THE IRIS TEAM

Nicolas Steil

President and CEO

NICOLAS STEIL began his career in the 1980s as a journalist; most notably covering the Lebanon War when his reports prompted coverage of this brutal conflict.

In 1983, he joined RTL TV as a reporter and subsequently as a news presenter, he proceeded to direct and produce numerous documentaries for the network.

In 1986, he founded his own production company, Iris Productions, through which he produced and directed documentaries, television reports and commercials.

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

From 1991 to 1996, he was General Director of EURO AIM: a European Commission MEDIA programme for the financing and marketing of European independent films. Euro Aim proceed to federated in 59 markets, on behalf of 9 thousand producers from 18 different EU countries, and as many national broadcasters. Euro Aim attracted a Buyers’ Club (involving around 60 television channels) and a Financiers’ Club (encompassing some 70 investment groups). EURO AIM enabled the selling of 3000 thousand productions and the financing of approximately 200 independent European films.

In 1997, Nicolas Steil reactivated Iris Productions to produce feature films, animation and documentaries.

He also established Iris Distribution, to distribute Iris’ films in Luxembourg.

In recent years, Nicolas Steil has expanded the Iris Group and set up subsidiaries in France, Belgium, Germany and the UK.

In 2011, he partnered with Rezo Films, which specialises in the production, distribution and international sales of feature films. Rezo Films has distributed over 300 films to date and produced 35 films. Many of them have won awards at festivals, including Cannes.

Since 1988, Nicolas Steil has represented Luxembourg at AGICOA (an international organisation responsible for the collection of author’s revenues). In 1999, he spearheaded the creation and continues as president of ALGOA (l’Association Luxembourgeoise de Gestion des Œuvres Audiovisuelles). In 2012, he became one of the 11 members of the Executive Board that runs AGICOA.

He has since 1997 been the Secretary General of ULPA (Luxembourg’s anchor for the development and stimulation of the audiovisual sector), where he represents and negotiates on behalf of Luxembourg’s Film Producers.

Finally, Nicolas Steil has directed five stage plays. His first feature, Réfractaire, has so far been invited to participate in over 30 international film festivals and won 6 awards. His second feature film, The Way to Happiness, was also a success, selected in 30 festivals and awarded 8 times. Nicolas has produced and/or co-produced 55 films in Luxembourgish, French, German, Spanish and English. In 2013, he became President of the TOL (Théâtre Ouvert du Luxembourg).