Everything on this website without mention is lit and/or
photographed by me.
Please consider it intellectual property and do not freely grab images without permission. I happily provide full resolution samples upon request.
footprintsoflight.nl / Dick Merx
+31(0) 636 121 932
In order to capture the fastest and most fundamental force of nature (a quantized portion of it), you need to understands its very spirit. How to track, control and properly break it. FOL represents the kind that hunts light by instinct, from any space or time.
I’m an Amsterdam-based filmmaker. Creative, with a technical eye. My experience spans the gamut of commercials, TV series, features, short, documentary, stereoscopy, corporate, etc. I render services world wide.
When it comes to light and optics, I’m a freak. Being scientist or artist isn’t job-related. Just a choice of angle. At a certain point, intuition and numbers blend. Consious of esoteric formulae or no, images filmmakers compose are eventually captured and projected by a profound technical system – the limiting, or, at least, forming factor of the product we call cinema. To me, ignoring the medium voids the purpose of using it. You don’t employ a painting style regardless of pigments, brushes, support, or subject matter.
Film making, for me, is a mode of life beyond cultural geography. If literature is vocabulary, film is light. People may have individual interpretations, our brains share the same spectral sensitivity. We employ its sources ( the sun, fire, filament, arcs, led, plasma, reflective surfaces, etc. ) in very similar ways. Direction moves people. In the visual world that we create, fiction and reality become interchangeable. What we ultimately project on a screen are only footprints of light. Nobody can truly tell its cosmic path, and it doesn’t matter anyway; we only see what we choose to believe. If we manage to capture without killing it, if we create immortality in that other dimension, our job as filmmakers is done.
After acquiring proficiency with the industry’s highest standard equipment as focus puller, electrician and gaffer, people began requesting me to DP. The great creative and technical responsibility that often comes with that job has steepened the progression curve of my development as filmmaker. Next to DP/cinematographer, I still enjoy operating or assisting camera, or striking lights !
I would be nowhere without my colleagues, so I did my best to provide links to IMDb or their respective websites. Most are alumni from the Dutch Film Academy (NFTA), HKU, WDKA, or other (foreign) film or theater schools. And some (48hfp) autodidacts. A passionate and hardworking professional family either way. Also thanks to the mentioned rental houses who’ve supported by professional and generous service.
Below you find a selection my most recent and/or more personal projects. Feel free to look around to get an idea of my style of work. More information (personal motivation, list of technical proficiency, show reel, etc.) down the bottom.
I hope to see you for a brainstorm session and/or on set!
LTR: Sliphorst, me, Alexa, Hermannsdottir, Kool, Schreuders on the set of “Signs”.
Photo by Kees van Welzenis
call : +31(0) 636 121 932 e-mail : dmerx[at]footprintsoflight[dot]nl
CoC/KVK:50027581 (Amsterdam) VAT/BTW :NL131425638B01 VAR wuo
Footprints Of Light is part of Anak Campur, registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce of Amsterdam.
THE RIGHT JUICE (2012 feature)
gauge: HD; SONY F3 S-log Cinedeck EX, S35MM SSMk.II, ArriMacro; 1.85:1
cast: Mark Killeen, Lúcia Moniz, Miguel Damião, Ellie Chidzey, Beau McClellan, and many others
production company: O Sumo Certo Ltd. | in association with Fluxo Banal | executive producer: B.J. Boulter | co-producer: Chris Parker | writer : David Butler-Cole
director: Kristjan Knigge | 1st AD : Karen Radzikowski | director of photography: Dick Merx | art director: João Calvario | editor: Sonja ten Boom | sound designer: Ronald van der Spek, Erik Schuring | score: Pedro Frias | gaffer: Antonio Antunes | camera operator: Pedro Matos | 1st AC : Jur Oster | steadicam : Knut Pedersen | make-up : Sammy Sheehan | costumes : Jean Chardet | UPM : Karen Radzikowski | 2nd AD : Miguel Palhinha | script supervisor : Suzy Turner | location manager : Amélia Câmara | set builder : Ross Dias | best boy : Carlos Antunes | rigger : Rory McKeowen | PA : Zito Cunha, Marisa Cacoete | stunt supervisor : João Gaspar | sound assistant : André Esnada | 2nd AC : Fábio Guerreiro | assistant editor : Amanda ? | catering : Jon Vine, Erla Oladottir | color grading: ? | special thanks: Golden Eye, Cine Light, Vila Vita, Zoomarine, Subnauta, Lara...
