Olaf van Gerwen

Olaf van Gerwen is a prominent figure in the food marketing and advertising industry, known for his expertise in food branding and creative production. Here's a comprehensive overview of his professional background and achievements:

Professional Career

Olaf van Gerwen is the Founder and Global Creative Director of Chuck Studios, a position he has held since January 2012.1 Chuck Studios is the world's first global food-only creative production house, with its headquarters in Amsterdam and additional offices in London, Moscow, Berlin, and Los Angeles.1

Key Roles and Experiences::

• Film Director and DOP: By trade, van Gerwen is an accomplished film director and director of photography, with extensive experience in commercial production.1
• Commercials Director: He has directed over 600 commercials in more than 30 countries for major brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Heineken, Unilever, and many others.1
• Award-winning Professional: His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including Lions, Effies, Epica's, and Lamps.1
• Columnist and Writer: Van Gerwen contributes to various publications, sharing his opinions and experiences on branding and marketing for food and drink brands.1

Expertise and Approach

Van Gerwen specializes in helping global food and drink brands develop distinct culinary identities. His approach combines:

• High-tech execution and craft with brand identity thinking
• Consistent and "on-brand" communication for food and drink brands
• Use of advanced technology in food filming, including high-speed cameras, motion-controlled robots, and special effects12

Other Ventures

In addition to his work at Chuck Studios, van Gerwen is involved in other business ventures:

• Founding Partner of Pllek NDSM: Amsterdam's largest organic food-serving restaurant, known for its focus on sustainability and conscious food.1
• Business Mentor at nlgroeit: Providing guidance to other professionals in the industry.1

Education and Skills

• Audiovisual Production degree from Hogeschool Sittard (1991-1995)
• Completed Marketing Week Mini MBA programs in Brand Management (2021) and Marketing (2020)1
• Proficient in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, and French1

Olaf van Gerwen's unique blend of creative direction, technical expertise in food filming, and strategic brand thinking has established him as a leading figure in the food marketing industry. His work at Chuck Studios continues to shape how food and drink brands communicate visually on a global scale.