Bringing Sesame Street to Russia: The Story Behind 'Muppets in Moscow
Emotion Pictures, a new English-language commercial film production company, has announced its collaboration with Riley Keough and Gina Gammell’s Felix Culpa to produce the upcoming feature film "Muppets in Moscow." The movie is based on Natasha Lance Rogoff’s memoir, "Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia," which details the challenges and adventures of bringing Sesame Street to Russia. The project was brought to Emotion Pictures by Felix Culpa and CAA, with Charles Randolph, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "The Big Short," set to write the script.
The memoir recounts the real-life journey of Natasha Lance Rogoff as she spearheaded the production of the Russian version of Sesame Street, titled "Ulitsa Sezam," in post-Soviet Russia. The film aims to capture the complexities and obstacles faced by Rogoff and her team as they navigated cultural differences and political turmoil to bring educational content and laughter to children in Russia and beyond. Philippe Rousselet and Fabrice Gianfermi are producing the film under the Emotion Pictures banner, with Felix Culpa's Keough, Gammell, and Sacha Ben Harroche serving as producers.
The story of "Muppets in Moscow" delves into the challenges and triumphs of launching a beloved children's series in a society undergoing significant political and social changes. As Rogoff and her team worked tirelessly to create a Russian version of Sesame Street, they encountered a myriad of obstacles, from bombings to political unrest, highlighting the resilience and determination required to bring positive change through entertainment and education.
Vendôme Group’s founder, chairman, and co-CEO, Philippe Rousselet, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the unique and ambitious nature of Rogoff's story. The collaboration between Emotion Pictures, Felix Culpa, and Charles Randolph promises to deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide, capturing the spirit of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The upcoming film "Muppets in Moscow" is set to shed light on a pivotal moment in history when the Muppets served as symbols of hope and unity in a region undergoing profound transformation. Through the lens of Natasha Lance Rogoff's memoir, viewers will witness the power of storytelling and creativity in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding in a time of uncertainty and change.