About

Peter Salling director instruktør headshot petersalling.com website portfolio film produktion københavn Copenhagen

Director based in Copenhagen, originally from Odense (b. 1996).

Growing up in the suburbs as a hyper-sensitive child, I started making films at 13 and have been refining my craft ever since.

Graduated as a director from 18 FRAMES in summer 2024.

10+ years of experience directing fiction, including short films and web series.

8+ years of experience directing and editing commercial projects.

3+ years of experience as a creative lead on film campaigns, developing visual treatments and securing assignments.

With a hands-on, self-taught background, I’ve learned many facets of filmmaking through direct experience. Beyond directing, I’ve worked in editing, cinematography, lighting, production, sound recording, and sound design. This broad skill set allows me to understand the entire filmmaking process and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

How I work

Peter Salling director instruktør headshot petersalling.com website portfolio film produktion københavn Copenhagen

Research-Driven Process: I work with what I call ‘emotional research’ — searching for hidden gems and insights in people’s lived experiences. These subtle, often astonishing details become the foundation for my storytelling and often lead me to more original results. (Read more about my writing process in Filmmagasinet Ekko and Short of the Week)

Character-Centered Storytelling: My work focuses on complex, empathetic portrayals of human beings. I’m particularly drawn to stories about friendship and relationships breaking apart, and the emotional pain that comes with the loss of trust. I seek narratives that balance the tragic with the cathartic, reflecting the real emotional complexity of life.

Heightened Expression: I love the dynamic between the subtle and the larger than life. Thus I often aim to elevate realism with ‘film-magical’ elements — whether through metaphorical layers, genre tropes, or audiovisual poetry. This allows me to move beyond mere realism, creating something more expressionistic and visually compelling.

Musical Influence: Raised in a musical household, with a classical pianist mother and a jazz pianist father, my work reflects both the sensitivity and innovation found in these genres. Musicality plays a central role in my filmmaking sensibility — shaping my rhythm, flow, and interplay of elements. I often approach direction with an editor’s mindset, intuitively weaving together visuals, sound, and narrative with subtlety and timing.

Reflective Mindset: I’m a reflective director, which means I approach every project with thoroughness and transparency. I invite my collaborators into the process, sharing my evolving ideas and seeking their input. I find that this openness helps create a more fluid, collaborative workflow, where everyone feels invested in the project’s success.

Inclusive Leadership: I believe in empowering my creative team to make decisions and prioritize resources effectively. I trust in their expertise and share responsibility with them. I also value transparency, and I’m open about my doubts and uncertainties. This vulnerability helps to foster a collaborative atmosphere, where the team can problem-solve together.