Date of Decision: October 12, 2016
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Co-Founder, and Executive Producer
Field: Film and Television Production
Nationality: Russia
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Participation as a Judge:
The Petitioner participated as a jury member at a television series’ jury panel with four other international experts. - Published Material:
Articles about the Petitioner and his company were published in major trade publications, indicating his sustained national or international acclaim in the film and television industry. - Leading or Critical Role:
As CEO and co-founder of the film and television production company, the Petitioner has led the company’s business operations and coordinated its productions, making it the largest private film studio in Russia.
Criteria Not Met:
No specific criteria mentioned as not met in the decision.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner received a significant contribution award to the Russian television industry in 2009.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
Numerous articles in major trade publications and other media outlets covered the Petitioner’s work, showcasing his recognition in the industry.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner oversaw the construction of Russia’s first purpose-built film and television complex in sixty years and fostered international co-productions with companies in China and India.
Participation as a Judge:
The Petitioner served as a juror in a television series’ jury panel, demonstrating his recognized expertise in the industry.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner is a member of prestigious industry associations, including serving on the governing boards of key industry organizations, which is limited to individuals with significant contributions to the Russian film and television industry.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
No specific mentions of scholarly articles in the decision.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Petitioner played a leading role in his company’s business operations, establishing it as the largest private film studio in Russia.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
No specific mentions of artistic exhibitions or showcases in the decision.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
No specific mentions of high salary or remuneration in the decision.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
No specific mentions of commercial successes in the performing arts in the decision.
Supporting Documentation
- News Articles: Articles from major trade publications and other media outlets about the Petitioner and his company’s work.
- Awards Documentation: Evidence of the Petitioner’s awards and recognitions.
- Industry Reports: Reports listing the Petitioner and his company as key players in the Russian film and television industry.
- Membership Evidence: Documentation of the Petitioner’s membership in prestigious industry associations.
- Jury Participation Proof: Evidence of the Petitioner’s participation as a juror in a television series’ jury panel.
- Co-production Agreements: Documentation of international co-production agreements facilitated by the Petitioner.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal is sustained, and the Petitioner has demonstrated eligibility for the EB1 Extraordinary Ability classification.
Reasoning:
The Petitioner provided substantial evidence of his sustained national or international acclaim and demonstrated that he is among the small percentage at the very top of his field. His contributions to the Russian film and television industry and his recognized achievements meet the regulatory criteria.
Next Steps:
The Petitioner is encouraged to continue gathering evidence of his sustained national or international acclaim and contributions to further solidify his standing in his field.