“The Right Juice” is a British/Algarvian comedy with international cast and crew, shot in Portugal.
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CAP’S CLUB (2012 pilot TV series)
gauge: 4,5K; RED Mysterium-X, S35MM SSMk.II, Angenieux; 1.78:1
cast: Daan de Groot, Eefje Paddenburg, Leonie Elbert, Stefan de Walle, Han Oldigs, and others.
production company : Lucille Werner Foundation
director : Jasper Verheugd, Servaas Snoeijers | 1st AD : Werner Weslau | cinematographer : Dick Merx | art director: Kristel Steenbergen | sound engineer: Martijn Scholte | editor, colorist : Ron van Westen | production manager:Sixta Besseling | 1st a.c., grip: Esther Kool | gaffer: Glenn Bruijntjes | styling : Diana Thys, Ashanty Vitalis | makeup: Femke Gaarlandt, Suraya Willemsen | set dresser: Iris Jacobs | best boy : Tinus Dam | assistant producer: Céline Scholten | score: ? | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s
“ Cap’s Club ” is a warm and fun detective series with a group of kids unraveling mysteries, produced for national Dutch television.
PAGINA 23 (2011 short narrative)
gauge: HD; SONY F3, S35MM SSMk.II; 2.35:1
cast: Ahmed Akkabi, Liliana de Vries, Robin Alcedo, Zara Dwinger, Jessie Mentjox
producers:Tim Arts, Stefan van den Boogaart, Jeroen Houben
director : Jeroen Houben | 1st AD : Marèl Jap-Sam | cinematographer : Dick Merx | art director : Marianne Lock | sound designer : Henk-Jelle de Groot | editor : Wouter van Luijn | gaffer : Mick van Herk | boom operator: Louk Voncken | makeup: Iris Zuidema | styling : Laurence Mensink | electrician & grip: Roel Neuraij , Kiki van Herk | assistant producer: Maarten Kuypers, Olya van Poppel | score: Joris Titawano | titel sequence: Jurjen Versteeg | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s
BEST FILM AUDIENCE AWARD BEST EDITING at the NFF 2011, Utrecht, as part of the 48HFP.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at Filmapalooza in Taos, USA 2012.
TOMMIE (2011 short narrative)
gauge: HD; SONY F3, NanoFlash, S35MMSS Mk.II; 2.35:1
cast: Sens Gerritsen, Richard Maaré, Betty van der Schaaf
producer: Hooded Hombre/Presto Film | writer: Simon Sliphorst
director: Simon Sliphorst | cinematographer : Dick Merx | production designer: Sonja Spaan | sound design: Kay Poster | editor: Martijn Goran | makeup: Merle Holterman | boom operator: Harro Henkemans | electrician & grip: Arthur Vis | assistant producer & catering: Guido Sleurink | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s
AUDIENCE AWARD at Film at the Sea , Zealand
GRAND PRIZE at Extreme Short Festival , Seoul
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CEL (2011 short narrative)
gauge: 4,5K; RED Mysterium-X, S35MM SSMk.II; 2.35:1
cast: Alexander Berson, Sabir Alhaft
producer: BlueCar Films | writer: Niels Bourgonje
director: Niels Bourgonje | director of photography: Dick Merx | production designer: Iris Jacobs | sound designer: Ravian de Vries | editor: Björn Mentink | color correction: AVP | production manager: Dilian de Bruin | 1st AD.: Sander van Velzen | gaffer: Mick van Herk | camera operator: Arthur Vis | set dresser: Sonja Spaan | makeup: Denise Boon, Jill van Enckevort | electrician: Otto Ligt, Josephine Drehmanns | assistant production. Francios Pieneman, Sacha Krynen, Sandra Houthuijs | 2nd a.d.: Tijl Vos | data manager: Remon Steinhardt | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s
“ Cell ” is currently in post-production. Selected for Scenecs 2011 , Amersfoort.
