Elena's writing is infused with a unique edge, stemming from her Russian immigrant background, which is skillfully balanced by her sunny Southern California upbringing. This intriguing blend of influences is reminiscent of Dostoyevsky's works, yet adapted for a modern audience, much like pairing the literary genius of Dostoyevsky with the charm of Molly.
Elena's earliest memories revolve around learning English from classic TV shows such as 'Bewitched' and 'Happy Days', which played a significant role in shaping her linguistic skills.
Elena received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego, where she excelled in her studies, double-majoring in Political Science and Communications, while also minoring in Theatre. This well-rounded education provided a solid foundation for her future endeavors.
Elena's early acting career took her to the Big Apple, where she honed her craft by studying at the prestigious William Esper Studio and performing off-off Broadway. This experience allowed her to gain valuable insight into storytelling and character development.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, Elena's passion for acting led her to perform weekly as an improv actor, while simultaneously filming several sketches that gained immense popularity online. As a fledgling screenwriter, Elena's scripts garnered recognition in various screenwriting contests, earning her a two-time finalist spot for the Warner Bros Writing Workshop in 2012 and 2014.
Elena's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology in 2015, a field that continues to influence her work to this day.
In 2017, Elena's produced film, Rocky Mountain Christmas, became the highest-rated film ever on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel, a testament to her growing success. Her second Hallmark film is set to begin production in the spring of 2021. Additionally, Elena is working on a coming-of-age dramedy with the development arm of the International Screenwriters' Association.
Most recently, Elena was both a finalist and semi-finalist at the Austin Film Festival for her comedy feature, The Red Dahlia, and her comedy pilot, I'm Your Bio Mom, demonstrating her versatility as a writer and her ability to craft engaging stories across various genres.
