Dimitri Vallein is a French independent film director, writer, and producer.
Q: Share your profile, academics, and filmmaking career details.
I’m Dimitri Vallein, also known as ValOne, a director based in Paris. I work internationally in animation, video games, and virtual experiences.
Before that, I created a YouTube channel that was very popular in the electronic music scene, accumulating tens of millions of views on videos made in my bedroom. And then I started making augmented reality filters. Those filters went viral almost immediately, with hundreds of millions of views. Celebrities from all over the world started using them. I think the biggest one was Dua Lipa. That’s when I realized how powerful it is to combine new technology with meaningful storytelling to connect with people on an emotional level.
Recently, I made an animated short called ‘The Last Star’ that is doing quite well on the festival circuit.
Q. What is your experience with creating animated content for different platforms?
Getting tens of millions of views on YouTube, and then hundreds of millions of views through augmented reality filters has given me a deep understanding of the scale at which we can now operate and the impact we can have on the world. The feeling of creating a piece of storytelling that people enjoy and share with their friends, and seeing it on every continent on the planet, is a life-changing experience. That’s what I want to do with animation now: touch people’s hearts and souls on a global scale.
Q. How do you ensure your animated films are engaging and visually appealing?
As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of visual storytelling to captivate audiences and evoke emotion. When crafting animated films, I draw inspiration from science-fiction universes and the existential questions you ask yourself throughout your life. I strive to create visually stunning landscapes and atmospheres that immerse viewers in the narrative. Attention to detail is paramount—I meticulously design every frame, ensuring that each shot is visually striking and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the film. Additionally, I prioritize character development and narrative depth, using animation as a medium to explore complex themes and convey universal truths. By engaging viewers on both an intellectual and emotional level, I strive to create animated films that leave a lasting impression and resonate long after the credits roll.
Q. When and how did you start your director, writer, and producer career?
In Paris, I used to hang out at a startup incubator. It was incredible because there were so many different people from different backgrounds coming in every day to work and discuss the future, technology, and how we can create a more exciting world in the years to come. Growing up in a small village and coming to Paris and spending a lot of time there felt like the Italian Renaissance (laughs). One night, with a great friend, we decided to watch an animated short called “Adam” made by Unity. When I saw it, I was blown away. I remember thinking: “This is it: This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” That’s how I got into animation, and I haven’t stopped since.
Q. What inspires you as a film director?
I am inspired by the boundless potential of storytelling and the constant evolution that animation can bring to the medium of cinema. Every day, I am driven by the desire to break new ground and challenge the conventions that limit our perception of what cinema can be.
Animation is beginning to transcend its traditional boundaries and reshape our understanding of narrative and visual expression. We are moving beyond the notion that animation is only for children. Animation has the power to transport audiences to new worlds and provoke thought-provoking discussions. I strongly believe that with animation, we have the opportunity to redefine the medium of cinema. This vision energizes me and gives me the strength to work harder every day towards my goals.
Q. You are the producer, writer, and director of The Last Star. How was your multitasking experience with your movie?
Multitasking on ‘The Last Star’ was an incredibly fulfilling experience, It allowed me to maintain creative control over every aspect of the production, ensuring that my vision remained uncompromised throughout. An interesting aspect of it was also curating a team of exceptionally talented individuals who shared my creative vision. Building this team was paramount, and I took great care in selecting individuals like Jon Sànchez (@slamthings), Mugi (@mugi.km), and Zakaria (@zakariabekabouche), whose exceptional skills and dedication were evident from the start. Throughout the production process, I trusted them to bring my vision to life, and their contributions were instrumental in making the project a reality. What began as a collaboration on ‘The Last Star’ has since evolved into a long-standing partnership as we continue to work together on subsequent projects, each time pushing the boundaries of our creativity. This experience prepared me to lead even larger teams with confidence and clarity in future endeavors.
Q. How is The Last Star performing at the film festivals?
The Last Star’s journey through film festivals has been an exciting experience, spanning nearly two years of positive reception and recognition. Being selected for esteemed events like the Berlin Music Video Awards, alongside iconic names such as The Weeknd, Pharrell Williams, and Muse, has been a humbling validation of the film’s impact and my team’s dedication. It was my first animated short film so I’m very proud of what we accomplished. Seeing the film’s success reaffirms our belief in the power of storytelling and visual expression. We’re inspired to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic horizons. I look forward to sharing our future creations with audiences around the world.
Q. Is there any other animated movie you are working on?
I’m currently immersed in the development of three captivating animation projects, each representing a unique exploration of storytelling and visual expression. ‘Vortex,’ set to be released soon, promises to captivate audiences with its immersive narrative and stunning animation. ‘New Specimen’ marks a significant milestone in my animation journey, delving into new territories with intricate character dynamics, compelling dialogue, and detailed facial animations, fueling my ambition to push the boundaries of animation even further. Additionally, ‘The Day I Met You’ is in pre-production, with a dedicated team crafting every detail from script to storyboard. With this project, I aim to make a lasting impact on people’s hearts and souls and project it to be my longest work in animation to date.
Q. How motivated are you for your future as an independent filmmaker?
The challenges of independence only fuel my determination, as it offers the freedom to explore bold ideas and unconventional narratives. I am excited by the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and I am committed to forging my own path in the industry. I see each project as an opportunity to grow as an artist and leave a lasting mark on the world of cinema. I’m filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead and the stories that have yet to be told. The future holds endless possibilities, and I’m eager to embrace them wholeheartedly.
Q. Would you like to share your work with our followers?
You can explore more of my work and learn about the process behind my animated shorts, exclusive projects, and behind-the-scenes content on my website: https://www.val0ne.com/. Additionally, you can watch my published works on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ValOneYT. For direct contact and updates on my latest projects, you can connect with me on Instagram: @valone.future. I look forward to sharing more of my creative journey with you!