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COLLIN’S KOSMOS (2011 short narrative)
gauge: 4K; RED Mysterium, S35MM SSMk.II; 2.35:1
starring: Neil van der Hulst
producer & writer: Nick Aberson
director: Nick Aberson | cinematographer : Dick Merx | production designer: Robin Bremer | sound designer: Richard Wilder | editor: Tim Roza | color correction: CCCP | production manager: Ajna Mulaomerovic | 1st AD : Niels Bourgonje | gaffer: Mick van Herk | set dresser : Sonja Spaan | makeup: Denise Boon | electrician: Kees van Welzenis | assistant production. Julia Rombout, Bonne Leeuwenkuijl | data manager: Kees van Welzenis | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s
Selection NFF 2011 , Utrecht.
BROERTJE (2011 short narrative)
gauge: HD; SONY F3, S35MM CP; 1.77:1
cast: Bauke van Boohemen, Sebastiaan Smits, Barbara Labrie, and others
producer: Marel Jap-sam
director: Marel Jap-sam | cinematographer: Esther Kool | sound designer: Olivier Nijs | editor: ? | color correction: CCCP | 1st a.d.: Niels Bourgonje | gaffer & focus puller steadicam: Dick Merx | steadicam: Chris Fawcett | data manager & focus puller: Kees van Welzenis | special thanks: Het Raam, Lichtmacht
Selection NFF 2011 , Utrecht.
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EVA (2011 short narrative)
gauge: HD; SONY EX3, Letus, Zeiss still primes; 2.35:1
cast: Emma van der Laar, Sietske van der Bijl, Wesley Kaasjager, Michael Beugelink, and others
producers: Anouk van der Weijden, Arthus Vis | writer: Arthur Vis
director (actors): Simon Sliphorst | cinematographer : Arthur Vis | production designer: Sonja Spaan | sound designer: Martijn Scholte, Sander Schreuders | editor: Eelco Martens | 1st a.d.: Niels Bourgonje | gaffer & focus puller : Dick Merx | best boy: Mick van Herk | makeup artist: Merle Holterman, Femke Keuzenkamp | wardrobe: Sophia Tunia | electricians: Kees van Welzenis, Martin Hooijmans | assistant camera: Barry van der Kolk, Niels Damstra | special thanks: Cam-a-lot, Singel Film.
“ Eva ” is a student film that got d.o.p. Arthur Vis admitted to the NFTA (Dutch film academy).
MULTITASKING (2010 short narrative)
gauge: SD; SONY 530P, PRO35, S35MM SS Mk.II; 2.35:1
cast : Ilse van Kollenburg, Evrim Kurç, Lukas van de Vrande
producer: Slow Film | writers: Lilian Sijbesma, Tom van Blommestein
director : Aart Taminau | cinematographer : Dick Merx | composer : Rik van den Berge | editor: Leon Vrolijk | production manager: Marianne Jekkers | 1st a.d.: Bart Lebelle | gaffer: Mick van Herk | sound engineer: Olivier Rekers | makeup: Chrissy van Dun | electricians: Dik de Jong, George Holzheimer | special thanks: Goldeneye, Open Studio
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY and a nomination Audience Award and Best Directing
at the NFF 2010, 48HFP Utrecht
gauge: HD; RED Mysterium, GH1, Zeiss still primes; 2.35:1
featuring: Zhang Bingxin Liu He Men Wushu Federation, Luk Hop Moon Martial Club
producers: FootprintsOfLight , DPusVisuals
director & director of photography: Dick Merx | camera operator: Menno van Dijk | gaffer: Glenn Bruijntjes | production manager: Sacha Krynen | 1st a.d.: Patrick Thompson | set dresser: Sonja Spaan | sound engineer: Olivier Rekers, Rik van den Berge, Martijn Scholte | makeup: Emke Schouwink, Denise Boon | electricians: Mick van Herk | special thanks: Jorrit Garretsen, Goldeneye, Singel Film
”Inheriting Liu He Men” is a documentary on an ancient Chinese martial arts generation.
