Meet Christopher Markus Schlierf | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Markus Schlierf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher Markus, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
As a filmmaker and director working on films, commercials, and game trailers, my ultimate ambition is to direct some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. As I learned to aim high, I aspire to win an Oscar someday, a recognition that signifies excellence and the highest achievement in the film industry. More than just accolades, I want to create films that endure the test of time—movies that inspire people, transport them to worlds they’ve never seen before, and immerse them in new ways of thinking about reality.

My goal is to craft stories that bend minds with breathtaking narrative arcs and innovative ideas. I want my films to leave a lasting impact, sparking thought and conversation long after the credits roll. Achieving creative freedom is also paramount to me; I believe that having the liberty to explore and express unique visions is essential to making truly groundbreaking work. Ultimately, I aim to push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic experience, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Filmmaking, to me, is the ultimate art form. It blends all the artistic elements I admire—painting, design, photography—into something immersive that takes the audience out of their heads and into a new reality. My love for art began early with a passion for capturing the beauty of the world through various mediums and sharing it. From writing stories and drawing comics to entertaining people in any way I could, these early experiences shaped my creative journey. My career as a rock musician brought me closer to the world of audio, teaching me how sound can evoke powerful emotions. This fascination with human psychology and emotion now plays a central role in my work with actors, creating intense and captivating experiences on screen.

What sets me apart as a filmmaker is my deep understanding of the Hollywood formula, which I’ve studied extensively. This knowledge allows me to make my projects look like they had ten times the budget. Starting as an indie filmmaker, I learned how to create films with zero budget. My experience as a commercial director taught me how to maximize the impact of every dollar and minute spent, ensuring the audience benefits from every aspect of the project.

While my long-term goal has always been to direct feature films, the advertising industry has been a fantastic playground. It offers fast turnarounds that allow me to explore new techniques and gain experience in every aspect of the filmmaking process. With hundreds of films under my belt, I now have a strong grasp of what every crew member needs to perform at their highest level and what it takes to bring a film from the initial spark of an idea to the final screening.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. The competition is fierce, and the market changes rapidly, requiring constant adaptation. There have been moments of self-doubt, especially after repeated failed pitches. However, I have always pushed my own boundaries to make significant contributions to the worlds of commercials, films, and game trailers. To date, I’ve honed my skills across more than a hundred movie productions worldwide, bringing my experience in creative development, scriptwriting, working with actors, technical knowledge, photography, editing, VFX, and music composing to every project. Whether it’s an action-packed scene for a Marvel blockbuster like “Ant-Man,” a thrilling trailer for a major game franchise like “Assassin’s Creed,” “Just Cause,” “Rocket League,” or “League of Legends,” or a sleek design piece for luxury car brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Cadillac, or Porsche, my goal is always to deliver excellence.

The key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to yourself. As an artist, you are unique, and eventually, you will be the perfect fit for someone. It’s essential to define how people perceive you in the industry, which always wants to categorize you. Through countless passion projects and pushing the envelope on every project, I’ve worked to ensure I am placed in the category I want to be in.

The name Christopher Markus Schlierf stands for films with grand, immersive visuals, compelling world-building, thrilling storytelling, and a blend of Hollywood spectacle with European sophistication. My work encompasses sci-fi, thriller, and action genres, always striving for that larger-than-life, mind-bending experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Exploring the Green Lung

Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at Cotidiano, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious breakfast options.
Late Morning: Head to the English Garden, Munich’s “green lung,” for a stroll or bike ride through this vast park. Don’t miss the Eisbach River, where you can watch surfers tackle the standing waves.
Lunch: Have a picnic in the park, enjoying the serene atmosphere and natural beauty.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the park or rent a paddleboat at the Kleinhesseloher See.
Evening: Dinner at Gans am Wasser, a charming lakeside café with a relaxing ambiance.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest and oldest museums dedicated to science and technology.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Viktualienmarkt, an open-air market with a variety of fresh, local foods.
Afternoon: Explore the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.
Evening: Catch a performance at the Bavarian State Opera.
Day 3: Urban Adventure

Morning: Breakfast at Café Cotidiano with a view of the Marienplatz and its surroundings.
Late Morning: Rent bikes or longboards to explore Munich’s vibrant neighborhoods, including Schwabing and Glockenbachviertel.
Lunch: Stop for a delicious meal at Enter the Dragon, a modern Asian restaurant with a unique twist.
Afternoon: Visit the Pinakothek der Moderne for contemporary art and design.
Evening: Enjoy beer and traditional Bavarian cuisine in a Biergarten like Hirschgarten.
Day 4: Day Trip to the Alps

Morning: Drive to the Bavarian Alps for a day of hiking in the stunning surroundings of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Lunch: Have lunch at a traditional alpine hut.
Afternoon: Take a boat trip around Eibsee, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.
Evening: Return to Munich for dinner at Slurp Noodle Bar, a cozy spot known for its delicious noodles and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Artistic Exploration

Morning: Visit the Lenbachhaus, known for its collection of works by the Blue Rider movement.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing meal at Tambosi am Hofgarten.
Afternoon: Explore the Museumsinsel (Museum Island), home to several museums including the Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek.
Evening: Attend a concert or event at the Olympiahalle or simply enjoy the park’s lively atmosphere.
Day 6: Relaxation and Fun

Morning: Brunch at Café Luitpold.
Late Morning: Spend some time relaxing at Flaucher Ufer, a popular riverside hangout spot.
Lunch: Have lunch at Seehaus im Englischen Garten, with a beautiful lakeside view.
Afternoon: Float through the Eisbach in the English Garden and relax by the water.
Evening: Have dinner on the balcony with friends or organize a grill party at the Isar.
Day 7: Farewell to Munich

Morning: A leisurely breakfast at Café Cotidiano.
Late Morning: Visit Nymphenburg Palace and its beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Take a relaxing walk along the Isar River or revisit favorite spots.
Evening: Wrap up the trip with a relaxed evening, reflecting on the memorable experiences in Munich.
Munich offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a memorable summer visit. The city’s vibrant culture and scenic landscapes provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve read countless books that have profoundly changed my mindset, so it’s hard to single out just one. It’s the collective wisdom of all these books, combined with meaningful conversations and guidance from various mentors, that has shaped my worldview. Each book, each conversation, and each mentor has offered new perspectives, often providing that transformative switch in perception that opens new doors and leads to the next opportunity.

In the past two years, one person who stands out for her unwavering support and inspiration is my girlfriend, Yasemin Delikan. She’s not just my partner in crime but also my muse, my supporter in every way, and a constant source of eye-opening insights. Yasemin has an incredible intellect and a bubbly, creative mind that generates amazing ideas with impressive ease. She’s my rock and my second brain on projects, whether in front of or behind the camera. Her multi-talented nature as an actress, coupled with her genius-level creativity, makes her an invaluable part of my life and career. Yasemin always has my back and knows exactly how to shift my mindset in the right direction, making her an essential part of my journey and success.

Website: https://www.christopherschlierf.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.schlierf/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schlierf-56711587/