Young Guns 20: Nik Kohler

By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 02, 2022

Spotlighting the stupendous class of Young Guns 20

Nearly 100 renowned industry professionals made up the jury for Young Guns this year. And after revealing the 84 finalists, it is finally time to unveil the 31 winners who make up the class of Young Guns 20.

Every year, we add another class of young talent from all over the globe to the exclusive Young Guns community. The winners of Young Guns 20 are your next project directors, animators, designers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers, storytellers, coders, and writers. So this is your cue to follow them on Instagram immediately– because they are our industry’s future legends after all.

In two weeks, the winners will fly into NYC from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments, make new friends, have a few cocktails, and take home their official Young Guns Cube. We can’t wait to celebrate with them at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:30 PM– and we hope to see you there too!

Before the party begins, we took the time to get to know each of our winners so you can read up on the highly creative individuals who make up Young Guns 20.

NIK KOHLER
EDITOR

Based:

BERLIN & MUNICH, GERMANY

Hometown:

MUNICH, GERMANY

SEE NIK'S ENTRY

When did you first hear about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?

I've known about Young Guns for quite a while, from other creatives I've always looked up to, and from The One Show and ADC Awards. I think it's great this appreciation exists, and especially because it gives a platform to young people who are not studying. It's great to have the opportunity to meet so many new talented people with whom you can form a creative career together.

What motivated you to enter this year?

I have been freelancing for two and a half years and never felt I had any expressive work to show. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of working with many new and inspiring creatives that improved my work as an editor– including Raphaël Ajuelos (YG19), a fantastic and very talented sound designer. He nominated me for YG20, so I thought, "Ok, why not give this a try?"

Young Guns is as much an exercise in self-curation as it is in sheer creative talent. After all, you are only allowed to submit six projects. How did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?

I have chosen the projects that best represent me, my creative language, and style. Also, the projects that are most meaningful, different, and show my overall approach as a Creative Editor.

What went through your mind when you discovered that you won? Do you remember the exact place and time you were when you found out the news?

I was sitting in the editing room next to my director and had a very exhausting client presentation. It was a wonderful surprise and really made my day!

How would you describe your personal brand in one sentence? Now, try defining it in three words.

I strive for emotional perfection in my work. Passionate. Emotional. Different.

What are some of the biggest influences on you and your work?

My work is influenced by so many different things, but most of all by music. I also look up to my talented colleagues and friends at Cabin Edit.

Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire? What is it about their work that you love?

A lot! But to name one person, it is Director Sandra Winther (YG17). I find her way of conveying and addressing important topics in a modern form of documentary film very exciting.

Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!

Definitely my first feature film, but I wouldn't say no to my first Super Bowl commercial either.

This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?

What a great question. I hope above all that my family, friends, and I are well, and I still have great fun doing what I do every day. Editing film and telling stories - 24/7 and beyond. Of course, I also wish to have achieved professional goals, but never to have lost the fun.

Any thoughts on how you are feeling about winning YG20?

I am very excited, honoured, and inspired to try new things. It's a great feeling to be seen and recognised as a creative, and it motivates me to continue on the path I've just started.