Mikael Tyrsen

NUCONTEXT

1) What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?

Nickelodeon On Air Rebrand campaign, December 2017

2) How did you get into directing?

I always loved movies and making movies with my friends when I was a kid. Having enjoyed a successful career as a graphic designer and mobile game developer, it wasn’t until I met my wife that I considered directing as a full-time gig. Her company, NUCONTEXT was already an established and award-winning production company, so when clients started requesting treatments for projects, I began throwing my ideas in the mix for consideration. After creative directing a few projects and watching other Directors at the helm, it was a natural progression to give it a go solo, and haven’t looked back since.

3) What is your most recent project?

Most recent project that has aired would be PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: "THE PERFECTIONISTS." We just wrapped three jobs that are currently in post.

4) What is the best part of being a director?

That you are in charge.

5) What is the worst part of being a director?

That you are in charge.

6) What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, TV movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?

Currently I am focusing on television promos, commercials and branded content with a focus on creative VFX or innovative technology that adds to the creative vision. My most recent project for "The Perfectionists" was a lot of fun because we were filming in Portland with limited resources locally to create a rain grid, so after researching the technology available, I designed and created a wireless rain grid system with a custom program controlled via an iPad where I could control where on set it would rain. This made it possible for talent to be surrounded by rain without getting wet – they said it was like their own personal LACMA rain room. The creative challenges on projects and the possibilities afforded by technology are really inspiring and influence my work.

8) Who is your favorite director and why?

All time favorite is Stephen Spielberg – he goes big and cinematic like no one else. His films stand the test of time and continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers today.

9) What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?

My favorite scene ever directed is the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan and therefore tops the list of my favorite movie. My favorite TV show is Band of Brothers hands down, most well made TV show of all times.

10) Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)

I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden where I started my career in the entertainment industry as a graphic designer, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in theatrical key art. Now I’m hoping that I will be the one behind the movie titles as opposed just marketing them.

Contact

Contact Angela Guice, Founder/Executive Producer, NUCONTEXT, regarding Mikael Tyrsen via email           
NUCONTEXT