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Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

A Russian actress in Hollywood trying to create her own web show. Hilarity ensues.

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Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

Never Say Nyet. A new comedy series.

A Russian actress in Hollywood trying to create her own web show. Hilarity ensues.

A Russian actress in Hollywood trying to create her own web show. Hilarity ensues.

A Russian actress in Hollywood trying to create her own web show. Hilarity ensues.

A Russian actress in Hollywood trying to create her own web show. Hilarity ensues.

Anya Avaeva
Anya Avaeva
Anya Avaeva
Anya Avaeva
1 Campaign |
Valley Village, United States
$12,340 USD by 136 backers
$12,265 USD by 134 backers on Jul 12, 2015

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Neversaynyetseries 

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverSayNyet              Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NeverSayNyet

WHAT IS THE  SHOW?

NEVER SAY NYET is a faux documentary comedy about ANYA, a Russian actress living in LA, and is loosely based on Anya's real life. Tired of being typecast as a Russian stripper in movies such as "Stripzilla" and "Mr. Smith Goes To Hooters," Anya decides to become pro-active and create a web series about Russian Culture. 

She teams up with a director, MARTY, a nerdy, self-proclaimed genius whose one claim to fame is a fifteen second YouTube video called "Dog Farting." She also joined by VIKTOR, her devil-may-care, ethically-challenged cousin, newly arrived from Russia. Together they will stumble their way to a successful show. 

In the first season Marty suggests to film Anya naked in the bathtub, motivating it by a guaranteed success and a promise of millions of hits. It becomes a question of integrity vs. compromise... How will Anya answer the challenge?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

This project is very personal to me (Anya) in fact it's about me, at least a fictionalized version. There are  so many issues I'd like to address with this project and I hope to contribute to resolving them. 

  •  CULTURAL STEREOTYPES  - It seems in today's media Russian women can only play hookers, strippers, or if they're lucky, spies. Sure, it affects me as an actress, but I think it has broader implications for all the Russians living in this country. It helps perpetuate stereotypes. And while they often have an element of truth stereotypes don't represent the whole truth. This is something ANY foreigner can relate to. In Never Say Nyet, which examines the life of someone caught between two cultures, I'd like to both joke about these stereotypes and provide another, more healthy, perspective. 
  • WOMEN IN FILM - The issues of female underrepresentation, gender inequality, sexualization.  

    Hollywood remains stuck in its gender bias and we need more female driven stories being told, more empowering leading roles to counter the status quo. More on it in this article: https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/gender-inequality-in-film/
  • INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING - more and more people are tired of re-makes, sequels, prequels and mindless formulated stories.  I believe there are those who crave fresh content, want to be genuinely surprised, moved and inspired by stories they can relate to. By producing independently we retain full creative control and are able to tell exactly the story we set out to tell, the way we wanted to tell it.
There are more things that our series touches upon and we believe that comedy is the most effective way of communication, so get ready, it's gonna get bumpy :) 

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

We are psyched about the quality of our pilot! And we want the rest of the season to be just as awesome. So we need to raise 600,000 rubles (well, actually $12,000) to shoot and edit the remaining episodes. And then let the whole world (including Russia) see it on our American website:  www.neversaynyet.com 

And when the series have proven to be a huuuuge success and we've turned our audience into a small army of proficient shot drinkers, we will pitch the show to TV networks. So you may end up being a part of a new TV show :)

NEVER SAY NYET TEAM

Anya Avaeva (Co-Creator/Star)

Allen Glazier (Co-Creator/Writer)

Michael Cotter (Marty)

Zack Sayenko (Viktor)

WHAT WILL YOUR MONEY PAY FOR?

A year supply of vodka!  JUST KIDDING!!!  ...I prefer wine :)  ...no, but seriously!

Everything we've done so far has been a product of many months of developing, honing, preparation and a miracle of favors. We've shot the pilot in two days thanks to the efforts of a small but dedicated cast and crew who donated their time and resources and only got paid with home-cooked Russian meals. And yes, some vodka shots. Na zdorovie! We paid for the expenses ourselves with the help of some generous donations from close friends and family. Now we are raising funds to cover 10 days of production so we could pay our cast and crew, rent equipment, locations, get permits, insurance and food, as well as the post production.

A portion of the funds will also go towards the fees to Indiegogo, film festival submissions and cost of perks and their shipping to YOU!  So check out the OhMyGoodness below and grab the one you like the most, some will be limited editions!

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?

Holy goody bags!  Here are just some of the mentioned rewards.

Anya's Recipe for Borscht 

Final hours contributors of $25 or more will get this signed card along with other chosen perks!

Playboy Bunny Special

Saying Nyet has just gotten that much harder. Become one of the very few people out there to own a signed photo of a real Playboy Bunny and our newest cast member Irina Voronina. 


Ask Anya

Never Say Nyet is proud to present a new feature on our website: "Ask Anya". Anya will provide a video response to select questions submitted by fans of the show. As a special perk during this campaign, anyone who contributes $50 or more can ask any question they want and it will definitely be answered ;)

 Airsofter Specials:

I thought I'd create something Special just for you guys :) (although anyone can get this reward).

