Markus Nestroy

Biography

Markus Nestroy (born July 14, 1979, in Graz, Austria) is an accomplished cinematographer celebrated for his masterful use of light and camera to tell compelling stories across a diverse range of genres, from gritty documentaries to popular comedies and intense dramas. His career showcases a remarkable journey from exploring various artistic disciplines to becoming a highly respected Director of Photography in European cinema and television.

Early Life and Artistic Explorations

Before focusing on cinematography, Nestroy immersed himself in a broad spectrum of artistic endeavors. He studied contemporary dance, photography, and acting in Graz and later at the Linzer Bruckner-Konservatorium. This multidisciplinary background undoubtedly contributes to his nuanced understanding of movement, composition, and performance, all of which are crucial for a cinematographer. He then pursued a degree at the renowned Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in Germany, where he specialized in cinematography, refining his visual language and technical skills.

During his studies, Nestroy's talent was quickly recognized, leading to two nominations for the Kodak Camera Award. His third-year film at the Filmakademie, "The Night Father Christmas Died," was even nominated for a Student Academy Award in 2010, signaling his promising future in the industry.

A Career Defined by Visual Storytelling

Markus Nestroy's career is marked by a diverse and impactful filmography, working on projects that have garnered both critical acclaim and popular success:

Early Features and Festival Recognition: In 2013, Nestroy shot his first feature film, "Robin Hood," directed by Martin Schreier. This modern reimagining of the classic tale was chosen as the opening film at the Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis 2013. His third feature film, "Above and Below" (2015), premiered to critical acclaim and participated in numerous international festivals. His camera work for "Above and Below" earned him the prestigious German Film Award for "Best Cinematography" in 2016.

Diverse Genre Work: Nestroy has showcased his versatility by working across a wide range of genres. He has shot comedies like "Fack ju Göhte 3" (2017) and "Hot Dog" (2018), family films like "Conni & Co 2" (2017), and romantic comedies such as "Unsere Zeit ist jetzt" (2016).

Acclaimed Television Series: He has also made significant contributions to television, including episodes of the long-running German cult TV crime show Tatort (2022). More recently, he was the cinematographer for the Netflix Original series Freud (2020), directed by Marvin Kren, which reimagines a young Sigmund Freud as a crime-solving figure in Vienna. His work on "Freud" contributed to its atmospheric and visually distinctive style. He also lensed the Netflix movie "Sixty Minutes" (2024).

Documentary and Investigative Work: Nestroy's cinematography extends to documentary series, notably "Dig Deeper: The Disappearance of Birgit Meier" (2021), for which he won a German Camera Award in 2022 in the Documentary Series category. This highlights his ability to capture compelling visuals in factual storytelling.