Jan-Paul (Gugi) Van Der Velden

Jan-Paul Van Der Velden has a deep passion for storytelling and film, starting from a young age when he began making stopmotion films with an 8mm camera.

He has directed music videos, documentary films, and branded content, showcasing his creativity in the film industry.

With a background in international education and a degree in Business from the University of Amsterdam, Jan-Paul combines his love for filmmaking with entrepreneurial ventures.

He founded several companies, including Spryng, a B2B mobile telecom products supplier, gaining valuable business experience and insights.

Jan-Paul expanded his knowledge by studying film at the New York Film Academy, leading him to focus exclusively on film and branded content projects.

Currently serving as the Creative Director at Towel Media, Jan-Paul collaborates on creative and commercially challenging branding projects.

In 2019, he co-founded The Pool with partners, adding media and distribution services to their portfolio, further cementing his presence in the film and media industry.

His notable work includes the completion of the feature-length documentary 'Big Wata' in 2018, showcasing the determination of young men in Sierra Leone despite challenges like Ebola and village politics.