Director Michael Middelkoop is joining Amsterdam-based 100% (formerly HALAL) for commercial representation worldwide. The signing comes after Middelkoopโs upcoming film Dit Is Geen Kerstfilm (This is not a Christmas movie) won big at this yearโs Nederlands Film Festival, garnering three โGolden Calvesโ (the Dutch equivalent of the Academy Awards)–for Best Director, Best Screenplay (Lotte Tabbers) and Best Supporting Actor (Laura Baker). The absurdist ensemble comedy was produced by 100% and will be released on December 19 exclusively on Prime Video.
Prior to coming aboard 100% for U.S. and international representation spanning spots and branded content, Middelkoop was repped in the Netherlands by Czar. The former advertising creative director likes to play with the familiar and the unexpected, imbuing his work with authenticity and multiculturalism. Middelkoopโs body of work encompasses commercials (including a Cannes Bronze Lion winner in 2015), short films, features, TV and web series. His credits include Netflix & Chill, a horror comedy; Snor, a surrealist story about accepting a lost love; and the TV series Zina.
After studying Film in Amsterdam, the Rotterdam-born Middelkoop started his career as an art director at agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Happiness Brussels, Achtung! and Dawn, before finally directing for brands such as adidas, Tele2, Lego and Asics–experimenting with new techniques to connect with youth culture.
Gijs Determeijer, partner and executive producer of 100%, said, โWe have really loved working with Michael on his feature film over the past year. The whole process went so smoothly–and working with Michael truly felt like one big party. We are currently also developing two other feature films with Michael, so it only felt natural for us to also work on commercials together. With three big awards under our belt, the timing couldnโt be more perfect.โ
Determeijer added, โI always enjoyed working with Michael when he was still on the agency-side, but now, I have gotten to experience him as one of the most well-rounded and ambitious directors in this country–a director who really knows exactly how to get the best out of his actors.โ
Middelkoop said of the honors received as last monthโs Nederlands Film Festival, โMy ambition was to make a film that examines modern society with intelligence and humor. Winning three golds not only shows me that this ambition can be achieved–but also highlights that the future is bright for crossover movies: films that both have something to say, and have commercial value.โ
As for his move to 100% for representation, Middelkoop shared, โIโm actually a bit of a weirdo–a director with a background as a creative. I get equally hungry from a strong ad campaign, a brilliant sketch or a good script that has something to say. I can only satisfy that hunger in one place – a place that is just as diverse as I am. I am very happy to open a new chapter and change the game with 100%!โ
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academyโs Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragonโs two wins were for โThe Red Dragon and the Goldโ episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the โPart Six: Far,l Far Awayโ episode of Ahsoka.
The HPAโs Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: โCelebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.โ
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More