Artjom Gilz on ‘Ponies,’ Cold War Immersion and Bridging US-German Production Styles
Actor Artjom Gilz discusses his role as Andrei Vasiliev in the Peacock espionage series “Ponies,” set in 1970s Moscow, and reflects on the experience of working on a large-scale American production compared to German sets. Gilz also shares insights into the show’s immersive set design and his character’s complexity.
Immersed in the Cold War Era
“Ponies” transports viewers to Moscow in the late 1970s, a period defined by Cold War tensions. Gilz notes that the show’s meticulous attention to detail – in set design, costumes, and makeup – quickly facilitated immersion into this historical context. He described a moment of particular resonance when entering his character’s apartment, finding it strikingly similar to his grandmother’s living room in Russia. Digital Journal
A Relevant Story for Today
Despite its historical setting, Gilz believes “Ponies” resonates with contemporary audiences. He emphasizes the series’ unique perspective, centering on female leads in a spy thriller genre traditionally dominated by male characters. He also highlights the show’s entertainment value, describing it as “fun, loud, energetic,” and praising its retro aesthetics and timeless music. Digital Journal
Working with Emilia Clarke
Gilz shared his positive experience collaborating with Emilia Clarke, praising her as a generous and insightful acting partner. He noted her intelligence, humor, and strong storytelling abilities, as well as a surprising talent for baking, often bringing brownies to the set. Digital Journal
Character Complexity and Personal Growth
Playing Andrei Vasiliev presented a challenge for Gilz, as the character is markedly different from his own personality. He embraced this challenge, enjoying the opportunity to explore a character with a high degree of control and freedom within an oppressive system. Gilz reflected that the role helped him recognize the importance of humor in his own work. Digital Journal, Collider
US vs. German Production Styles
Gilz observed key differences between large-scale American productions and German film sets, primarily in budget and attention to detail. While both share a passion for filmmaking, American productions demonstrate a greater level of resource allocation, resulting in meticulously crafted sets with fully-stocked props even in areas not directly used in filming. Digital Journal
Landing the Role
Gilz recounted receiving the news of his casting in “Ponies” just before midnight on a cold Saturday night while at a bar. His agent’s call prompted him to rush outside, foregoing a jacket to answer, eager to confirm the opportunity. The excitement was followed by a quick turnaround, as he was scheduled to fly to Budapest just three days later. Digital Journal
About ‘Ponies’
“Ponies,” created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, is a spy thriller set in 1970s Moscow. The series follows Bea Grant (Emilia Clarke) and Twila Hasbeck (Haley Lu Richardson), two women who become CIA operatives after the mysterious deaths of their husbands. IMDb, Collider