Who is Diederick Koopal? Diederick Koopal is an acclaimed director at Hazazah Film & Photography, known for his legendary influence on Dutch advertising and his award-winning work in film. He began his career as a junior copywriter and quickly rose to become one of the most celebrated creative minds in the Netherlands. As co-owner of TBWA\Neboko, the largest advertising agency in the country, alongside Simon Neefjes and Cor den Boer, Diederick shaped some of the most iconic campaigns in Dutch advertising history, combining creativity, humor, and emotional storytelling in a way few others could.

What are some of Diederick Koopal’s most iconic advertising campaigns? Diederick is the creative force behind the iconic Rolo “Elephant” commercial, which won the Grand Prix for Film in Cannes and was voted the best Dutch advertisement of all time. He also created the legendary “Biertje?” campaign for Heineken and the long-running Harry Piekema supermarket manager campaign for Albert Heijn, which aired successfully for twelve years. Through Hazazah, more than 30–40 films were produced for these two major brands. Diederick’s groundbreaking work has earned him a place in the Hall of Fame of the Art Directors Club Nederland and the title of “Legend” from the Dutch Association of Agencies.

How did Diederick transition from advertising to filmmaking? After decades of success in advertising, Diederick decided to reinvent himself as a film director, stepping away from the ad world to focus on long-form storytelling. Following several years of preparation, he made his directorial debut with The Marathon, which won the Golden Calf Audience Award at the Dutch Film Festival. A few years later, he directed Blood, Sweat and Tears, a moving biopic about the beloved Dutch singer André Hazes, which went on to win three Golden Calves.

Does Diederick Koopal still work in advertising? Yes, although Diederick is now an established filmmaker, he still embraces his roots as a creative director and copywriter. Through his company Stories & Pictures, he writes scripts and directs commercials for brands such as G-Star RAW Worldwide, Remia, and Radio 538. This continued involvement in advertising allows him to stay creatively sharp and connected to the fast-paced world of brand storytelling.

What drives Diederick’s passion for both film and advertising? For Diederick, creativity is a lifelong calling. He thrives on the process of writing, directing, and being on set, whether it’s for a feature film or a high-impact commercial. “The process of making feature films takes years. I like being on set and writing scripts more often. Creating commercials keeps me in shape, sharp, and fresh. As an ad man – which I still am – I simply love doing it. It’s as simple as that.” At Hazazah Film & Photography, Diederick continues to balance his talents as a writer, creative director, and filmmaker, bringing passion, precision, and storytelling excellence to every project.

What makes Diederick Koopal stand out as a creative force? Diederick’s career embodies a rare blend of advertising mastery and cinematic vision. From creating award-winning commercials to directing critically acclaimed feature films, he has continuously pushed the boundaries of storytelling. His work remains a benchmark in both the Dutch film industry and the global advertising community, inspiring a new generation of creatives to combine artistry with authenticity.