We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivan Durovic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivan below.

Ivan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?

During the lockdown, when all music events were canceled, I was hired to direct a live-streamed music festival for EXIT festival. The festival took place in September 2020, and most of the musicians came to Novi Sad, Serbia, where the event was held, to perform without an audience. However, some of the biggest stars, such as the legendary Carl Cox, Nina Kraviz, and Black Coffee, were located outside of Europe. For them, we had to find a way to showcase their performances, so we came up with the innovative idea of projecting them as holograms, just like in Blade Runner. This experience completely transformed my perspective about the entire industry.

During Nina’s mesmerizing performance, I couldn’t resist leaving the director’s room and went down to the stage. When I saw her as a lifelike hologram captivating the audience, I couldn’t tell if she was physically there or performing from her studio in Moscow. It was truly mind-blowing. That moment made me realize the limitless possibilities that online technology offers.

Overall, the lockdown pushed us to think outside the box and revolutionize the way music festivals could be experienced. The successful execution of the hologram performances demonstrated that distance is no longer a barrier in connecting artists with their global fans. It was an unforgettable event that showcased the potential of the digital world in reshaping the music industry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Movies have always held a special place in my heart, and becoming a filmmaker has been my ultimate goal since childhood. It’s truly a dream come true to have the opportunity to share my stories and visions with the world.

My journey as a filmmaker began at the age of 18 when I made my first short film. From that moment on, I knew that filmmaking was my true calling. Later on, at the age of 26, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Columbia University, where I spent four years refining and honing my craft.

During my time in New York, I immersed myself in writing several feature scripts and TV pilots, delving deeper into the art of storytelling. Additionally, I had the privilege of directing three short films and one feature documentary, which only strengthened my passion for crafting compelling narratives through the lens of a camera.

Currently, I find myself in the final post-production stage of a feature documentary centered around the EXIT Music Festival. This project has been an incredibly exhilarating experience, providing me with the chance to express myself as a filmmaker and storyteller in ways I hadn’t before.

Recently, I had the opportunity to direct another documentary, this time focusing on Dance Arena, one of the most renowned stages for electronic music. It’s fascinating how, as someone who primarily considered himself a narrative filmmaker, I’ve ventured into the world of music documentaries and discovered a newfound expertise and passion for this niche.

Moving forward, I intend to delve even deeper into the realm of music documentaries, developing and expanding my skills as I continue to tell captivating stories through this unique medium. I’m truly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I’m committed to creating impactful and memorable films that resonate with audiences worldwide.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my craft is also its greatest challenge – the vulnerability of sharing my most intimate stories with others, and the diverse range of reactions I receive in response. Some people respond positively, while others provide negative feedback, but as an artist, it is crucial to find ways to embrace both.

Art differs significantly from math, as it lacks rigid definitions and instead, revolves around emotions. This fluidity is what makes art truly beautiful – there are no strict rules to confine creativity, allowing for endless possibilities of expression.

When it comes to concerns about AI replacing creative individuals, I remain optimistic. While AI undoubtedly possesses creative capabilities derived from data analysis, its potential is limited compared to the profound impact of art, which communicates on a deeply emotional and often spiritual level with audiences. Art transcends time and has the power to connect with future generations in a way that AI cannot replicate.

In conclusion, being an artist requires a resilience to navigate both positive and negative feedback, while embracing the boundless realm of creative expression that sets art apart from the limitations of AI. I am confident that the unique and powerful essence of art will continue to thrive and inspire, enduring as an essential part of the human experience.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

When it comes to my goals, I draw inspiration from the spaghetti westerns created by Italians who had a deep love for American westerns, transcending geopolitical barriers. This reminds me of the essence of art and the unstoppable force of determination. Just like them, I firmly believe that with a strong desire to achieve something, nothing can hinder your path. It’s a philosophy that fuels my drive and motivates me to overcome any challenges that come my way. So, in a sense, I see myself approaching everything I do with the spirit of making spaghetti westerns — driven by passion, tenacity, and the belief that nothing is impossible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivan-djurovic.com
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/djurovic.ivan.3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-djurovic-b70ab4253/