Business

Jaanus Silla — Founder & Producer

B.A. in Film Directing (Brigham Young University, 1992–1997) • Founded QuickSilver Entertainment, Inc. in Los Angeles (1996–2000) • Writer/director/producer of Mr. Caliphor (1st place, 1996 Boise Film Festival) • Over 200 films produced, including several full-length documentaries • Resided in the USA for 9 years and the UK for 3 years • CEO of Welcome Entertainment, OÜ • Writer and originator of Megalith: Dragon Slayer

After completing his film-industry studies in Utah, Jaanus moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and established a motion picture production company. As is often the case, the early years yielded more experience than results. Seeking greater opportunity, he returned to Estonia in 2000. After adjusting to a new reality, he committed himself to putting his skills and determination to work for Estonian culture and economy — and over two decades later, he is still at it.

In 2019, while filming an event commemorating the 1944 Estonian Flight to the West, Jaanus met Jüri Trei from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their conversations led to connections with members of the 20. Augusti Klubi and Eesti Vabaduse Eest — organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Estonia's restoration. Interviewing participants and hearing their personal stories became the foundation for piecing together the remarkable events of that era, and the Undoing USSR film series began to take shape.

Jaanus presented the concept to his German film development partner, banker and history enthusiast Josef Brandmaier, who was struck that this side of the Soviet collapse remained virtually unknown to the world. Josef's encouragement gave the project momentum. The search for a screenwriter led through an acquaintance, Lauri Vahtre, to two-time Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar, who had previously consulted on film stories. While Mr. Laar's focus turned toward the Singing Revolution rather than the Moscow events, the collaboration opened new creative directions — though it eventually concluded when differing visions for the narrative proved difficult to reconcile.

In autumn 2020, a third film in the franchise — Chased Away — emerged from Jaanus' long-standing connection with the Estonian diaspora community. Dr. Iivi Zajedova embraced the idea of a major motion picture about the 1944 Baltic refugee flight, drawing on the hundreds of personal stories she had collected. Enn Hallik, whom Jaanus had filmed at community events, contributed six published books on the subject (published by Tiit Lääne), offering deeply moving accounts of the struggles people endured — and of the tireless work done abroad to dismantle the Soviet empire and free Estonia so that its people could one day return home.

Jaanus explains his persistence simply: it would be of great value for Estonia to be known through "cult films" that build the nation's brand. QS is structured to give back to the community through cultural value creation and to invest in newcomers via the Major Industry approach for film-related funding through FIH MTÜ (NGO). Why film industry for Estonia →

Josef Brandmaier — Film Development Partner & Financier

Josef Brandmaier is a film producer and financier who has been involved in more than 350 international feature films and television projects. His credits include high-profile productions such as Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), Mission: Impossible II (2000) and Mission: Impossible III (2006), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and The Illusionist (2006). For over two decades, Brandmaier worked with the UniCredit group as director of its Media Team and industrial advisor, where he provided structured finance for numerous international productions, including the acclaimed SKY television series Das Boot (2018).

He has also developed strong ties with the Chinese film industry, serving as a consultant on multiple projects and producing several feature films there. Through Ascending Entertainment, Ascending Productions, and Ascending Studios, Brandmaier continues to play a significant role in international film and television financing and production.

When Jaanus presented the Undoing USSR concept, Josef — a banker and history enthusiast — was surprised that this side of the story of the collapse of the USSR is unknown to the world. His encouragement gave the project the momentum it needed to move forward.

IMDb mini biography by: Capamaroux

John J. Lee, Jr. — Consultant & Development Director

John Lee brings over twenty-five years of experience across every business aspect of feature motion picture development — from producing to distribution. He has worked within the major markets at MIFED, Cannes, and AFM, with experience in screenplay and rights acquisition, production financing, and US and foreign theatrical and ancillary distribution.

Lee is the Chairman of OneDoor Studios and the initiator of MyStreme. He serves as our consultant and potential development director.

Raul Rebane — Strategic Advisor

As Raul puts it: "Every nation must fight for its historical truth, and the struggle is becoming more serious by the day. Especially after Russia has returned to Stalinist concepts of history. A Jew will not forget about the Holocaust, a Pole about Katyn, an Armenian about the genocide, a Ukrainian about Holodomor — while the Baltic peoples and many others must never forget about the deportations" and refugees who perished in the camps.

Raul states: "We need a major motion picture. Several good movies of considerable effect have been made, while it is now time to take a step forward — towards a great narrative to reach an international audience."

Ryan Jenkins — Business Development

Ryan recognized the value of the concept early on. Together with Jaanus, he has approached most government institutions and spoken to numerous investors. Estonian-born and raised in the United States, Ryan is a Princeton University graduate. In Estonia, he serves as Managing Director of DenEesti Ltd. in the tourism cruise ship servicing industry and is a past SEB Bank executive.

Ryan states: "We need a Hollywood motion picture made about Estonia — then our popularity will grow quickly."

Mark Walton — Creative Consultant

Mark Walton brings 18 years of experience in storyboards, story development, and visual development for animated films, having worked for major studios including Disney, DreamWorks, and Blue Sky. He has also taught drawing, storyboarding, story development, and visual development at several prestigious schools including CalArts and the Academy of Art. Mark serves as our creative consultant.

Dr. Erkki Joasoon — Chief Technology Officer

Erkki Joasoon holds a PhD in Computer Science from Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (Tallinn University of Technology). A manager with over 20 years of experience, he combines a wide area of technical expertise in IT and Telecommunications with Content Acquisition and Distribution. His main roles over the last 10 years include content and service acquisition, partnership relations management, and finance planning with cost optimization.

Previously a Manager at TOP Connect OÜ, Erkki is the Founder and Owner of Unlimited Media OÜ. He serves as our Chief Technology Officer.