Draft:Max Tsui

Max Tsui (Chinese: 徐耀宗; born October 29, 1979, in Munich, Germany) is a German commercial director and cinematographer. He has garnered international recognition for his work in advertising, short films, and web series, blending innovative visual techniques with compelling storytelling. Tsui is known for his versatility in cinematography and direction, having worked with leading brands and directors in Europe and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Max Tsui was born to parents of Hong Kong origin in Munich. He studied cinematography at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts from 2004 to 2014, developing his signature visual style and technical expertise.

Career

Tsui’s career began with his work on Nina’s Welt (2006), Germany’s first web series, designed for online platforms and mobile devices. His cinematography for the short film Haltlos – Keine Zweite Gelegenheit (2006) was well-received at international film festivals and helped establish his career in the industry.

Steampunk Coke (2015)

In 2015, Tsui’s breakthrough came with Steampunk Coke, a Coca-Cola commercial that combined steampunk aesthetics with advanced visual effects. The project won the Young Director Award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and cemented his reputation for innovative, visually striking advertisements. His ability to incorporate advanced VFX while maintaining narrative integrity became a hallmark of his work.

Music Video Collaborations

Tsui worked extensively with notable directors, including Baris Aladag, on music videos for artists such as Jean-Michel Jarre and Philipp Dittberner, achieving millions of views on YouTube. His work in music video production showcases his skill in merging visual and musical storytelling.

Darth Maul: Apprentice (2016)

Tsui gained viral success with the Star Wars-inspired fan film Darth Maul: Apprentice (2016) , which earned millions of views on YouTube. His cinematography contributed to the film’s popularity, and it was awarded Best Video of the Year at the Webvideopreis Deutschland in 2016.

International Recognition

Tsui’s work has received recognition beyond Europe. His commercials and films have been showcased at festivals in the United States, including the Los Angeles Web Series Festival, where World of Wolfram (2016), another notable web series, received multiple awards. His unique style has been praised for its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with strong visual narratives.

Work in Uzbekistan

While Tsui’s international career remains his primary focus, he has also worked on projects in Uzbekistan, including the 2018 action-thriller Scorpion , which was filmed in Uzbekistan, Russia, and Morocco. The film, directed by Muhlisa Azizova, opened the Prologue International Film Festival in Tashkent .

Filmography

As Director

• Absolut Vodka – “In an Absolute World” (2007) • Nissan Micra – “Wendekreis” (2008) • Coca-Cola – Steampunk Coke (2015) • Sennheiser – “The Inner Voice” (2017)

As Cinematographer

• Nina’s Welt (2006) • Darth Maul: Apprentice (2016) • World of Wolfram (2016) • Scorpion (2018) • Die Pfefferkörner (2020)

Awards

• Young Director Award (2015) – Steampunk Coke • Webvideopreis Deutschland (2016) – Darth Maul: Apprentice • Cannes Corporate Media & TV Award (2018) – Sennheiser Audiophile Range • Los Angeles Web Series Festival (2017) – World of Wolfram

Critical Reception

Max Tsui has been praised for his precision in cinematography and his ability to convey emotional stories through visually compelling imagery. His work on Steampunk Coke, Darth Maul: Apprentice, and World of Wolfram has been widely recognized for its innovative use of technology and storytelling.

Personal Life

Max Tsui has a daughter, born in 2017. He resides in Cologne, Germany, where he continues to work in film and advertising, while also engaging in projects that support young talent.