* In Production *
WILD (2010 short narrative)
gauge: HD; CANON 5DMk2; 1.77:1
cast: Eva van Manen, Jan Winter
producer: Carol Bastings | writer: Williete Wolters-Groeneveld
director & camera: Kristjan Knigge | sound designer: Ruben de Vries | gaffer & focus puller : Dick Merx | makeup artist: Gita Möller | boom operator: Carol Bastings | assistant producer: Jeroen Mimran | (set photographer)
First time Kristjan and I worked together. Short unpaid gig where I took care of the technical stuff (focus pulling, gaffering). My set photography was used as a guide for grading it.
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gauge: 4K; RED Mysterium, UP; 2.85:1
cast : Eva den Hartogh, Liesbeth Kamerling, Mattijn Hartemink, and others
producer & writer: Lilian Sijbesma
director : Lilian Sijbesma | cinematographer : Paul Caspers | sound designer: Martijn Scholte, Wib Neussen | editor: Jan van Gorkum | focus puller: Dick Merx, Gemma Probst | gaffer: Thomas Jeninga, Jelle van der Does | makeup: | special thanks: Goldeneye, Lichtmacht
Ambitious student film, that went on to win a ridiculous many awards at different festivals.
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gauge: HD; CANON 5DMk2, Zeiss still primes; 2.35:1
cast : Nadia Poeschmann, Manuel Broekman, Peter Tuinman
producer: Revasser Films, WorldVisuals
director & editor : Lars Jansen | cinematographer : Bernard Ausems | production designer : Luka van den Dungen | composer : Herman Witkam | sound designer : Erik Schuring | production manager : Sacha Krynen | 1st AD : Ysbrant Bakker | gaffer & focus puller : Dick Merx | makeup artist : Emma Blok, Gytha Smit | assistant producer : Dilian de Bruin | electricians : Ron Visser, Bobbie Roelofs | catering : Rogier Bleys | special thanks : Singel Film
On the set of “Warmth of the Morning Light” I met a bunch of very fine filmmakers (among which the very gifted Bernard Ausems), many of which I still collaborate with.
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BEN and IZE
gauge: various
Proud I am of my work, but what I love most is my family. A small chronology.
EGBERT (2010 short narrative)
gauge: SD; SONY 530P, PRO35, S35MM SSMk.II; 2.35:1
cast: Wouter Zweers, Fabian Jansen, Chava voor ‘t Holt, and others
producer: R.S.V. Sanctus Laurentius | writer: Paul Bontenbal
director : Niels Bourgonje | cinematographer : Jur Oster | production designer: Pavle Mihalic | composer: .. | sound designer : Rik van den Berge.| editor: ? | production manager: Rogier | 1st a.d.: Marcelino Pistoor | 1st AC.: Dick Merx | gaffer: Bart Blankenzee | set dresser: Sonja Spaan | grip: Björn Schumacher | makeup artist: Emma Blok | assistant producer: ? | electricians: Alban Riphagen, | special thanks: Cam=a=lot, Schram Studio’s
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gauge: HD; P2, Letus, Nikkor still primes; 1.85:1
cast: Ad van Kampen, Janine Krol, Niels Jacobs, Femke Hoogeveen, Alexander Heeren, and others
producer : Wanderlust Film | writer : Jurgen van Dorp
director & editor : Mick van Herk | cinematographer : Kira Falticeanu | production designer: .. | composer: Colin van der Lei | editor: Lars Jansen | production manager: Rob IJpelaar | 1st a.d.: Jonathan Koerselman | 1st a.c.. & focus puller: Lukas de Kort | gaffer : Dick Merx | boom operator: Pim van Vugt | makeup artist: Nadja Daalder | assistant producer: Richard Wilting | continuity: Kiki van Herk | electricians: Tom IJpelaar | special thanks: Invite AV Delft, Mounttec Veldhoven, Egripment Veldhoven (set photographer)
After meeting Mick on the set of “Shame”, he asked me to gaffer his short “ Breaks”. Quite a challenge with only two working lights at my disposal. In return Mick has assisted me on many productions as best boy, and later as gaffer - I tend to arrange a little more equipment, though ;)
SHAME (2010 short feature)
gauge: HD; SONY EX3, Letus, Nikkor still primes; 1.85:1
cast : Joop Keesmaat, Betty van der Schaaf, Daniël ‘t Hoen, Maryam Tarami
producer: Presto Film | writer: Simon Sliphorst
director & editor: Simon Sliphorst | d.o.p.: Remco Hekker | production designer: Eva Haasdrecht | composer: Simon Sliphorst | production manager: Susanne Copini | 1st a.d.: Niels Bourgonje | lighting electrician & grip : Dick Merx, Mick van Herk | boom operator: Marko Klungla | makeup artist: ? | assistant producer: ? | continuity: Sophie van der Klashorst | special thanks: Open Studio
Multi-talent Simon Sliphorst’s first short feature, with incredible cast and memorable crew.
