I would certainly like to help, but I'm not sure how I can.

Guy

Posted by: Hostile_hostage

Why not interview couples. You could highlight successes and failures?
A good idea would be to get a guy and follow his search from start to finish.
I guess you would give him a camera and he would keep a daily diary. If the film proved successful I'm sure people on here would love to see it!

Posted by: jeffs

I think it would also be great to interview both russians and westerners that are not familiar with the process to get a third party perspective and generalizations. Maybe some Russian students at a local university.

Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Just a thought about this, if you are still 'doing' it.

I would be interested to see this is a more international project as the RMP has people from nearly every continent and we are all different to a certain degree. I would also like to see a segment with more of the womans perspective coming out than the mans, I know how I think, and I think most guys here know how they think, but how does the woman think.

SOme Q's? I'd like to see answered in something like this would be:

What is life like for her in her home country on a daily basis?
What types of things have an impact on the womans idea of westerners, especially men?
Why are these ladies, not fat Yuri's, interested in the possibility of marrying a foreigner, who could be a psycho for all they really know, instead of someone from their own people?
Myth's V's Reality - The RW-WM Relationship what are the facts for the ordinary person? (After all I think we are all just normal people).

I know these throw many angles into the equation but I think just a simple doco could make more questions than answers and would result in confusion anyway as not all RW's are the same and Russia (infact the entire FSU) is a massive land with many different expectations on the part of the ladys themselves. If a guy watched something that covered women from say St Pete's or Moscow but was interested in a lady from a small centre say Barnaul of somewhere in Moldava then the experience would probably be very different for the couple.

Just MHO.

I would really like to see this done if it was done truthfully showing both sides and not just being overly positive or negative as these things have been in the past. Infact I would put myself in to take part if an offer was made.

Posted by: Juggler

I'd just like to point out that this thread is very old and I think already resolved .............but its just my opinion

Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggler

I'd just like to point out that this thread is very old and I think already resolved .............but its just my opinion

Onya Juggler, that is why I asked how was it going, after someone else reopened the topic for discussion.

Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Everyone...

Oz... since my documentary film project is requiring so much of my effort, I have put aside the Russian DVD for now.

When this documentary film is finished, then I can re-evaluate whether I am able to resume it.

I wanted to make this DVD about Russian-Western relationships, but I have not had the time to work on it recently.

Khashyar

Posted by: TribalLord

I would clarify for people that using the term Russian woman isnt' just being applied to only Russian woman but woman from all of eastern europe since all of those countries had been under Russian control and it would be not practical to say Russian woman and say the each countries woman also. Using Russian woman is more a umbrella term for all woman of that region.

Posted by: broncosfan

Hey Khashyar. My boss and I have talked about similar things, but in book format. He is a member of rotary, "a networking group that supports the community," and has weekly speakers. He wants me to speak at one of the meetings. But, I have to admit that I don't feel comfortable with it. Everyone one that has heard of my travels wants to hear more. So I do beleive it is a good idea. On the other hand, I wonder if some Russian people would find it insulting. I have heard so many stories about the agencies in the FSU. The women I am with, worked at a casino. She told me that one day 2 women aproached her and the other women that worked there. They were told that a new agency was forming, and all they needed was there picture and pleaded for their help. She did, and shortly after was constantly getting phone calls, letters, e-mails, etc. She had one visit, and did not care for the man. When he left, she asked to have her picture removed, but it did not happen. The meetings with the men were held at the casino, and she would watch women marry for money not love. She began to judge the men who came out there, and the women that would attend. I had already booked my flight when we started talking. When I arrived, I was met by her friends not her. The first day we spent time together, she admitted that she had not read many of my letters. Someone from the agency was responding, not her. To this day, we both make no mention of how we met, and debated whether we should tell the truth during the K 1 visa process. To us, it takes away from the miracle of our meeting....... My boss suggested to do a book "movie for you" on internet romance. A large portion could be dedicated to international dating, but it would not be " A beginners guide to the Russian bride". Something like this may avoid stereotypes.

Posted by: frankcott11221

HI, not to sound like a drag but could you put some facts about how American Men are scammed, screwed with divorce court yet the pansies in our government don't make laws to protect us? For example, the faluse DV tool, after she gets a green card your out she is in.

Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Everyone,

I am still considering making a DVD on "Russian Western relationships and marriage," and wanted to revisit this thread to get some more ideas and feedback for it.

As part of the DVD, I thought of including:

1) footage of my first trip to meet Lena (I filmed a few hours of my trip there).

2) parts of our wedding video in Belarus (the ceremony, some of the reception, etc.)

I am also still thinking about what would be the most interesting content for the average person who would be interested in this kind of DVD.

On one hand, I want to put my energies into the broadcast documentaries that I am producing, but on the other, I have some interest in spending a little bit of time to produce an informative DVD about Russian-Western relationships.

I probably would create the content for the person who is just beginning to be interested in Russian-Western relationships, rather than someone who was already married.

Let me ask you some questions:

1) Do you think that there would be interest in such a DVD

and

2) The DVD (if and when I produce it), would probably focus on being informative. What kinds of topics and material would be of interest to a person interested in Russian-Western relationships?

