Marlind & Stein Join Motion Theory

Directors Marlind & Stein Now Repped in US by Motion Theory
 

Directors Mans Marlind (right) and Bjorn Stein sign with Motion Theory.

Commercial production company Motion Theory (MTh) has added Swedish directorial team Marlind & Stein to their directorial roster. Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein have worked together as a team for ten years on commercials, television work and feature films. Their latest film and biggest project to date, "Underworld Awakening," starring Kate Beckinsale, has just opened in theaters in the US.

"We considered several different commercial production companies in America, but felt an instant connection to the people at Motion Theory and their close relationship and access to Mirada as a creative resource," says Marlind. "We knew that Motion Theory was the right place for us to be able to do the work we do best, and we're looking forward to directing more spots for US audiences."

"Not only do they come from a feature background, but they have made tons of commercials, so Marlind & Stein really know how to craft a compelling, visual, cinematic story within a short form frame," notes Motion Theory EP/Partner Javier Jimenez of MTh. "They understand the demands of commercial production timeframes and constraints — but also have experience managing feature film budgets and working with high-profile actors."

Marlind & Stein began directing commercials together at Stockholm-based production company Camp David in 2006, helming spots for UNICEF, Reebok, Nike, IKEA and Toyota. Their debut feature, "Storm," was critically acclaimed and was followed by "Shelter," starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. Motion Theory is the first company to jointly represent Marlind & Stein as a directorial duo in the US.

Professional partners for more than a decade, Marlind & Stein were first brought together by an interest in cinema as children and started making their own movies at age 15. Marlind attended the American Film Institute after completing his Ph.D. in Sweden, while Stein began a successful career editing trailers upon his graduation before the two started to work together.

After working on parallel paths for over six years, Marlind & Stein began collaborating on projects, resulting in their award-winning work for television, film and commercial productions in Sweden. Most recently the crime-drama series "The Bridge" that the two created for Swedish television has been bought by the BBC under the title "The Tunnel," and is now being co-produced in France and the UK.

Published 23, January 2012