Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Thanks to Nikolas for this one!
nikolasmeyberg.com
Nikolas Meyberg is a Berlin-based award-winning film director who was born in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1989. He discovered his passion for capturing motion at the tender age of nine, when he used his dad's camcorder to document the growth of his pet rabbits, sparking a lifelong love for filmmaking. After graduating from film school, he fearlessly dove into the film industry with unwavering dedication, beginning his career as an intern at a production company/ agency. With his hard work and determination, he quickly climbed the ranks and became the head of their film department, playing a pivotal role in the company's impressive growth. Together with his team, he won the creative lead of Mercedes-AMG and successfully managed all of the company's projects for several years. Along the way, he honed his skills as a director and took on major advertising campaigns, gaining a deep understanding of the advertising world from the perspectives of clients, agencies, and producers. Nik is known for his hands-on approach and loves to be involved in every aspect of filmmaking. From concept to post-production, he often collaborates on writing scripts, operating cameras, editing, flying his own drone on set, and experiments with the composer to bring a unique touch to each project. He pays close attention to detail and oversees every step of post-production, ensuring that each film is a masterpiece. At heart, he's a world traveler constantly seeking new cultural experiences that broaden his perspective of the world and its inhabitants, shaping the visual worlds he creates.
0:00 – Intro
0:10 – Opening Montage / Music
1:07 – Meet Nicholas: Childhood & Growing Up in Germany
1:35 – Early Fascination with Cars
2:41 – The Audi R8 & Beginning of Car Obsession
3:04 – Linking Filmmaking and Cars
3:16 – Film Influences: Jurassic Park & Video Games
4:49 – Early Filmmaking: Home Videos and Rabbits
6:07 – DIY Titles & First Editing with Windows Movie Maker
7:30 – Action Movie Influences: Die Hard, The Punisher
8:22 – Making Friends Through Filmmaking
8:39 – Going to Film School
9:05 – Exploring Every Role on Set
10:00 – Choosing Directing to Combine All Skills
10:14 – Projects at Film School
11:02 – First Car Shoots and Gear Challenges
12:15 – Influences: Top Gear, Fast & Furious, Ken Block
13:19 – Breaking into Commercial Work
14:03 – Internship at Staud Studios
15:00 – Early Work: Behind the Scenes and Teasers
15:36 – Landing the Mercedes-AMG Account
16:40 – Pitching Treatments & Gaining Trust
18:02 – From Editing to B-Unit Directing
19:15 – Linkin Park x AMG Collaboration
20:29 – Learning to Write Treatments (No Mentor)
21:53 – Trial and Error: Developing a Treatment Style
22:29 – First Directing Credit: E63S in LA
23:13 – Directing in Hollywood & Getting the Nickname
24:45 – Shooting in Downtown LA – The Lower Grand
25:29 – Managing Pressure & Calling Extra Takes
26:58 – Cinematographer Otar and Experienced US Crew
27:24 – Planning & Precision for Available Light
30:02 – Learning from Experienced Cinematographers
31:18 – What Came Next: AMG GT4 Race Car Shoot
31:54 – Shooting Challenges with Prototype Cars
32:43 – Filming on the Racetrack & Spy Photo Risks
33:24 – Building a Reputation: One Project at a Time
34:07 – Learning Vehicle Dynamics & Car Photography
35:18 – Developing Signature Style: Precision & Drama
36:42 – Moving Beyond AMG: Porsche, Lamborghini, and More
37:56 – Car Shoots in the Desert: Logistical Challenges
39:13 – Creating a Narrative Around the Car
40:26 – The Role of Sound and Music in Car Films
41:35 – Visual Storytelling: Keeping the Audience Hooked
42:50 – Pushing Creative Boundaries with Limited Budgets
44:08 – Working with Brands: Trust and Responsibility
45:23 – The Shift to Electric Vehicles
46:31 – Making EVs Feel Emotional and Exciting
47:48 – Filming Techniques That Make Cars Look Fast
49:05 – Planning the Money Shot: Pre-visualization Tools
50:12 – Why Prep Matters: Lighting, Weather, and Location
51:25 – Advice to New Car Filmmakers
52:10 – On the Importance of Story in Automotive Work
53:45 – Building a Career in the Commercial World
55:03 – Staying Inspired: Learning From Every Shoot
56:18 – Closing Thoughts from Nick
57:11 – Credits / Outro Montage
Thanks to Nikolas for this one!
