Director Michael Middelkoop Joins 100%

100% signs one of the Netherlands’ most buzzy directors: Michael Middelkoop. Michael’s upcoming film 'Dit Is Geen Kerstfilm' (This is not a Christmas movie) has won big at this year’s Nederlands Film Festival (essentially the Dutch Oscars) bringing home three 'Golden Calves' in the Feature Film category, winning Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. The ‘absurdist ensemble comedy’, which premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival, was produced by 100%, released exclusively on Prime Video. 

The former advertising creative director who was on the roster at Czar in recent years, likes to play with the familiar and the unexpected, imbuing his work with authenticity and multiculturalism. Michael has a unique approach that allows him to make commercials, short films, feature films, TV series and web series with equal ease - for which he won several film awards as well as a Cannes Lion. Michael has made (many) other films, including the horror comedy Netflix & Chill, Snor, a surrealist story about accepting a lost love, and the acclaimed TV series Zina.

After studying Film in Amsterdam, the Rotterdam-born creative started his career as an art director at renowned 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.

Perfect timing

Gijs Determeijer, partner and executive producer of 100% (fka HALAL) said, "We 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 couldn't be more perfect. 

I am beyond excited that Michael has joined the 100% family. I 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.”

Michael Middelkoop about winning three golds, “My ambition was to make a film that examines modern society with intelligence and humour. 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.”

'Weirdo'

And finally about his switch to 100%, “I’m 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%!”

‘Dit is Geen Kerstfilm’ will be released on Prime Video on the 19th of December.