Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova is a Ukrainian producer, businesswoman, and investor who built her career without the usual “connections, politicians, or a male sponsor,” as she herself emphasizes. Delicate and feminine, she manages several companies worldwide and develops unique projects. Advertising, concierge services, the film industry, bunkers, and even satellites are just a small part of what this woman works on.
Today, she heads Elledgy Media Group, is involved in film production, marketing, and events, and also implements futuristic real estate and technology projects. She talked about this in an exclusive interview with Anatoly Anatolich as part of his YouTube project, which took place during the Venice Film Festival, where the producer presented the trailer for a film starring Kevin Spacey.
A rapid start: from advertising to the film business
Elvira Paterson was born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine As she herself says, no one gave her anything ready-made; she built her entire business herself. She received her education in Ukraine and created several projects, including Pro Ukraine and Elledgy Media Group, through which she has already expanded her international activities.
As Elvira herself recalls, she earned her “first million” on her own — through advertising, creating a service for wealthy clients, and organizing participation in social events. She worked almost every day, built her own network of contacts, and invested in her professional development.
“No one gave me start-up capital — I built everything with my own hands. I realized long ago that to make big money, you need to work with people who already have it. I’m not chasing money — I’m looking for people. Everything I have now is thanks to my team. Together, we create cool, large-scale initiatives,” says Elvira.
Movies, Hollywood, and what does the Ukrainian team have to do with it?
Speaking of the team, despite the woman having lived in Portugal for 12 years, she actively promotes everything Ukrainian and Ukrainians. For example, in addition to international charitable initiatives, humanitarian aid, and team relocation, Elvira always tries to involve Ukrainian specialists in her projects.
“Our specialists are extremely talented and professional. For example, during the last shoot, I involved as many of my compatriots as possible. Wherever I am, I always say I am from Ukraine and that I have many talented colleagues, because DNA does not go anywhere. We are active, hard-working, and can do things really well and quickly,” says the producer.
Incidentally, Elvira Paterson’s portfolio includes the documentary Superpower (2023), about events in Ukraine, featuring Sean Penn, for which she was one of the executive producers.
In addition, she is developing an initiative to support veterans who cannot return to the front due to injuries.
“I have guys who fought in the war. I helped them move to Portugal and gave them jobs. It’s important to help them recover and start a new life,” she says.
One of Elvira’s key areas of activity is currently international film production. The Holiguards — The Portal of Force project is a large-scale film saga in which star Kevin Spacey reappears on the big screen, one of the latest projects the entrepreneur is currently working on. In particular, the film’s trailer was presented at the Venice Film Festival in 2025. It was also shown at several other film festivals and gala evenings. The film is currently in post-production and is actively attracting new investors to continue production. The world premiere of the film is scheduled for the end of 2025. Portugal will be the first to see the trailer, followed by Saudi Arabia and then Ukraine.
“Film production is not only about creativity, but also strategy, finance, and international connections. It’s a hobby that has grown into a business, from which I get a lot of experience and satisfaction,” says Elvira.
Other stars of Holiguards — The Portal of Force include Eric Roberts, Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, Brianna Hildebrand, Disha Patani, and others.
Elledgy Media Group is already working on sequels to the saga and new international film projects designed to strengthen the position of Ukrainian producers on the world stage.
Behind the scenes: family and personal life
Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova is not only a successful businesswoman, but also a daughter and mother. She is raising her son, Robert, and devotes all her free time to him. She says that her family is her greatest support not only in life, but also in her project activities.
“My parents also moved to Portugal to be with me after the full-scale invasion began. Thanks to them, I can realize my plans — my mother helps with the little one, and my father supports me in every way in business. In general, my family members are my partners. Together, we are scaling up in every sense,” she shares.
Elvira does not hide the fact that her path has not been easy. According to the producer, it was her divorce that prompted a new stage in her life.
“If I hadn’t gotten divorced, I would never have ended up where I am now. My ex-husband taught me a lot, but after the breakup, I realized that I had to move on. I found my speed in freedom,” she says.
She emphasizes that no matter how difficult it may be, you can’t give up and must always move toward your goal, and remembers how she once dreamed of working with celebrities, meeting them outside their hotels, and looking for ways to meet them. Today, Elvira attends the same events with them, lives on the same floor as Hollywood actors, and smiles when she hears “Mrs. Paterson.”
“The biggest investment is investing in people. And the greatest capital is freedom,” the producer concludes.
Her story is an example of how perseverance and self-belief open doors to global opportunities. And how important it is to listen to your heart at the right time.
