Nicolaas Bertelsen

Nicolaas Bertelsen’s kind of a behind-the-scenes magician. Born in Ames, Iowa—yeah, that’s not exactly Hollywood, but the guy made it work. He’s not the type to jump out in the spotlight, but trust me, his fingerprints are all over some pretty memorable movies from the past few years. Take Driveways (2019) for example. That one, quietly powerful, totally catches you off guard. It’s not some gigantic blockbuster with explosions or anything. Instead, it’s about real people, awkward silences, those tiny moments that say everything without a word. Bertelsen helped make that happen, giving it this grounded vibe that sticks with you. And then there’s The Tomorrow Man, also from 2019. It’s got that whole “what if you’re preparing for the end of the world but life has other plans” thing going on. There’s Ed (played by John Lithgow, absolute legend) and Ronnie (Blythe Danner—iconic), these two slightly oddball hearts colliding in a small town. Bertelsen’s role? Making sure the story feels honest, a little offbeat, a little sweet, and definitely not cookie-cutter. Oh, and don’t sleep on Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017). It’s as wild as it sounds—a smart, fast-paced heist flick about two sisters trying to save their family, but with a scrappy indie charm. Bertelsen’s touch is all over it, balancing humor with some surprisingly real emotion. So, yeah, he’s not just a name in the credits. He’s one of those people who makes the movie magic happen, scene by scene, making you feel something real—sometimes without you even realizing it. That’s what makes his work matter.