about the crew

Flying-J Studios was established in 2007 by entrepreneurs Tom Jalana and Taras Zharov as an alternative choice to mainstream media and blockbuster Hollywood studios. The studio’s goal is simple: to boldly go where no studio has gone before. The level of expression available to artists and lack of censorship by studio executives provides the ultimate backdrop for creativity and freedom of speech. As Flying-J Studios embarks on their historical voyage into film, it’s possible only through the internal efforts of their creative team and you, the audience. With that said, Flying-J Studios asks that you properly fasten your seatbelt and enjoy your epic journey into the future of electronic media.

 

Tomas (Tom) Jalana

As a young boy growing up on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in the bustling port town of Rijeka, Croatia, Tomas was filled with visions of grandeur. Seafaring vessels, the size of three American football fields, would enter the ports of Rijeka, unloading imported goods from the West for the wealthy upper-echelon of his country. It was through these visions, and the inquisitive spirit of a teenager, that spurred Tomas to travel across his homeland, following the flow of these goods to their destination. From these travels, came Tomas’ skill for telling a story.

 

In 1990, Tomas illegally boarded the vessel Thérshe Belos as she left port, heading to America. The five-week voyage found Tomas hiding in deplorable conditions in the bowels of the ship. Were it not for a shiphand who stumbled upon him while checking on a displaced portside ball valve, Tomas most certainly would have perished. He was nourished back to health by the ship’s crew and in return for their generosity, Tomas vowed to one day make a documentary movie about his travels and the crew as soon as he settled in America – albeit, illegally.

 

Ten years pass. Tomas, now an independent contractor for a local television studio in Chicago, was frequenting a favorite local restaurant, Mart Anthony’s in the now-trendy West Loop area. It was there that he met his Flying-J Studios partner, Taras Zharov, while discussing political events that were shaping Eastern Europe. Their partnership was cemented in stone one winter’s night on an outing to an exclusive gentlemen’s club. Mr. Zharov misplaced his wallet just as the bill was arriving. Tomas accepted the charges that evening, with Mr. Zharov promising repayment, or indentured servitude. As they say in Hollywood – the rest is history.

 

Since then, Flying-J Studios has been one of the most talked about underground film companies people have never noticed. Their work has been critically acclaimed from Malta to Cannes, and from Bollywood to Hollywood. As the studio approaches the eve of their third Anniversary, 2009 will surely be filled with excitement for all of their fans. With a new website, the recent acquisition of Tiger-Claw Pictures, and four major projects headed into production, Flying-J Studios certain has something to celebrate!

 

Taras Zharov

Growing up on a small Russian farm outside of Volzhsk, Taras learned early on what hard work was really about. His father died at an early age, and so it was up to him and his mother to make ends meet, no matter what. Much too often, while Taras was out working, plowing the fields, his mother was letting the local men do the same. This didn’t affect Taras as it normally would any boy his age. Instead, he saw something that Mother Russia didn’t have - capitalism. For this reason, Taras sought to leave the country and head to America to capitalize on these opportunities.

 

As it turns out, Taras had an Uncle Nikolai who was a fur trader in Northern Russia but the harsh winters had taken a toll on his body. Looking to relocate to a milder climate, Alaska came to Nikolai's mind. Visiting his nephew one evening they talked about their dreams. For both, it was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed. The next morning they headed out for the promised land of wealth and riches.

 

Taras could easily have gone to Montana to start his new life, instead, he went to Chicago to fulfill his passion for film. Taras has always had an eye for lavish beauty and directing. Some believe this was developed from catching a glimpse of his mother performing illecit acts. It's no wonder his cinematography talent is among the best in the world.

 

Taras’ lifestyle of extravagant riches, furs and women was forever changed one cold winter day. While stopping at a local restaurant, Mart Anthony’s, Taras saddled-up to the bar and started blurting out obscenities and political references about the ‘old country’. Tomas Jalana had a gift to gab and was the right person Taras needed at his side. The two hit it off well. In fact, so well, they decided to continue their conversation at one of Taras’ exclusive gentlemen’s club. In his usual generous manner, Taras covered the tab and told Tomas that it was "on the house".