Small Talk with Director Henrik Rostrup

Welcome back to CINQ's 'Small Talk', an interview series spotlighting directors, DOPs, and other talented crew. In this next interview, director Henrik Rostrup delves into how started out as a filmmaker, how he chooses his projects, and why ‘motion is lotion’.

Q> You started as a creative, then became a producer, and finally a director. How have you managed such a turbulent development?

Henrik> I started out doing ski and mountain bike films after ending my career as an athlete. I don’t think I started out as a creative or a producer, or a director…but all in one. I would say I started out as a filmmaker and that’s how I still view my career. Always learning new stuff, but at the same time remembering where you came from.

Q> Scandinavian dramas have become very popular in recent years. Has this influenced the world of commercials in any way?

Henrik> I don’t think so. If anything, I’m influence by Scandinavian people always being outdoors and how our landscape can inspire our lives in general. 

Q> What is your relationship with AI? 

Henrik> I have no relationship with AI. Even less so when people are so hyped about it. It’s a tool, get over it.

Q> Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Henrik> I’m old enough to have actually owned the three-pack DVD of LOTR and I’ll leave it at that.

Q> Many directors divide scripts into three categories: for money, for showreel, for fun. Do you perhaps have some additional categories?

Henrik> I try to choose my work for the experience I can share with good people.

Q> What was the most beautiful location where you have filmed?

Henrik> Telluride in Colorado with Hugh Jackman.

Q> … and the worst one?

Henrik> Any studio in the world.

Q> How did enjoy working with Lionel Messi? Is he as good actor as football player?

Henrik> Lionel Messi can do great things with whatever he puts his heart in. That goes for the rest of us too.

Q> Do you still ride a bike? 

Henrik> Yes, I’m always moving. It’s important to move. I ride my bikes a lot, I run a lot and I climb a lot. Motion is lotion. 

Q> Would you rather film with 440 horses or 440 horsepower under the hood?

Henrik> I’m happy in shooting anything that moves.