Elena Tcherkas is a Los Angeles-based editor and filmmaker originally from Russia. Born and raised in a small city near Moscow, she graduated from Moscow State University with a specialization in the Modern History of Europe and America. While working at the Museum of Moscow History, she discovered her passion for visual storytelling after collaborating with a TV crew on an exhibition feature. This experience led her to pursue journalism at the High School of TV and Radio.
Elena began her career as a reporter for local TV studios before joining Ostankino and later VGTRK's Culture Channel, where she produced trailers and collaborated with renowned directors and critics. These experiences inspired her transition from writing to editing and visual storytelling.
In 2016, Elena moved to Los Angeles with her husband, cinematographer Oleg Tcherkas, to pursue their shared dream of filmmaking. Both graduated from the Los Angeles Film School and, in 2024, co-founded 18 Percent Gray Production, specializing in editing and cinematography.
Elena has contributed to numerous American TV networks, including ESPN, Spectrum News, DirecTV, and the American Sheriff Network. Her work has earned her two Emmy Awards and a Webby Award. While proficient in various genres, her passion lies in documentary and narrative storytelling. In addition to editing, she also storyboards select projects and balances her career with raising two children.
