Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Schlierf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christopher, appreciate you joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

For me, turning an idea into reality has always felt like an act of manifesting. Ideas often seem to come from a place I can’t fully explain—almost spiritual in a way. You might call it the source, God, or a higher self planting a wish or a vision in your mind. That creative spark emerges from nowhere, but with love, passion, and dedication, it grows. It’s the same process whether I’m writing a song, developing a film, or shaping a career path.

It all began for me back in school, drawing comics and cartoons. I’d create stories to make my friends laugh, to entertain, and to connect with people. That early experience of crafting something from nothing lit a fire in me. I realized I wanted to pursue a life where I could create—where the things I made would exist forever, not just disappear after being used or completed like tasks on a checklist. I didn’t want a job that only focused on execution; I wanted to bring new ideas into the world, ideas that hadn’t existed until they were born in my mind and brought to life.

Filmmaking is exactly that for me: the process of taking an idea that starts in your head and translating it into something tangible that others can see and feel. It begins with a spark, and then I work to nurture it. First, I might write it down or share it with someone to expand the vision. I believe the act of sharing ideas gives them life—it’s like spreading a spark into a flame. From there, it’s about translating that vision into a form that others can understand, so they can join the process and add their own energy and creativity to it.

When it comes to filmmaking, this is where the real challenge begins. It’s such a collaborative and complex process. Early in my career, I’d use tools like Photoshop or create mood boards to help people visualize what I saw in my head. Today, with technologies like AI, it’s even easier to bring those initial ideas to life and share them in a way that inspires others. But no matter the tool, the goal is always the same: distill the vision into something clear and communicable so the team can align and move forward.

Once everyone’s on the same page, the real work begins. Filmmaking is a journey from vision to execution, and it requires constant creativity to solve problems, adapt, and make the vision a reality. The most rewarding moment for me is standing on set, watching all the pieces I visualized—sometimes years earlier—finally come together. It’s the moment when an idea that once existed only in my head is physically there in front of me.

And when the project is finished—whether it’s a film, a commercial, or a trailer—it’s fulfilling to know that something new has been created. Something that started as a fleeting spark is now real, and it will remain in the world forever. And maybe this will create a spark of an idea in someone else’s head. For me, that’s the true magic of creation.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

To build the career I envisioned as a filmmaker and creative professional, I knew I needed to master a wide range of disciplines. I immersed myself in every aspect of design, media, film, photography, storytelling, animation, and beyond. I wanted to understand how each art form could come together in harmony. Through my studies, I discovered that filmmaking was the ultimate fusion—a medium where visuals, sound, music, psychology, and human connection all converge to create something extraordinary.

I studied film and animation in Germany, but I didn’t just want to learn the basics—I wanted to excel as a director. To achieve that, I knew I needed hands-on experience in every department. I threw myself into 2D and 3D animation, camera operation, editing, sound design, music composition, and scriptwriting. I spent countless hours reading, experimenting, and creating. I rented equipment, shot dozens of short films and music videos, and took on any project that would push me to grow. Early on, when student projects needed a director, I would always say, “I’m the director.” By claiming that role, I began manifesting my future.

Over time, I refined my craft, developed my own style, and embraced filmmaking as a deeply collaborative process. I was drawn to the genre-driven storytelling of action films, thrillers, and sci-fi. I fell in love with big, cinematic visuals, epic world-building, and the drama of 90s and early 2000s American blockbusters. That era remains, to me, the pinnacle of filmmaking—blending emotional storytelling with stunning visuals and thrilling entertainment.

After my studies, I decided to build my skills and portfolio by entering the commercial world. Advertising offered a fast-paced environment where I could work on multiple projects each year, collaborate with diverse teams, and experiment with different storytelling and visual styles. I joined a production company in Munich and dove into directing commercials, corporate films, and branded content. I took on every role—concept creation, scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and post-production. This hands-on approach allowed me to understand the entire process from start to finish.

Over the years, I’ve worked on over 100 productions across the globe, working with some of the world’s leading brands. I’ve developed a signature style defined by big, cinematic visuals, dynamic camera movements, and rich world-building. Whether it’s a car commercial with sleek, high-energy action or a game trailer that immerses viewers in an epic, genre-driven narrative, I aim to create work that feels like a blockbuster movie. Game trailers, in particular, have been a passion of mine because they allow me to combine storytelling and world-building with stunning visuals, all while engaging and entertaining the audience.

What I love about advertising is the challenge of crafting something impactful in a short span of time. Whether it’s a 30-second spot or a 2-minute trailer, my goal is always to take the audience on an emotional ride, spark their imagination, and leave a lasting impression.

