Team fiction films & documentary

When it comes to his work-related motto, it’s simple: “Never give up.” 

Let me introduce you to a dedicated producer at Hazazah Pictures, Maarten Kuit. Whose journey in the film industry is both inspiring and impactful. His passion for film blossomed at the art academy, where he became fascinated by art direction, set design, and styling for film sets. After his studies, he spent years working in the art  department for feature films, TV series, and commercials. In the mid-90s, Maarten transitioned to freelance producing, working on numerous film and advertising projects. Since 2008, Maarten has been a producer at Hazazah Pictures, resulting in more than 40 productions. To name a few: Roofkunst (directed by Hans Pool) and De Terugreis (also winner of the Gouden Kalf and the Dutch Oscar submission) 

Maarten’s inspiration stems from projects deeply rooted in societal issues. Whether it’s about dementia, or the struggle of citizens against big corporations, he aims for his films and documentaries to provoke thought, spark discussions, and resonate with viewers. 

Among the projects he is most proud of is “Roofkunst” (Art Dispute), which he developed from scratch. This documentary series opened up discussions around the subject of colonial looted art. During filming, he traveled the world, meeting individuals who shared their experiences of the consequences of colonial rule by European countries. The restitution of looted art to its rightful countries is currently in full swing, and knowing they contributed, however small, fills them with pride.

Collaboration is key, Maarten’s work is guided by strong values. He is aware of the teamwork involved in creating a film or documentary; collaboration is essential, regardless of the project’s size. Mutual respect and kindness among team members are vital to this process. He discusses everything with his close colleague Isa, a junior producer. 

“As a producer, I feel a responsibility to make use of the opportunity I have to reach people. I strive to deliver productions that have an impact, provoke thought, and hopefully contribute positively to our society”.

Jeroen, the founder of hazazaH, is a visionary pioneer who has left his mark on the world of film and photography with passion and dedication. In the past 25 years, significant changes have occurred within the production industry. With the emergence of digital technology and, more recently, artificial intelligence, Jeroen witnessed a transformation in his profession. While this presented new challenges, he also embraced the creative opportunities brought about by this technological evolution.

Throughout his journey, Jeroen has enjoyed many remarkable experiences, including encounters with icons such as Johan Cruijff and André Hazes. Moreover, he places a strong emphasis on his love for collaborating with “the crazy ones” – the creative minds that breathe life and vibrancy into the industry. As he envisions a future where commercials offer immersive, almost VR-like experiences, Jeroen remains optimistic and motivated.

Jeroen’s recurring ambition reflects a relentless pursuit of creating new, unforgettable film memories. “To film a few scenes each year that have never been seen in a film or ad. To challenge a few directors and photographers annually to come up with ideas that could propel their careers to the next level. I am always striving to craft new, enduring film memories… And the best film I have yet to create is still on the horizon.”

Introducing Isa, a dynamic junior producer at Hazazah, whose journey through the world of media has been inspiring. With a solid foundation in media culture and television studies, Isa has navigated the creative landscape with passion and determination. 

What does she love the most about her role?  “Every day is unique! With a variety of projects on the table, she finds herself constantly switching gears and keeping all her creative radars up and running. Inspiration flows from many sources: like enjoying watching films, particularly art house selections, and often heading to the cinema after work. Documentaries have become a current obsession, to broaden her knowledge. The lively streets of Amsterdam also spark creativity, as she frequently finds herself wondering, would the people walking around the city enjoy watching this?

“Isa lives by an optimistic motto: I’ve never done it before, but I believe I can!” Although she’s new to the industry, she views every challenge as an opportunity.

Reflecting on her time at Hazazah, she recalls a favorite memory from her internship— “I was rushing to collect balloons for a party. There were so many that I struggled to get them to our second floor office, almost toppling over while navigating the stairs. The laughter shared that day set a joyful tone in the office, showcasing the company’s culture of celebrating everything, from World Cup gatherings to anniversaries and award wins”.

One production that left a profound impact on her was “De Terugreis”. “The journey of this film taught me the importance of perseverance. Back to when I was interning, the project had been in the works for years, facing multiple funding rejections. I even assisted with a final submission. After leaving Hazazah, I returned to find the film completed—and what a film it was! Now sent in as Dutch Oscar-submission and winning two Gouden Kalveren”, its success serves as a powerful reminder that persistence pays off”.

From an unexpected start to the heart of hazazaH: Liesbeths journey in the production industry began as an unforeseen turn of events. When her brother Jeroen asked her to join him at hazazaH, she saw the challenge and took the leap. 

The moment that Liesbeth decided to leave the multinational she was working for and joined her brother’s startup production company was a turning point in Liesbeths life. Even though the production industry is not directly related to Orthopedagogy, which she studied, Liesbeth feels right at home at hazazaH and can apply her previous experiences well. “Especially through other job experiences, I’ve really realized how important it is to work with each other in a respectful way. Don’t put anyone on a different level than you are on. That is something I have seen in other jobs, and I noticed that people then drop out quickly. Everyone needs to feel heard and seen”. Liesbeth draws inspiration from people and partnerships. Her motivation lies in connecting people, getting them to reach their best and becoming stronger together. Trust, quality, honesty, and team spirit are at the core of her values.

In the dynamic landscape of creative production, Liesbeth considers hazazaH a unique oasis of innovation and collaboration. This is where not only craftsmanship comes together, but also an atmosphere of “strong together,” where obstacles are seen as challenges and impossible assignments as opportunities. “We always strive for the best. In an industry where obstacles are often considered insurmountable, hazazaH maintains the philosophy of “cannot doesn’t exist.” Liesbeth emphasizes the importance of a mindset that thinks in terms of solutions rather than problems. 

She believes that no matter how complex a project may seem, by working together and thinking creatively, a workable solution can always be found.

Zohra, our passionate ‘Head of Finance’, can reflect on an impressive 23-year journey within hazazaH. With schooling in accounting, PR, marketing and entrepreneurship, Zohra found her way to hazazaH through her various creative network.

As a child, Zohra was already a small visionary. “I made my own money and played post office.” She surrounded herself with creatives and dreamed of running an agency for photographers. This passion for entrepreneurship and creativity eventually led her to the vibrant world of hazazaH. “I like the combination of the creative and the financial process. Also puzzling with the budgets. I like it when it all adds up.”

At hazazaH, Zohra faces the challenge of finding the balance between the permanent team and attracting freelancers, paying sharp attention to budgets and the high demands of clients. Her secret? Punctuality, continuity, and a keen eye for numbers.

Zohra gets her inspiration from being a team member, watching colleagues grow and following the creative process. “At hazazaH Pictures, when you finally see a film on the big screen after a long time and many phases, you think, wow! That’s very exciting.” For her, the personal memories and family atmosphere at hazazaH are the most valuable.

What you may not know is that Zohra has a passion for vintage clothes, bags and shoes, rooted in her hippie background. A creative mind that brings not only financial expertise but also a touch of vintage flair to our team.