nikolasmeyberg.com
Nikolas Meyberg is a Berlin-based award-winning film director who was born in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1989. He discovered his passion for capturing motion at the tender age of nine, when he used his dad's camcorder to document the growth of his pet rabbits, sparking a lifelong love for filmmaking. After graduating from film school, he fearlessly dove into the film industry with unwavering dedication, beginning his career as an intern at a production company/ agency. With his hard work and determination, he quickly climbed the ranks and became the head of their film department, playing a pivotal role in the company's impressive growth. Together with his team, he won the creative lead of Mercedes-AMG and successfully managed all of the company's projects for several years. Along the way, he honed his skills as a director and took on major advertising campaigns, gaining a deep understanding of the advertising world from the perspectives of clients, agencies, and producers. Nik is known for his hands-on approach and loves to be involved in every aspect of filmmaking. From concept to post-production, he often collaborates on writing scripts, operating cameras, editing, flying his own drone on set, and experiments with the composer to bring a unique touch to each project. He pays close attention to detail and oversees every step of post-production, ensuring that each film is a masterpiece. At heart, he's a world traveler constantly seeking new cultural experiences that broaden his perspective of the world and its inhabitants, shaping the visual worlds he creates.
0:00 – Intro
0:10 – Opening Montage / Music
1:07 – Meet Nicholas: Childhood & Growing Up in Germany
1:35 – Early Fascination with Cars
2:41 – The Audi R8 & Beginning of Car Obsession
3:04 – Linking Filmmaking and Cars
3:16 – Film Influences: Jurassic Park & Video Games
4:49 – Early Filmmaking: Home Videos and Rabbits
6:07 – DIY Titles & First Editing with Windows Movie Maker
7:30 – Action Movie Influences: Die Hard, The Punisher
8:22 – Making Friends Through Filmmaking
8:39 – Going to Film School
9:05 – Exploring Every Role on Set
10:00 – Choosing Directing to Combine All Skills
10:14 – Projects at Film School
11:02 – First Car Shoots and Gear Challenges
12:15 – Influences: Top Gear, Fast & Furious, Ken Block
13:19 – Breaking into Commercial Work
14:03 – Internship at Staud Studios
15:00 – Early Work: Behind the Scenes and Teasers
15:36 – Landing the Mercedes-AMG Account
16:40 – Pitching Treatments & Gaining Trust
18:02 – From Editing to B-Unit Directing
19:15 – Linkin Park x AMG Collaboration
20:29 – Learning to Write Treatments (No Mentor)
21:53 – Trial and Error: Developing a Treatment Style
22:29 – First Directing Credit: E63S in LA
23:13 – Directing in Hollywood & Getting the Nickname
24:45 – Shooting in Downtown LA – The Lower Grand
25:29 – Managing Pressure & Calling Extra Takes
26:58 – Cinematographer Otar and Experienced US Crew
27:24 – Planning & Precision for Available Light
30:02 – Learning from Experienced Cinematographers
31:18 – What Came Next: AMG GT4 Race Car Shoot
31:54 – Shooting Challenges with Prototype Cars
32:43 – Filming on the Racetrack & Spy Photo Risks
33:24 – Building a Reputation: One Project at a Time
34:07 – Learning Vehicle Dynamics & Car Photography
35:18 – Developing Signature Style: Precision & Drama
36:42 – Moving Beyond AMG: Porsche, Lamborghini, and More
37:56 – Car Shoots in the Desert: Logistical Challenges
39:13 – Creating a Narrative Around the Car
40:26 – The Role of Sound and Music in Car Films
41:35 – Visual Storytelling: Keeping the Audience Hooked
42:50 – Pushing Creative Boundaries with Limited Budgets
44:08 – Working with Brands: Trust and Responsibility
45:23 – The Shift to Electric Vehicles
46:31 – Making EVs Feel Emotional and Exciting
47:48 – Filming Techniques That Make Cars Look Fast
49:05 – Planning the Money Shot: Pre-visualization Tools
50:12 – Why Prep Matters: Lighting, Weather, and Location
51:25 – Advice to New Car Filmmakers
52:10 – On the Importance of Story in Automotive Work
53:45 – Building a Career in the Commercial World
55:03 – Staying Inspired: Learning From Every Shoot
56:18 – Closing Thoughts from Nick
57:11 – Credits / Outro Montage
