The Hidden Art of VFX: Val Nabilskiy on Film, Fantasy, and Passion
Welcome Val, we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
Who is Val Nabilskiy and how did the passion for creating begin?
I’m a director and visual effects artist with a deep passion for filmmaking. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of film projects and TV series, mostly from the US. For me, filmmaking is more than just a career— it’s a passion that drives my creativity and pushes me to contribute to the art, while also using everything I’ve learned to bring my own stories to life.
My Melody has a strong fairy-tale aesthetic. What inspired you to bring this illustrated storybook style to life? Were there any historical or artistic influences—such as medieval manuscripts, gothic cathedrals, or folklore—that shaped the visual design?
I’ve always been deeply passionate about the history of medieval Europe and the fairy tales from European cultures. There’s something truly captivating about that era, and I feel a personal connection to it, having grown up surrounded by its influences.
Medieval European architecture, especially cathedrals, fascinates me. These incredible structures, built with the most advanced technologies of their time, are true masterpieces. They aren’t just buildings—they’re living works of art that tell stories through their intricate details and grandeur.
The beauty and richness of medieval European culture played a big role in shaping the visual style of this short film, helping to bring its essence to life in a way that feels both timeless and inspiring.
You’ve worked in both directing and VFX. Do you see yourself more as a filmmaker or a visual artist, or are they inseparable for you?
I like to think of myself as a filmmaker first and foremost. My journey into visual effects started from a desire to master this powerful tool, which lets me push the boundaries of creativity in my work. Visual effects offer an incredible opportunity to build entire worlds and bring to life anything your imagination can come up with. They're not just a technical skill—they're a way to break free from limitations and explore endless possibilities.
Alongside visual effects, I also take on the role of cinematographer in my projects. I find a lot of fulfillment in diving deep into cinematography and using it to tell stories in a visually compelling way.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: ''MY MELODY''
Since My Melody is a musical fantasy, how did you collaborate with the performers to blend their physical acting with the film’s music? How did you get in touch with them and decided to collaborate ?
I’ve known Max Starovoyt, a really talented musician, for many years. One day, I heard one of his songs, just him and his acoustic guitar, and immediately thought it could be the perfect foundation for a short film. Max liked the idea, and we jumped in to make it happen.
Max is incredibly skilled, and he took the song to another level by transforming it from an acoustic piece into a full-on classic rock track. Even after we’d filmed the short and were in the middle of working on visual effects, we kept refining the song, adding new layers. It was a really collaborative process.
Honestly, this was one of the closest collaborations I’ve had with musicians, and it was such an enjoyable experience. It really brought something special to the project.
What’s a common misconception about CG art and motion design that you wish more people understood?
There’s a common belief that visual effects have declined over the years, and it's true that we all come across instances of poor-quality effects in films and on streaming platforms.
However, when you're watching a film or series and the visual effects aren’t immediately noticeable, it’s not because they’re absent—it’s because the artists did their job exceptionally well.
What many people don’t realize is how many "invisible" visual effects are used in modern cinema. These effects may not always be obvious, but they play an essential role in enhancing the storytelling and making the experience more immersive. The teams behind visual effects often work long hours, including weekends, to ensure that the magic of cinema reaches your screens on time, and their dedication is key to the success of every project.
What reactions do you hope to elicit from audiences watching your project ?
I hope audience enjoy it.
Can you tease any upcoming projects or themes you're excited to explore in your future works?
I’m working on a new short film right now, and it’s in the post-production stage. It’s coming along great, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone soon.
This marks the conclusion of the interview featuring our esteemed artist, Val Nabilskiy. Our community is growing steadily, with a continuous influx of skilled filmmakers and screenwriters joining us. Explore our other interviews, and consider scheduling one for yourself to showcase your creative endeavors.