Simpsons Fan Special

We are willing to part with these for the Cause! Only 2 available! 

Professional Photoshoot Special 

Check out the samples of our Photo Artist Vofka:  https://www.facebook.com/vofkagrafia?fref=ts

Co-Producer!

Along with other great rewards you will have a professional photoshoot with the cast and a POSTER MADE JUST FOR YOU  by our Photo Artist Vofka. Her's some samples of his editorial work.

So that's Never Say Nyet. We've finished the pilot and lined up our season, but we need your help to get it made. We hope you'll join us, Thanks! 

Risks & Challenges

There are always risks and challenges with every creative project, but we are fully capable of handling them through completion of this project. 

That said, our biggest challenges will be working with the schedules of all of the talented people in our cast and crew and getting access to some of our shooting locations. 

As a team we have already successfully shot and edited the pilot despite some setbacks we encountered on the way. And we feel that we will continue to be resourceful and resilient in the face of any and all challenges in the future.

Other Ways You Can Help

  • Let us know if you'd like to collaborate with us or contribute your services.
  • Get the word out and make some noise about our campaign. 
  • Use the Indiegogo share tools!
  • Follow us on our social media platforms and subscribe!

We've reached our initial goal and that means we're entering a phase of the

The “stretch” money will allow us to do an episode we know you’ll love but didn’t think we’d be able to afford. As an incentive, if we reach the $15,000 stretch goal, any contributors who give $20 or more to this phase will receive an adorable personalized birthday card from Anya Avaeva's dog Angie for the person of their choosing. 


We welcome our new cast member, a woman of many talents - model, actress, comedian, Playboy Playmate IRINA VORONINA

She will be playing a Russian youtube sensation Lyubochka Leskov. 
Show her some love:
Follow Irina on Instagram.com/Irinavoronina
Subscribe to Irina's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/irinavoronina
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Anya at the 14th Russian Arts and Culture Festival in West Hollywood. Never Say Nyet to a Red Carpet ;)

Anya on the Premier Russian Radio as a guest speaker. Listen to it here: http://www.radiopremier.net/news/radio/684


Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

"Russian Movies"

$1 USD
Every dollar counts, so if you give us a dollar we'd like to say Thank You, which is Spasibo in Russian. And we will send you the list of Anya's favorite MUST-SEE Russian movies (with English subtitles) and where to get them. Get the scoop on the best of Russian cinema. You will also get regular updates on the project.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
5 claimed

"Borscht"

$10 USD
Rewards of the "Russian Movies" level PLUS Prepare to have your taste buds delighted as we send you Anya's special recipe for Borscht, garnished with sumptuous photos. You'll be cooking like a Russian grandma in no time! Also you’ll be embedded into the wall of “Awesome People” on Never Say Nyet website.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
7 claimed

"Be My Hero" Airsoft Special

$15 USD
Rewards of the "Borscht" level PLUS You'll get a SWAT postcard specially signed for you! And if you’re registered and coming to OP Lion Claws this Memorial Day weekend come say Hi for a little extra love and a photo opp. And you'll get a Special Thanks in our final credits.
4 claimed

"Drink Like a True Russian"

$25 USD
Rewards of the "Borscht" level PLUS We all know that no one drinks vodka better than a Russian. Be prepared to impress all your friends at a party with your shot drinking skills. Because you'll receive a video of Anya demonstrating how to do a vodka shot like a true Russian. It might involve many takes to film this but Anya's willing to tough it out. (do a shot with Anya in person attend our Never Say Nyet VIP party, see below) You will also be getting a Digital "Thank You" card from the cast.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
11 claimed

Playboy Bunny Special

$30 USD
As a special addition, we’re offering the perkiest of our special perks: a signed headshot of our newest cast member -- Irina Voronina, web personality, Playboy Bunny and comedienne, who’s appeared in Reno 911: Miami, Balls of Fury and Piranha 3DD. Having her sexy signed photo will immediately make you cooler than your friends. Much cooler. You'll also be getting the rewards of the "Drink Like a True Russian" rewards level so you can simply be THE Coolest!
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
6 out of 50 of claimed

"My SUPER Hero"Airsoft Special

$35 USD
Rewards of the "Drink Like a True Russian" level PLUS You'll get a 2016 poster Calendar with a killer shot of Anya and her deadly sniper rifle, personally signed just for you (11.25” X 17.30”). And if you’re registered and coming to OP Lion Claws this Memorial Day weekend come say Hi for a little extra love and a photo opp. + A Special Thanks in our final credits.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
6 claimed

"Ask Anya"

$50 USD
Rewards of the previous level PLUS Do you have any questions you are dying to ask about Russia, or about the show? No longer do you have twist and turn in bed wondering "When will I ever know the TRUTH?". Get your question answered in a video response, and posted on our site in the "Ask Anya" section. + Special Thanks in the final credits. BONUS for the first 20 backers: Yo'll get a unique hand - scrawled postcard written while we were drunk, which we’ll regret horribly by the time it arrives.
5 claimed

