I'm Marek Beles, a filmmaker and content creator with more than 30 years of experience spanning fiction, documentary, and children's content. Trained at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, I graduated in 2005 with my feature film Stages, and since then I have worked across the full production spectrum—from concept development and directing to cinematography, editing, and color grading. As co-owner of Essence Film since 2006, I have produced and directed diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms. I am passionate about storytelling and hands-on technical craft. I love developing audio dramas, directing live-action content, and crafting visual narratives that challenge convention and connect with audiences.

Marek Beles

I'm Marek Beles, a filmmaker and content creator with more than 30 years of experience spanning fiction, documentary, and children's content. Trained at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, I graduated in 2005 with my feature film Stages, and since then I have worked across the full production spectrum—from concept development and directing to cinematography, editing, and color grading. As co-owner of Essence Film since 2006, I have produced and directed diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms. I am passionate about storytelling and hands-on technical craft. I love developing audio dramas, directing live-action content, and crafting visual narratives that challenge convention and connect with audiences.

Available to hire

I’m Marek Beles, a filmmaker and content creator with more than 30 years of experience spanning fiction, documentary, and children’s content. Trained at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, I graduated in 2005 with my feature film Stages, and since then I have worked across the full production spectrum—from concept development and directing to cinematography, editing, and color grading. As co-owner of Essence Film since 2006, I have produced and directed diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms.

I am passionate about storytelling and hands-on technical craft. I love developing audio dramas, directing live-action content, and crafting visual narratives that challenge convention and connect with audiences.

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Language

German
Fluent
English
Fluent
Czech
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Cameraman and Director at Self-employed
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1997
Freelance cameraman and director (1993–1997).
Director and Writer at Self-employed
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 2005
Director and writer of own fictional short films and documentaries (from 1996).
Co-owner at Essence Film Zurich and Ludwigsburg
January 1, 2006 - Present
Co-owner; production and content creation.
Producer, Director and Content Creator at Essence Film Zurich and Ludwigsburg
January 1, 2011 - Present
Producer, director and content creator of fictional and non-editorial programs.
Dramaturge and Audio Drama Developer at SRF
January 1, 2011 - Present
Dramaturge and developer of fictional audio dramas for the SRF children's program.
Producer, Director, Cameraman, Editor and Colorist at SRF Kids and external clients
January 1, 2011 - Present
Producer, director, cameraman, editor and colorist for various children's and youth formats.
Co-owner, Director & Producer at Essence Film
January 1, 2006 - Present
Co-owner of Essence Film; produced and directed diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms; responsibilities span concept development, directing, cinematography, editing and color grading.
Writer & Director at Essence Film
July 1, 2011 - Present
Developing concepts and stories, screenplays; directing fictional and non-fictional content, series and movies.
Co-owner at Essence Film
January 1, 2006 - Present
Producing and directing diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms.
Writer, Director at Essence Film
July 1, 2011 - Present
Developing concepts and screenplays; directing fictional and non-fictional content, series and movies.
Co-owner at Essence Film
August 1, 2005 - Present
Co-owned Essence Film and contributed to production leadership; produced and directed diverse projects for clients including SRF and international platforms.

Education

Directing (dramatic directing) studies at Film Academy Ludwigsburg
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2005
Matura C at Oerlikon Cantonal School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997
Director - Fiction at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2005
Director - Fiction at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2005
Masterclass: AI in Script Development at ZFF Masters
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Best Colour Grading / Color Grading Training at Boutique Colour Grading Studio
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Movement and Choreography in Film at FOCAL
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025

Qualifications

Masterclass: AI in Script Development (AI-enhanced screenwriting)
November 1, 2023 - December 4, 2025
The Art of Professional Colour Grading
November 12, 2023 - November 16, 2023
4 Days of Advanced Color Grading Training with Darren Mostyn & Daria Fissoun. Darren worked with BBC, Amazon, Netflix, Channel 4, ITV, Channel 5, and internationally ABC, ESPN & Turner (USA), Ch 7 (Australia), HBS (FIFA), NHK (Japan), and N24 (Germany).
Masterclass with Oliver Stone
September 27, 2020 - September 27, 2020
Masterclass AI in Script Development
November 1, 2023 - December 4, 2025
The Art of Professional Colour Grading
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Movement and Choreography in Film
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
DJI Licensed Drone Operator
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other