art & architecture
on request
about me
Due to my dad’s work I’ve trotted the globe since early childhood. From Africa to Asia, and eventually always back to Amsterdam.
I learned the ropes by analyzing movies (favorite period stretches from the early 1920s until today), delving into the field of optics, electromagnetism, photometry, colorimetry, pigments and dyes, photographic history and culture, stereography, the visual system and on, and by shooting still photography and some video to get an idea.
After aborting my stint at university I finally emerged in the industry as 2nd AC and electrician (operating the slate, keeping camera rapports, wrapping cables).
Advancing through the ranks of the Camera and Electrical dept. I gained experience with the industry’s highest standards, honed my skills and expanded my network.
While drawing suffient income as focus puller, gaffer and producer, mainly from corporates and commercials, I kept doing low budget projects on the side. Until I untimately started receiving requests as cinematographer and DP. In 2011 adding on-location stereography to my belt.
After every step awaits a new horizon. Whatever curve in the road, one thing I will always carry with me: a filmmakers perspective. I have fallen in love with this craft. The versatility. The infinite train of challenges it exposes me to. Exploring technical and creative boundaries. Discovering shortcuts. Meeting similar crazy, hardworking people. Traveling. Trotting unique, pristine grounds. Visiting heaven and hell on earth. Exploiting my visual talents and pragmatic think flow to the full.
Film-making is an endless oppurtunity to learn. A job that is a reward in itself. I plan to never cease making or contributing to the movies.
Ever since I embarked filmmaking, I’m doing ‘pro-bono’ gigs, for the love of the art, to keep learning, because I believe otherwise many great ideas die prematurely due to budget issues.
Filmmaking isn’t rocket science, yet the bottleneck is to combine commercial sense with true cinematic vision.
It’s a tough world to survive in when you don’t wish to sacrifice your vision or integrity. Yet I know, without doubt, that good things come to those who stay true. In the end real film makers will remain standing.
My approach to film making starts with light and glass – and the images they produce. Why else I might as well write books, stage plays or radio shows instead.
The images flow and they themselves establish a grammar, from which you should gather a story.
Best,
D
Full resume and/or reel upon request.