"Be MY ANGEL" Airsoft Special

$75 USD
Rewards of the "Ask Anya" level PLUS You'll get a limited edition 2015 Lion Claws Angels calendar, signed by Anya. Yes it’s May already, but it's the pictures you're really after :) And if you’re registered and coming to OP Red Storm East IV come say Hi for a little extra love and a photo opp.
0 out of 3 of claimed

“VIP Party”

$100 USD
Rewards of the "Ask Anya" level PLUS We believe that one should Never Say Nyet, especially to a kickass party. You'll receive an invitation to our VIP party in LA with complimentary Russian food and beverages. Anya will personally teach you how to drink those shots like a true Russian! And if you can’t attend the party we will mail you an official NSN T-shirt instead. You'll also be getting a Special Thanks on our IMDB page. *Transportation and lodging is not provided.
Estimated Shipping
July 2015
10 out of 50 of claimed

“Talk to me Baby”

$175 USD
Rewards of the “VIP Party” level PLUS Do you know what "kartoshka" means? Well you can learn that word or any words you want in a one-on-one 1 hour language lesson with Anya. Learn words that could make a sailor blush or words that'll get you blessed by the Pope.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
0 out of 10 of claimed

“Writer/Producer" Special

$250 USD
Rewards of the “VIP Party” level PLUS Want to know if your project is amazing or just really, really good? Allen Glazier & Anya Avaeva will read your web series script and give you notes and tips on producing it, and answer any questions in a 1/2 hour Skype session. OR Allen Glazier will read your feature length screenplay and give you notes in a 1/2 hour Skype session. Allen has over ten years of experience critiquing screenplays.
0 out of 5 of claimed

Simpsons Fan Special

$255 USD
These Limited Edition Original Simpsons Headphones in a case were specially made as a gift to The Simpsons creatives. We're willing to sacrifice them for the cause :) Contribute $255 and get the headphones + 2 invites to our VIP Party, as well as other cool rewards of the VIP Party level. Don't snooze, these can't be found anywhere! Please add $25 for International shipping.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
1 out of 2 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

“In Your Name”

$325 USD
Rewards of the “Talk to me Baby” level PLUS Ever had a street, football stadium or yacht named after you? Well we can't provide any of that, but we can name one of the characters after you in our show. Now you can forever be immortalized in a comedy web series on YouTube.
0 out of 4 of claimed

"Photoshoot" Special

$400 USD
Rewards of the “VIP Party” level PLUS Tired of taking selfies? Want a leg up on a dating site? Or are you an actor in need of new headshots for the upcoming episodic season? This in an amazing opportunity to not only support the project, but also get some top notch photos of yourself or a loved one. Include a 3-look professional session with our Photo artist Vofka ($400 value), all files color-corrected, 3 retouched files of your choosing. *Transportation and lodging is not provided.
Estimated Shipping
June 2015
0 out of 10 of claimed

“Walk-ins Welcome”

$450 USD
Rewards of the “Talk to me Baby” level PLUS Did you hear that? That was Hollywood calling your name. Seize the day and get a walk on role in one of the episodes of Never Say Nyet (no acting experience needed). Hang out with the cast and crew on the set and see how the magic is made. Your name will be in the credits as a cast member. Great for the non-union actors as this is a union production. *Need to be able to legally work in US. *Transportation and lodging is not provided.
Estimated Shipping
September 2015
1 out of 4 of claimed

“Anya-the-Model" Special

$500 USD
Rewards of the “VIP Party” level PLUS This reward is so titillating and provocative that we can't even post a picture of it here. Anya is making available several copies of a fine art black and white print of her, taken by one of the best photographers in New York (implied nude). Size is 40" X 28". Frame is not included. You will also get Anya’s modeling card signed just for you.
1 out of 6 of claimed

“Associate Producer”

$750 USD
A sure-fire way to liven up your resume and add some spice to a Google search of your name! You will receive an Associate Producer credit on the series and be listed as an Associate Producer on the Internet Movie Database. (IMDB.com) ALSO Choose the rewards of ONE of the following levels: “Walk-ins Welcome” or “Actor Headshot" or “Anya-the-Model."
0 out of 4 of claimed

“Executive Producer”

$1,500 USD
Rewards of the "Associate Producer" level PLUS Being an Associate Producer is awesome, but being an Executive Producer is even more awesome! You'll receive the credit on the show and on the IMDB. And to show our appreciation, you'll be invited to a VIP dinner with cast & crew at Anya’s home, aka shooting location, for a delicious home-made Russian meal. Also, you'll receive a handmade Russian Orthodox Icon made and gorgeously framed by Anya’s mom. *Transportation and lodging is not provid
0 out of 3 of claimed

"Co-Producer"

$3,500 USD
Rewards of the "Executive Producer" level PLUS An Upgrade to Co-Producer, which is only shared by the co-creators of the show. Your credit will appear in each episode and on the IMDB.com. + You'll get a DAY WITH ANYA! Spend a fun-packed afternoon and then have dinner in the best Russian Restaurant in LA! + Photoshoot with the cast; an image of your choosing will be printed into an exclusive poster just for you, signed by the cast & crew. *Transportation and lodging is not provided.
0 out of 2 of claimed
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