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Valeriy BebkoUkrainian director, creative producer
Date of Birth: 09.07.1984
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career as a Filmmaker
- Formation of The Hardkiss
- Success with The Hardkiss
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Valeriy Bebko was born on July 9, 1984, in Ukraine. In 2002, he moved to London to pursue contemporary art at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. During his studies, he directed several short films, including "Reincarnation" (2004), "Never Born" (2005), and "Autoscopy" (2006).
Career as a Filmmaker
After returning to Kyiv, Bebko directed music videos for Ukrainian artists. In 2011, he worked on the collective short film anthology "In Love with Kyiv."
Formation of The Hardkiss
In 2008, Bebko met Yulia Sanina, a journalist, during an interview on MTV Ukraine. They formed the pop duo Val & Sanina in 2011, releasing a demo and covers. Soon after, they changed the band's name to The Hardkiss and adopted an English-language repertoire. They independently produced their music and lyrics.
Bebko directed The Hardkiss's debut music video, "Babylon," and played a crucial role in the group's development. In 2011, the band opened for Hurts and DJ Solange Knowles.
Success with The Hardkiss
The Hardkiss quickly gained popularity both in Ukraine and internationally. In 2012, the band signed with Sony BMG and the French agency Eye-M Models. They received the Discovery of the Year and Best Music Video awards at the YUNA Awards.
Bebko is responsible for directing most of The Hardkiss's music videos, including "Dance with Me" (2012) and the concert film "Big Show in Kyiv (Stereo Plaza 2014)." He has also directed music videos for other artists, including NikitA and Kazaky.
Awards and Recognition
In 2018, Bebko was nominated for Sound Producer of the Year at the M1 Music Awards for The Hardkiss's song "Dance with Me."
Personal Life
Bebko is married to Yulia Sanina, the lead singer of The Hardkiss. They kept their relationship a secret for five years before marrying in 2013. They have a son named Daniil, who was born in 2015.
