Today, I’m glad to introduce the winner of the European Test Commercials category in 2008: Willem Gerritsen!

I asked him about himself and his experience with YDA and he very took the time to answer all my questions:

What made you participate in the Young Director Award?

WG: My brother called me and told me about the contest. Since I wanted to work internationally as a commercial director, it seemed like a great opportunity and I sent in my films.

How did you find the whole process?

WG: The submission was fairly easy. I had to re-edit my film because of  its length though. This was surprising because I didn’t expect internet commercials to have to be under two minutes long. The ceremony was great, and it was nice to see all the films.

How did you benefit from the award?

WG: Winning the award was very beneficial for me. My name was all over Dutch commercial magazines and I became quite popular as a director. But I also gained international recognition and I have been contacted by a lot of companies all over the world. I’ve been to Poland and Italy to direct commercials there already and I’m sure there is more to come in other countries too.

What are you doing now?

WG: I am a commercial director working in Holland and other European countries. I’m also currently working on some fiction projects.

Check out Willem’s winning film:

Thank you once again Willem for your contribution to our YDA community!!!

Emeline