By: Media Components, Digital Marketing Agency 

From music videos and global collaborations to animated characters and digital worlds, Yevhen shares his perspective on creativity, purpose, and inspiration.

Media Components Digital Agency sits down for an exclusive interview with UGN Director.

Q. Your Journey – How Did You First Come to Directing and Visual Art? What Was the Starting Point for You?

My name is Yevhen Hryshchenko, and my creative pseudonym is UGN Director. I direct music videos and visual projects for artists around the world. Over the years, I have been fortunate to film on nearly every continent and take part in projects from many different corners of the planet – from Europe and Asia to North and South America. That international experience has played a significant role in shaping the way I think and the visual language I use.

In the early 2010s, I founded HD Shot Studio, a post-production studio that works with world-class artists, creating music videos, commercials, and CGI content on an international scale. Our portfolio includes projects for Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Anitta, DaBaby, Karol G, and other global stars.

Over time, my focus shifted toward larger-scale music and animation projects. One of the most exciting directions we’re currently pursuing is Rombi & Bombi – a project we are bringing into orbit this year. It feels like everything is coming together, and now we are beginning to see its true potential.

My goal is to create projects that can inspire, connect cultures, and contribute to the forward momentum of the industry – regardless of geography.

Q. Style and Inspiration – How Would You Describe Your Visual Style? Which Directors, Artists, or Creators Have Influenced Your Way of Seeing?

I have always aimed to unite aesthetics and technology, emotion and form. For me, visual style is not just an image – it is a way of thinking.

Among directors, Christopher Nolan’s work has had a significant influence on me, especially his exploration of scale, time, space, and his ability to craft intricate narrative structures.

At the same time, I did not follow a classical academic path in directing – at least not until recently. Much of what I do is intuitive. I am a visualizer: I see the picture, I feel the frame, the rhythm, the light. I do not feel the need to take examples from others or strictly adhere to someone else’s style.

Think about how the first painters, the first singers, the first poets appeared. They did not have textbooks, teachers, or universities. And yet they created, because they felt it in their hearts. We understand where that comes from. It comes from God. They drew inspiration and followed their inner voice.

I can be inspired by the simplest thing I see – how a small leaf lies on the asphalt, how a road sign catches the light, how beautifully the sun sets. I draw inspiration from everything divine, from everything God created. That is why, to me, the source of inspiration is practically endless.

Q. Inspiration Today – What (or Who) Inspires You the Most Right Now?

My biggest inspiration is my sons – Alex-Prince and Michael. When my older son says he wants to become a director like his dad, I understand that I am on the right path. For me, that is one of the most authentic and meaningful affirmations that what I am doing truly matters.

Q. Global Projects – What is the Difference Between Working in a Local Market and an International One?

A local product usually lives within its own territory – it is made for a specific audience and stays inside a local context.

The international market, on the other hand, tends to think more expansively from the outset – it creates content with a broader audience in mind. It requires a different scale, a different mindset, and offers far greater opportunities for bringing a creative idea to life.

And the international market is often more open to experimentation. It is not as constrained by conventions; on the contrary, anything new, unconventional, and innovative is often seen as a potential avenue for growth and exploration. That is why I feel very aligned with working on a global level.

Q. Rombi & Bombi – Your Project is Becoming More and More Visible. What Makes it Special, and How Do You See It Evolving?

It is important to mention that the author of the Rombi & Bombi project is Arsenium, one of the members of the iconic group O-Zone. I am a big admirer of his work and, just as importantly, a close friend of his. From the very beginning, I considered this project truly special, both in its musical concept and the feeling behind it.

The first step of Rombi & Bombi was simple: the song was uploaded to YouTube and released on digital platforms – without any promotion at all. And yet, the combined total of all Shorts videos using the Rombi & Bombi song surpassed 12 billion views worldwide.

For me, that is an extremely strong signal. The project has found its own life and resonance with audiences – without the need for heavy artificial promotion.

Today, Rombi & Bombi is evolving into a music-and-animation brand. These characters are gradually becoming part of music videos, animation, social media, and digital platforms, scaling alongside the new generation’s audience.

Q. Technology and Business – You Combine Directing with Entrepreneurship. How Do You Keep the Balance Between Art and Production?

For me, technology is a tool – not the goal. It is not enough to simply know the tools; you have to understand how they enhance the idea.

HD Shot Studio produces dozens of projects every year: music videos, CGI, commercials, and animation. But at the core of everything is trust. Major artists and labels trust us with their ideas, and that is a serious responsibility.

I always aim for visual solutions that complement the artist’s vision – for their image and strategy – rather than existing separately from their meaning.

Q. Challenges and Lessons – What Major Challenges Have You Faced on the International Stage?

One of the biggest challenges was building an international reputation outside major hubs like Los Angeles or London. I had to learn remote project management, build global connections, and work across different cultures. It was also essential not just to master technologies but to integrate them organically into creative work. Those challenges have shaped my style and taught me to think more broadly.

Q. Coincidence and Miracles – Do You Believe in Miracles and Coincidence?

I do not believe in coincidence in the usual sense. I believe that every “coincidence” is actually a pattern – an outcome of certain actions a person takes over time.

To be in the right place at the right time, you need to walk a path and take many steps long before that moment comes.

If you asked me what the probability was that we would record a song with Poo Bear, I would say it was extremely low. We are talking about someone who shaped the sound of modern pop music – someone who has written and created songs and albums for Justin Bieber, and helped build hits that the whole world knows and sings.

But in what people would call a “coincidence,” he ended up in the studio and heard our Rombi & Bombi material. He connected with it deeply. And the very next studio session became a real collaboration – with Poo Bear and Arsenium from O-Zone – where we wrote the music and lyrics together.

For me, that is not a coincidence. It is confirmation that there’s a deeper, meaningful connection when you are on the right path.

Q. What’s Next – What Projects Are Coming Up for You in the Near Future?

There is a good saying: “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” So, I will only speak about what has already happened and will definitely be released.

Very soon, a joint song and music video with Like Nastya will be released. We have also already recorded a song with Poo Bear, and it will come out after the Like Nastya release.

We also have a fully completed album, and Rombi & Bombi is actively moving into orbit. I am confident that very soon this music will be playing in many homes.

Q. Personal – If You Remove Technology and Business, What Does Art Mean to You Personally?

I would even say not “art,” but creation – from the word Creator.

For me, creation is the act of bringing something into existence. I feel that God leads me and shows me the path, and I simply try to be attentive and follow.

My task is to create – and to bring into the world what is meant to appear.

Connect with Me and Learn More:

• https://ugndirector.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/ugn_director/