Nicolas Steil

Nicolas Steil began his professional career in the 1980s as a journalist for the written press. He wrote numerous reports ‘on the ground’, most notably on the Lebanon war, which incited coverage on television.  He joined RTL TV in 1983, as a reporter and subsequently as a news presenter where he proceeded to direct and produce documentaries.

In 1986, he created his own production company – Iris Productions – through which enabled him to produce and direct documentaries, television broadcasts and commercials.

His dedication to the development of Luxembourg‘s audiovisual sector, led him to establish in 1988 P.A.L., the first producer’s association in the Grand-Duchy. He also collaborated in the creation of adouble financing system for audiovisual productions, which resulted in the ‘Selective Fund’ and in ‘The Audiovisual Investment Certificates System’.

From 1991 to 1996, he was appointed General Director of EURO AIM: an initiative of the European Commission’s MEDIA programme seeking to finance and market European independent films. During these five years,  Euro Aim was to federate throughout 59 markets a network of 9,000 producers, from 18 European countries, and as many national broadcasters. It was also to attract a Buyers’ Club involving some 60 TV channels and a Financiers’ Club totalling some 70 investment groups. EURO AIM enabled the sale of 3000 productions and the financing of 200 independent European films.

In 1997, he reactivated his own production company – Iris Productions – dedicated to the production of feature films, animation and documentaries.

Simultaneously he created – Iris Distribution – to handle the distribution of Iris films within the territory of Luxembourg.

Over the years, Nicolas Steil has built the Iris Group by creating production and financing companies in France, Belgium, Germany and in the United Kingdom.

In 2011, he secured collaboration with Rezo Films (France) which specialises in the production, distribution and international sales of feature films.

Parallel to his activies as  head of the Iris Group and since 1988, Nicolas Steil is Luxembourg’s<strong>representative in AGICOA</strong> (an international organisation responsible for the collection of author rights revenues). In 1999 he prompted the creation of <strong>ALGOA</strong> (l’Association Luxembourgeoise de Gestion des Œuvres Audiovisuelles) and continues today as its president. In 2012, he became one of  11 members of AGICOA’s  Executive Board .

Since 1997, Nicolas Steil has been ULPA ‘s Secretary General  and is responsible for negotiating on behalf of Luxembourg’s Association of Film Producers, the country’s anchor for the development and stimulation of the sector.

Finally, Nicolas Steil has put on the stage five theatre plays and directed his first feature, Réfractaire, which by 2011 has participated in more than 30 international festivals and won 6 awards.