Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Chen

Hi Valerie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My passion for cameras and visual storytelling began early in my life. Even as a child, I was captivated by the idea that stories could be brought to life through images and motion. This fascination guided me toward a path in journalism, where I found myself naturally inclined to video storytelling. I quickly discovered a love for video news, which then evolved into a deeper interest in documentary storytelling and editing.

Now, video has become my primary medium for exploring and revealing untold stories. It’s a way for me to express my thoughts, values, and what I hold dear. I believe that video is not just about capturing moments, but about creating a dialogue—an opportunity to communicate, exchange perspectives, and foster understanding. Through my work, I aim to connect with others and share the stories that matter most to me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The road has never been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is finding my place within the creative process. For example, when working on a story about a marginalized group, I struggle with the balance between being objective and remaining true to journalistic standards, while also humanizing those who are often stereotyped. It’s a delicate line to walk—being a part of the storytelling process without imposing myself on the narrative or disrupting the natural flow of the story as it unfolds.

This was especially true in projects like my work on the sex worker community in Chicago and the short documentary piece about online abuse. The subject of any story is inherently human, and with that comes unpredictability and complexity. Human nature cannot be manipulated or entirely anticipated, which means that every project presents unique challenges. No matter how much I prepare, there are always obstacles that only become apparent in the moment. This mix of excitement and pressure is what makes non-fiction storytelling so captivating to me. It’s the unpredictability and the necessity to adapt on the fly that keeps the process both challenging and rewarding.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m a freelance multimedia journalist and documentary filmmaker based in New York City. With over five years of experience in journalism and a deep passion for visual storytelling, I specialize in producing, editing, and shooting diverse content, including digital videos, short-form documentaries, interactive projects, social media videos, and animated explainers. My work has been featured on platforms like CNN, BBC News, and HBO Max, and has garnered recognition from industry awards such as the Online News Association (ONA), The Telly Awards, SOPA, and the Human Rights Press Award.

I’m always eager for new challenges and thrive on the opportunity to explore uncharted territory. I’m adaptable and quick to learn new skills, ensuring that each project benefits from a fresh and innovative approach.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

The qualities that I believe are crucial to my success include a relentless commitment to excellence and a meticulous attention to detail. I never allow myself to be sloppy; I always strive to give my best effort in every project. Being detail-oriented and organized helps me maintain high standards and achieve a polished final product.

Equally important is my openness to collaboration and my ability to recognize and leverage the strengths of those I work with. Understanding and valuing the contributions of my team members ensures that we produce the best possible work together.
Contact information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svalchen/