When asking the Russian movie foundation for financial help, filmmakers described the movie as a modernized adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "Wizard of Oz." The original title was "Wizard of OS," in reference to a computer Operating System. During the filmmakers' presentation, the storyboards were based on the 1939 movie. In the final movie, only a few elements Oz elements remain, including Ivan mentioning the Munchkins, Ivan representing the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow by seeking courage and acting dimwitted, and Sasha representing the Tin Man by learning the truth about the heart. Due to several changes from the Oz story, criticism arose against the Russian movie foundation.