Why I Said Yes
On February 14, I received an email from Sepp Straver, founder of Founders on Rise. He told me he believed my story was worth documenting.
To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. I’ve spent most of my career helping other people tell their stories. Artists, brands, filmmakers, broadcasters and entrepreneurs. Being the subject of a documentary was never something I had seriously considered.
After meeting Sepp and hearing his vision, I started to understand what he saw. What began as a conversation gradually turned into months of filming, interviews and reflection. Looking back at old projects, photographs and conversations I hadn’t thought about in years was both strange and surprisingly emotional.
The result is a documentary that goes beyond career milestones. It’s about the people I have met along the way, the opportunities that appeared unexpectedly, the setbacks that taught valuable lessons and the experiences that shaped who I am today.
Like most careers, mine has rarely followed a straight line. There were moments of growth and excitement, but also periods of uncertainty, reinvention and difficult decisions. Through it all, curiosity has remained the constant.
Watching the documentary for the first time made me realise how many different chapters have contributed to this story. More importantly, it reminded me how many people have been part of that journey.
Looking Back at the Journey
From touring with American rock bands and working in the music industry to collaborating with filmmakers, broadcasters, agencies and global brands, my career has taken me across Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Tehran and beyond. Every opportunity opened new doors, while every challenge brought valuable lessons.
Like many careers in the creative industries, the path was rarely linear. Some projects exceeded every expectation, while others never made it beyond the drawing board. There were periods of growth and excitement, but also moments of uncertainty, reinvention and difficult decisions.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. Every experience, whether successful or not, contributed to the person I am today.
More Than a Documentary
One of the most valuable aspects of participating in this documentary was being forced to pause and reflect. Most of us spend our lives looking ahead, focused on the next project, the next client or the next opportunity. Rarely do we take the time to step back and look at the bigger picture.
This documentary gave me that opportunity. More importantly, it reminded me that no career is built alone.
I am deeply grateful to the friends, colleagues, mentors, clients and collaborators who shared their memories and perspectives throughout this project. Your stories brought context, authenticity and meaning to a journey that has always been shaped by the people around me.
I would also like to thank Sepp Straver and the entire Founders on Rise team for their dedication, creativity and belief in this project from day one.
My hope is that this documentary offers more than a reflection on my career. I hope it encourages others to stay curious, embrace change, take risks when necessary and continue asking questions.
After all, in a rapidly changing world, the people who keep learning are often the ones who keep growing.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
CREDITS
Niels Leslie Pringle | Main Editor
Bart Hendrikx | Founder, B.H. Consultancy
Sepp Straver | Founder, Founders on the Rise
Daan van Dorp | Cinematographer / Editor
Lucas Klein | Cinematographer
Kaya Verruno | Cinematographer, LA / FOX Footage
Merel van Helsdingen | Founder & Managing Director, Nxt Museum
Marc Verschoor | CEO & Managing Partner, Serviceplan Group Netherlands / Serviceplan Amsterdam
Edouard Ferrari | Co-Founder, Allumee
Yorick van Vliet | Country Manager & Managing Director, Allumee Nederland
Christina Wise | Vice President, Revenue Management BOT VFX
Craig Dehmel | Veteran Global Theatrical Distribution Executive
Michel Oliver | Founder, Make Collective
Arjen van Eijk | Owner, Xinix Films / Allumee Drone Light Show Amsterdam
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Alex Orbison, Cisco Adler, David Shein (Tony Potato), Guy Jacobs, Michel Oliver, Joep Beving, Hans Brouwer, Eef Voeten and the entire DSTRCT team for the warmth, support and hospitality throughout the development of this documentary.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Henri de Maar
RIGHTS & COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Every effort has been made to identify and contact all relevant rights holders.
For any copyright or rights-related enquiries regarding this documentary, please contact: foundersontherise@gmail.com