about martin haerlin

Born in Karlsruhe, Martin began his career in a dual role like no other: as a gag writer for various late night shows and as a slow-motion operator for women´s boxing.

But even as he navigated this flamboyant world of easy laughs and hard knocks, he was looking for the next challenge. His ambitious mind soon turned to commercial directing. Hoping to make a splash in the industry, he took the risk of writing and directing a spec spot for Volkswagen. The reception exceeded his wildest expectations. The piece was picked up by VW, played in cinemas across Germany and took home a trophy at the New York Film Festival. Not bad for a beginner...

Martin´s directing career took off immediately after. Since then, he has directed further commercials for Volkswagen as well as films for other high profile clients such as Sony, Mercedes Benz, Mc Donalds, Smart, Deutsche Telekom, Skoda and Lidl.

Martin prides himself on discovering the understated humor and subtle storytelling in everyday life and then capturing it in naturalistic images that draw the viewer into the moment.

Today he lives in Berlin with his wife and three children.