Please feel free to post a list of topics and things that would interest the average person (probably a single man) who might be interested in this DVD.

Thanks for your thoughts and feedback.

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

Also, then information would probably be presented through narration and with Lena and I on camera speaking, as well as photos, videos (from my first trip and wedding), and perhaps some interviews with American-Russian couples and Russian women.

But, again, I want to know what interests you.

Khashyar

Posted by: Khashyar

I want to also emphasize that I wouldn't want to further propel myths about Russian women, but offer a helpful overviews and advice about developing a Russian-Western relationship...

Khashyar

Posted by: mistermopar

I think it would be a great idea Khashyar to make the video/DVD.

Marriage customs,before,during and after the wedding.
When I think of more I will add them.

Randy

Posted by: Khashyar

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermopar

I think it would be a great idea Khashyar to make the video/DVD.

Marriage customs,before,during and after the wedding.
When I think of more I will add them.

Randy

Thanks, Randy.

I want this to be an introductory DVD about Russian-Western relationships, with an overview of different facets of R-W relationships.

Let me ask everyone, do you think that there would be enough interest in that kind of DVD?

Or, would it be too small of an audience who might be interested?

Khashyar

Posted by: mistermopar

Humm,an introductory DVD about Russian-Western relationships.

I would still watch it even if it was an introductory video,never know I might learn something new.

Randy

Posted by: Khashyar

Some more thoughts about the DVD:

I was thinking last night, and I believe that I would want to add humor in the DVD... I have one male actor friend (who did some acting on General Hospital and some other independent films, but he is very funny and creative. I also know some Russian women actresses here in L.A., and I thought it would be interesting to have them improvisate about Russian Western relationship themes, and include them in the DVD as well.

So, I'm thinking of mixing entertainment with helpful information about Russian women and Russian-Western relationships.

I thought of poking fun about some of the stereotypes of the Western man looking for a Russian woman, and then, at the same time, present unbiased and helpful information about the topic as well.

I am thinking about having some very funny scenes, and then go into the unbiased information and advice.

(Mixing entertainment and advice).

Be aware, though, that it is not a documentary per-se, it is more a factual entertainment film.

Khashyar

Posted by: Doug in Devon

Khashyar
I think this would be very useful.
Maybe you could also consider a DVD for those of us that are already off first base.
It would be very useful if you and Lena could produce a DVD or info pack for our ladies.
For example: I have spent a lot of time checking miss-info that Olga has been given in Russia. Such as 'you can't admit you know anyone in the UK if you want a tourist visa'.
It would probably help if you could blow some of the stereotype myths too.
And put off those men that don't have the best intentions.

I would like to say all my friends and relations have been great, but maybe some could benefit from a section designed to put friends and relations minds at rest.

Keep up the good work
Love the RMP
Doug

Posted by: ericrivera

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khashyar

Thank you very much for your feedback, guys

hi my name is eric from puerto rico i went to this page to know about russian brides since i was contact from cero with this beautifull girl that i met throught letters but unfortunaly we coudnt get together,know iwant to know more about her and if she is a true person ,i want to contact her but i need help i could send you my conversation swith her if you need it iam lokking for your advice on these please email me erivera49@hotmail.com

thanks in advace

Posted by: ira156

Hey Khashyar. I think i would be good to show the difficulties, obsticles and effort put in from both sides in order to make it work. From the first contact to the successful endings. Cheers

Posted by: GregKTM300

Khashyar, great idea and I think others have posted good ideas. As a guy who has limited experience with this whole thing still (Russian-Western relationships) I would be interested in the whole trip to Russia process, focusing on the paper work that Russia requires just to visit. Also, I agree with what has already been stated about the K1 visa and immigration process/paper work.

Thanks for considering doing this.
Greg

Posted by: redhawk

i am a relatively new member,i joined in feb 2007,before i made my trip to see my elena in moscow.
i truly enjoy every single word said here by all members, it is very helpful.
as far as your video goes, DO IT! there are more peole than you realize who would benefit from it, and as the english gent stated above,it would help to educate western people about russian fiancees and russia in general.

my own family and friends are very highly educated,well read people,but were AFRAID for me to make my journey,due to cultural ignorance.
but as i told everyone,the bottom line is this- i do not let fear of the unknown dictate MY life, or limit my experiences. i HATE to fly, i am deathly afraid, yet still, i go,why? love has no boundaries,it is you who set them,how far are you willing to go?? for my Lena,i would go ANYWHERE,ANYTIME.

and khashyar, my friend, i was EXTREMELY impressed by your work on such films as the dalai lama. heres why- i am a baptist by "label" ,my RW is also a christian,but i when i went to her native home of Elista,Kalmykia,(i bet i am the ONLY one on here with a kalmyk girl!!)she took me to see the golden temple and we spoke to a few of the monks there.
i learned very much of this wonderful man,his way of peace.
Lena and i both have the utmost respect for him, and i,you for your work.
thank you and please make the video, i will buy it!