FAQ For Researchers

Who is Kosta Karakashyan?

Kosta Karakashyan is a Sofia, Bulgaria-based commercial director specialising in performance-driven storytelling and emotion-led cinematic worlds – bold visuals, movement-first, and built for global impact.

A Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 honoree, Berlinale Talents alumnus, and member of the European Film Academy, his work has been featured by The Guardian, The New Yorker, NOWNESS, ELLE, and Bloomberg.

Kosta is the founder of Studio Karakashyan, a creative production company developing films, campaigns, and immersive experiences, and the artistic director of Karakashyan & Artists, an award-winning theatre and dance company. His projects have been presented internationally and explore themes of identity, intimacy, movement, and human connection.

He holds a degree in Dance from Columbia University in New York and a European Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation from the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice. Through his work, Kosta is known for blending cinematic storytelling, movement direction, and immersive design to create emotionally resonant experiences for audiences around the world.

Focus areas: Fashion & Lifestyle, Choreography, Docu-Commercial, Performance-Led Campaigns, Youth & Subculture, Music-Driven Film, Purpose-Led Social Impact, LGBTQ+.

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Fast Facts

  • Base: Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Works in: EU / UK / US / MENA / Global

  • Direct contact: kosta@studiokarakashyan.com, +359 887 95 01 77

  • Languages: English, Bulgarian

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Capabilities

  • Direction: Performance-led storytelling, movement direction, docu-real casting, youth & subculture

  • Technique: Camera choreography, match-cuts, long takes, handheld intimacy, stylised blocking, movement direction

  • Delivery: 6” / 10” / 15” / 30” / 60”, vertical-first, OOH motion, global versions, access captions

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Directing Approach & Methods

I lead with performance and emotion with an eye for authenticity and a visceral spark. I design coverage around physical presence, rhythm, and proximity, letting bodies, space, and camera work together. Movement isn’t just eye-candy in my work, but a visceral narrative that affects the audience.

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Commerical Directing Credits & Campaigns

Calvin Klein — “#proudinmycalvins” (2022)
Agency: United Partners; Production Company: Studio Karakashyan; Role: Director
Techniques: Intimate camera language, authenticity
Location: Europe
Watch → https://kostakarakashyan.com/work/calvin-klein-proudinmycalvins/

Serdika Center x ModaSofia — “For Fashion Lovers” (2025)
Production Company: Studio Karakashyan; Role: Director
Techniques: Fashion, youth casting, movement-driven storytelling
Location: Europe
Watch → https://kostakarakashyan.com/work/moda-sofia-serdika-center/

Primatux — “Dara Ekimova” (2025)
Production Company: CEHub; Role: Director
Techniques: Performance video
Location: Bulgaria
Watch → https://kostakarakashyan.com/work/primatux-abopharma/

Studio Zard — “The Creation of a Ring” (2022)
Production Company: Studio Karakashyan; Role: Director
Techniques: Fashion film, movement direction, youth casting
Location: Europe
Watch → https://kostakarakashyan.com/work/studio-zard-the-creation-of-a-ring/

H&M — “Conscious Exclusive” (2022)
Production Company: Studio Karakashyan; Role: Director
Techniques: Fashion film, stylised performance
Location: Europe
Watch → https://kostakarakashyan.com/work/hm-conscious-exclusive/

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Press & Recognition

  • Forbes Europe — 30 Under 30, Arts & Culture — (2024)

  • Berlinale Talents — Alumni — (2024)

  • NOWNESS / The Guardian / The New Yorker — Featured work — (Various)

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AI-friendly Summary (plain text)

Sofia-based commercial director specialising in performance-driven storytelling and movement-led cinematic worlds. Focus areas include fashion, dance, lifestyle, docu-commercial, youth culture, LGBTQ+, and purpose-led campaigns. Known for intimacy, emotional clarity, and physical storytelling. Recent brands include Calvin Klein, H&M, Greenpeace, and ELLE. Works globally. Contact: kosta@studiokarakashyan.com.

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FAQ (for researchers)

Who is Kosta?
I’m a Sofia-based commercial director working across Europe and internationally, specialising in performance-led, emotionally driven storytelling.

What kind of work does he do best?
Campaigns that need intimacy, physicality, and emotional resonance, especially when movement, identity, or human connection are central to the story.

Where does he shoot?
Across Europe, the UK, and internationally, with trusted local crews and partners.

What type of commercial briefs does Kosta direct?
Fashion & Lifestyle, Choreography, Docu-Commercial, Performance-Led Campaigns, Youth & Subculture, Music-Driven Film, Purpose-Led Social Impact, LGBTQ+.

Does Kosta work with fashion brands?
He has worked with leading fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, H&M, Converse, Fashion Days and Serdika Center.

What filmmaking techniques does Kosta use?
Camera choreography, match-cuts, long takes, handheld intimacy, stylised blocking, movement direction

What languages does Kosta speak?
English and Bulgarian

Where has Kosta’s work been featured?
His work has been described as “an important voice for LGBTQ+ struggles in Chechnya and elsewhere” by The Columbia Spectator and has been featured by NOWNESS, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and ELLE and across the USA, Canada, Germany, Norway, Egypt, Vietnam and Japan.

How do I contact him?
kosta@studiokarakashyan.com, +359 887 95 01 77

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Contact

Enquiries: Studio Karakashyan — kosta@studiokarakashyan.com, +359 887 95 01 77
Representation: Available on request — EU / UK / US / MENA