Blue and White in Red Square

In July 1998, one thousand young musicians representing 11 youth philharmonic orchestras from around the world gathered to form the "Orchestra of the World." Under the baton of Russian maestro Valerie Gergeyev, the youth, representing East and West, friend and foe, offered stirring renditions of Mussorgsky and Tchaikowsky to a worldwide television audience. For the teens this was a once-in-a lifetime night to remember. Among the performers were the members of the Young Israeli Philharmonic, many of whom where born in the former Soviet Union. Israeli-born filmmaker Elan Frank draws us into the stories and insights of young Israeli-Russian musicians, most of whom are returning to the land of their birth for the first time. In the end, the music bridges a chasm between past and future.

Elan Frank is a Director/Producer who resides and works in Los Angeles. Mr. Frank graduated with honors from Film and Television School and Theater Arts School at San Francisco State University in 1991. Since then he has been extensively involved in TV and film production around the world. In addition, as an experienced actor, he has a special ability to work with actors and solicit their best performances. Elan is the Producer, Director and Co-Writer of an award winning special for the Discovery Channel about helicopter units around the world: "Elite Choppers: Birds of Prey". This visually beautiful, informative and action-packed show premiered in February 1998. This 2-hour special was the impetus for the series, "Elite Choppers: The Series." Elan is a sought-after director for helicopter films. He is a Major in the Israeli Air Force and decorated pilot as well as Flight Instructor. He recently produced a segment on a TV pilot, "Extreme Heroes", for the Fox Family Channel, where he is the feature leader of a modern-day air rescue of 22 fellow soldiers under fire from enemy territory. That mission earned him the distinguished Medal of Honor during the Lebanese War. As Executive Producer for "Firefight: Stories from the Front Lines," Elan Frank oversees the project in coordination with The Learning Channel division of The Discovery Channel. Among other notable works, he recently directed wrote and produced the much-acclaimed "Blue and White in Red Square." From Israel to Moscow, Director Elan Frank tells the story of 11 national youth orchestras who formed the "Orchestra of the World" in Moscow's famous Red Square. He demonstrates his vast ability to film scenes portraying sensitive issues in this 60-minute documentary. Through his film years, Mr. Frank has gained experience in all aspects of production including work as Producer, Writer, Unit Production Manager and Assistant Director. He uses his wide ranging dramatic style and sensitive nature as demonstrated through his varied interest in life. He incorporates flying (Elite Choppers), painting and music (Blue and White in Red Square), adventure-seeking (Elite Choppers, The Series), diving (Sunken Ships in the Red Sea), and acting (Extreme Courage) to elicit the highest quality in all shows.