Documentary director · cinematographer · Chartres
Stepan Bogatyrev
I film people and their work. To me, every frame should be a document of what really happened.
I ruined my very first roll of film: I was developing it by hand and used the wrong process. But I was hooked — that's where it all began.
I got into documentary on a bet. With weak school grades, I bet a friend I'd win a free place in the film and photography department — and got in without any preparation. That's how I ended up, by chance, in the workshop of documentary director Alexander Kiselev, to whom I owe a great deal.
From 2011 I worked as a cinematographer at the St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio. There I saw how months of editing turn the chaos of a shoot into a whole film, and I learned to work with what's there. The films we shot won awards at international festivals.
Then for almost ten years I worked with businesses: sales, advertising, websites, CRM, video and YouTube for companies. I learned that a beautiful image isn't the end of the story: a video has to find its audience. Now I think about that audience before I even start filming.
I'm from St. Petersburg. I've lived abroad since 2022, and in 2024 France granted me a Passeport Talent for my work in documentary film. I settled in Chartres — a quiet town an hour from Paris — and here I film craftspeople, companies and people with a story to tell.
I'm interested in people, their work and how they deal with hardship. I love natural light, deep contrast and moments that can't be repeated. A shot doesn't have to be perfect — it has to work.
My path
From a bet with a friend to Chartres
- 2008
University on a bet
I get in without any preparation and land in Alexander Kiselev's documentary workshop.
- 2011
Documentary Film Studio
I work as a cinematographer at the St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio, alongside television and live broadcasts.
- 2012–2018
Festivals
The studio's films win awards and screenings in Russia and Europe; Be a Nation wins Best Scientific Documentary at Pärnu (Estonia) in 2018.
- 2016
Working with businesses
Sales, marketing and online advertising, websites and CRM; video, YouTube and live streams for companies — from a psychotherapy institute to a professional cosmetics manufacturer.
- 2024
France
Passeport Talent for my work in documentary film. I move to Chartres.
- Today
Documentary film and video for businesses
I film craftspeople, companies and experts in France, and I'm writing the proposal for my own documentary.
Filmography
Films I shot as a cinematographer
St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio, 2011–2017. Each card names the director.
The awards went to films I shot as a cinematographer.
Cinematographer
“Be a Nation”
Director: Yulia Mironova
Cinematographer
“Time Pilot”
Director: Alexander Kiselev
Cinematographer
“A Long Way Home”
Director: Alexander Kiselev
Cinematographer
“I Can Sing”
Director: Daria Khudoleeva
Cinematographer
“The Easy People”
Director: Yulia Mironova
Cinematographer
“Red Triangle”
Director: Alexander Kiselev
Method
How I film
Before filming, I look into what interests your audience and, when I can, scout the place and the light. On the day, we start by simply talking — twenty minutes or so, no camera.
In an interview I don't hide behind the camera: I look at the person, listen and respond. They're talking to me, not to the camera. And when I film people at work, I try not to get in the way — after a while they simply forget I'm there. That's when the real thing happens.
Document and story
I film what actually happens and build a story from it. A shot doesn't have to be perfect — it has to work.
Audience first
Before filming, I research your field and the demand: who will watch, what matters to them and where they'll see the video.
Honest and long-term
If a video won't do you any good right now, I'll tell you straight away. A long partnership matters more to me than a quick job.
Portraits
I film people
From the portrait series: natural light and a place where the person feels at ease. The series continues.
What colleagues say
What people I've worked with say
His ability to work harmoniously within a team while bringing a distinct artistic perspective is particularly noteworthy.
Stepan made significant contributions by selecting and setting up our live streaming equipment and training staff, greatly enhancing our online presence.
This carefully made presentation video has brought me, and still brings me, new contacts and clients, and greater visibility.
Next step
Tell me about your work — I'll suggest a format and a price
I reply within 24 hours. If a video won't help you right now, I'll tell you honestly.