Other:
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•Dutch Driving license B
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•Advanced Open Water Diver license up to 100ft (PADI)
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•Favorite filmmakers: Buster Keaton, Lau Kar-leung 劉家良, Teshigahara Hiroshi 勅使河原宏, Henri-Georges Clouzot, Stanley Kubrick, Gosha Hideo 五社英雄, Orson Welles, Ingmar Bergman, Fritz Lang, Alfred Hitchcock, Kurosawa Akira 黒澤明, Max Ophuls, Carol Reed, Jules Dassin, Jim Jarmusch
I’ve devoted a website to filmmakers:
www.anak-campur.com/ac.html (bit out of date, though; runs best on Firefox 4.0)
Prime examples:
George Barnes, Günter Rittau, Arthur Miller, Georges Périnal, Nakai Asakazu 中井朝一, Segawa Hiroshi 瀬川浩, Gregg Toland, G.R. Aldo, Miyagawa Kazuo 宮川一夫, Stanley Cortez, Robert Burks, Erwin Hillier, Douglas Slocombe, Sven Nykvist, Conrad Hall, Haskell Wexler, Gordon Willis, John Alcott, Vittorio Storaro, Roger Deakins, Yanagijima Katsumi 柳島克巳, Claudio Miranda, Robert Elswit, Darius Kondji, Wally Pfister, Emmanuel Lubezski, Matthew Libatique
Film Vocabulary (a snippet):
Aaton, ABClicht, AJA, Altman, Ambient, Angenieux, Anton/Bauer, Arri, ASC magazine, Barco, Basler, BECTU, Blurb, Bolex, Blackmagic, Buster Keaton, Canon, Chimera, Chrosziel, CineAlta, Cinemaelec, Cinematechnic, Cineroid, Cinetechnica, Cinevate, Cité du Cinéma, cmotion, Convergent Design, Cooke, CPG, Dedolight, Easylook, Eyemo (Bell&Howell), Fermat, film noir, Fofic, Fujifilm, Fujinon, Gemini, German expressionism, Genus, Glyph, GoldenEye, GoPro, Graflex, Gripwise, Hasselblad, Heliopan, Hurlbut, Huygens-Fresnel, Hydroflex, Japanese avant-garde cinema (e.g.勅使河原宏), 時代劇 (ちゃんばら), Kata, Keson, Kinoflo, Kodak, K 5600, Lastolite, 劉家良, Leica, Leatherman, Lexar, LiteGear, Mamiya, Manfrotto/Avenger, Marshall, Martin, Mitchell, Moleskine, movies, Multi-lite, NAB, Niépce, O’Conner, Olight, optics (e.g. Kingslake), Osram, Panasonic, Panavision, P+S Technik, Phantom, Photo-Sonics, Panther, Photozone, PRG, PVC Blog, RED, Rosco, Røde, Scheimpflug, Schneider (B+W), Schram Studio’s, Sekonic, Sennheiser, SI-2K, Sigma, Sinar, Snellius, Solid grip, Sony (Konica Minolta), Steenbeck, stereography (L.Lipton, C.W.Smith, B.Mendiburu, Spottiswoode), Tangohead, Tiffen, T8 (Lumapanel), Viper, Weisscam, Wien, X-rite, Zacuto, Zeiss, 21st Century.
DE PRINS EN ZIJN OUDERS (2012 short narrative)
gauge: HD; ARRI Alexa Plus / CANON C300, Zeiss Ultra Primes, Arri Macro; 2.39:1
cast :Stijn van der Plas, Wynn Heliczer, Jasper Pfeifer, Dorine Hennings, and many more
production company: Do You L.O.V.E. MacGyver? | script : Hans van Nood, Patrick van Haperen
director : Kristjan Knigge | choreographer : Dian Knigge-IJkhout | 1st unit cinematographer : Dick Merx | 2nd unit cinematographer : Maurits Veldhuijzen van Zanten | sound engineer : Erik Schuring | editor : Douglas Pluylaar | colorist : Judith de Boer | score & sound design : Meik de Swaan, Omar Rey, Adam Bar-Pereg | titles : Paul Hensen | set photographer : Alex de Groot | special thanks : Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s, Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, MacGyver Amsterdam, L.O.V.E., Musicmusic.nl
BEST ACTOR Nomination Best Film
Honorable Mention Cinematography and Supporting Actress at 48 HFP Cinekid
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SIGNALEN (2011 short narrative)
gauge: HD; ARRI Alexa Plus, S35MM SSMk.II, ArriMacro; 2.39:1
cast: Lilja Björk Hermannsdottir, Benthe Spijkers, Kenan Raven, Madelon Langendijk, Suzanne van Garderen
production company: Hooded Hombre
director: Simon Sliphorst | cinematographer : Dick Merx | art director: Sonja Spaan | sound designer: Sander Schreuders | editor: ? | production manager: Susanne Copini | 1st a.c., grip: Esther Kool | gaffer, set photographer: Kees van Welzenis | makeup: Maaike Reitsema | color grading: Amator | assistant producer: Guido Sleurink | score: Simon Sliphorst | special thanks: Goldeneye, Schram Studio’s, Matthijs Kleinooh & family
“ Signs ” alerts to danger harboured in society’s blindspot for domestic abuse.
Selection Cannes 2012
IMDB
set photography
Step into my office.