Tim Oliehoek
Born 1979, Stompwijk (the Netherlands). He debuted as a director in 1997, when he was 18 years old, with the amateur film BUY OR DIE, which became his stepping-stone to the Dutch Film and Television Academy, where he graduated in 2001. During his studies, he directed several short films, such as THE CHAMP (2000) and his graduation project ISABELLE (2001). In 2003 he shot the TV movie 15.35: SPOOR 1. In 2005 he made his first theatrical feature film, VET HARD, followed by SPY OF ORANGE (SPION VAN ORANJE, 2009), PIZZAMAFFIA (2011), CHEZ NOUS (2013).

Director’s statement
“I had just finished editing the film CHEZ NOUS in 2013, when Burny Bos asked me to read the script of THE AMAZING WIPLALA. I was flattered. Our collaboration had pleased him apparently. I read the script during my vacation and thought about how we could make this film really cool. Together with Tamara Bos, we edited the script and added more spectacular scenes, such as the race through the city in a remote controlled car and many other stunts. We also deliberately started the film with a slower pace, to introduce the Blom family and the existing conflicts between the main protagonists.
“Gradually, we learn about what motivates each member of the Blom family. I lost my mother when I was seven years old. I could therefore sympathize with the children and their experience in growing up motherless. In the film, it is not portrayed as an overly dramatic situation, but it is put in context for the audience. After a fairly quiet first ten minutes, the action and excitement really start! I think that is so much fun; to create but also to view. I do not like films where children’s roles are kept small. I’d rather see a reality in which children’s strength and intelligence are cleverly portrayed. I especially was inspired by movies like E.T., JUMANJI, THE GOONIES and of course HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS.
“This film required meticulous preparation. We held many monthly meetings to prepare before the shooting and put together a document – as thick as a phone book! – that contained all the storyboard scenes. Every detail, scene and shot was pre-conceived and executed exactly as planned. When we showed the rough cut to Tamara and Burny, their response was very good. Even without all the special effects, the film already worked well and conveyed all the excitement and emotions we wished to portray. That was a great motivator for the team. I'm sure the spectators will have fun from beginning to end!”.