In the spring of 2019, together with my musician friend Marnix, I started with the creation of a character. A character based on the region in the Netherlands we are both from; Westfriesland. The region is known for its stiff, stubborn, not a word too much, and concealed character, but as a result of the boredom, it is also known for her typical eccentric provincials who attempt to conquer the world. Because with no drama happening around you, you have to create your own.

The project started out as an ode to the way we always exaggerated our lives as a result of the boredom we have experienced growing up in the flat and dull Westfriesland. This ode is the character Martin Malibu. Martin is a parody on romanticising provincial life, and the pain and burdens of the troubled provincial artist. Martin’s life is dominated by his dream of becoming a singer, following in the footsteps of world famous West-Frisian singer George Baker.

The fictional character, played by my friend Marnix, started out with a short film followed by the debut release of Martin’s music. In the process of creating this film I already started noticing how similar Marnix started to behave to Martin. He started to wear the same clothes, say the same things and act the same way as Martin. This made me curious to research this further. I started to approach the character in a more documentary way to slowly introduce him from his fictional world into the real world. I noticed that the more I was doing this, the less I had to direct it.

Marnix started morphing into Martin.

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For Martin Malibu

'Jealous Guy' Music Video

'Je T'aime' Music Video

more on Martin Malibu

For Boogieland [Kick]Boxing Club

'Champs at Life' Instagram campaign:

More at @boogielandboxingclub

'Les 0' TEASER:

For Boogieland [Kick]Boxing Club x Gallowstreet

'Purple Whip' Music Video

For the municipality of Amsterdam

'JIJ OOK IN AMSTERDAM?'

A commissioned research for the municipality of Amsterdam to find out who, what and where is the true 'Amsterdammer'.

Screened at 'Pakhuis de Zwijger' on the occasion of Lab Haven #1: Leven in de nieuwe stad.

In collaboration with Sophie Schwartz

For Laura Lunansky (violinist)

'De Diepe Duik van Laura'

A live-concert with film.

Screened and performed at 'Festival Classique 2020' in Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, Scheveningen.

In collaboration with Laura Lunansky and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague.

Trailer/registration:

For Lowlands Festival

A series of short interviews during Lowlands 2019, Facebook campaign.

In collaboration with Sophie Schwartz.