Today, while I continue to work as an established commercial director, I’m also pursuing a parallel career in feature filmmaking. My films are deeply rooted in the genres I love—action-adventure, thriller, sci-fi, and even Westerns. They allow me to explore big, emotional storytelling with bold visuals and gripping drama. I like to think my style is a unique blend of American blockbuster energy and European artistic finesse.

What sets me apart as a director is my ability to achieve high-quality visuals and storytelling, even with limited resources. Coming from an independent filmmaking background, I’ve mastered the art of making a project look ten times its budget. Whether it’s a zero-budget indie project or a large-scale commercial production, I know how to create work that feels rich, polished, and cinematic. That resourcefulness, combined with my deep understanding of every aspect of filmmaking, is what I believe makes me a unique and versatile director.

Above all, I’m passionate about creating work that connects with people, entertains them, and leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s a commercial, a trailer, or a feature film, my goal is to turn sparks of ideas into fully realized creations that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is a skill I’ve had to cultivate throughout my career, especially in an industry as challenging as filmmaking. Over the last 20 years, the landscape has changed significantly. It’s become much harder to make a living in the business. Budgets have decreased, and the days of extravagant productions with limitless resources—like the ones we romanticize from the 80s—are long gone. Today, filmmaking is a highly competitive field, and the barrier to entry is much lower thanks to advancements in technology. Almost anyone can pick up a camera or a smartphone and start creating, which has flooded the market with incredibly talented individuals, many willing to work for far less than ever before.

As a director, one of the toughest challenges is the pitching process. Pitching is an emotional and creative investment—you pour your heart and soul into developing a concept, crafting a vision, and presenting it with passion, all without knowing if you’ll ultimately win the project. I’ve faced many moments of rejection, where a pitch I was deeply invested in didn’t make it through.

I remember one particular instance where I had invested countless hours into a project I felt incredibly passionate about. I refined every detail, built an extensive visual presentation, and even created test footage to make my vision crystal clear. I was certain it was the best pitch I’d ever done. But when the decision came, the project went to another director. That rejection hit hard because it wasn’t just about losing a job—it felt like losing a piece of myself I had put into the work.

What I’ve learned through these experiences is that resilience is about how you respond to those setbacks. It’s about picking yourself up, learning from the experience, and channeling that energy into the next opportunity. Rejection is part of the process, and over time, I’ve come to see it as fuel to improve and grow. It’s taught me not to take it personally and to trust that the right opportunities will come when I stay committed to my craft and my vision.

Filmmaking is a marathon, not a sprint. Resilience is what keeps you moving forward, even when the road gets tough. It’s about staying passionate and believing in your work, no matter how many times you hear “no” along the way. Every rejection has ultimately made me a better director, more determined to create, and more connected to the reason I started this journey in the first place: to tell stories that resonate and endure

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My driving force and mission as a filmmaker have evolved over time. It all started with my deep love for movies—the kind of love where I’d lose myself completely in the stories, the characters, and the worlds they inhabited. Watching films as a kid, I felt this incredible desire to be a part of those stories, to step into those worlds. I wanted to look behind the curtain and understand how the magic of filmmaking worked. More than that, I wanted to create that magic myself.

Working on a movie set is a dream come true in that sense. It allows me to step into the worlds I once admired from afar—whether it’s the deck of a sci-fi spaceship, a distant alien planet, or the grandeur of a 17th-century ballroom with sparkling chandeliers and exquisite costumes. Filmmaking gives me the power to not only be part of those worlds but to create them, to bring them to life. As a director, I become the architect of those dreams, capturing them on camera to share with others. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing an audience fall in love with a character, feel moved by a story, or be completely amazed by a world I helped create.

Over time, my mission has grown deeper. As a filmmaker, my ultimate goal is to emotionally engage my audience, no matter the medium. Whether it’s a 30-second commercial or a full-length feature film, I want to take people out of their heads and immerse them in the experience. Time is precious, and when someone gives me their time, I feel a responsibility to make it worthwhile. I want to give them an unforgettable journey, whether it’s a heart-pounding thrill, an emotional connection, a moment of laughter, or an intense scene that stays with them long after it’s over.

To me, filmmaking is about creating moments that resonate—sparks of wonder, joy, or reflection. It’s about building a bridge between imagination and reality, capturing dreams and emotions, and sharing them in a way that leaves people inspired, entertained, or even changed. That’s the magic of storytelling, and that’s why I do what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christopherschlierf.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.schlierf/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schlierf-56711587/

Image Credits

Panasonic BTS photos by Ryan Janssens
Ant-Man Yellowjacket concept arts by Trixter