Writing this novel is a great lesson for Joosje. “Because I wrote this with a different purpose than a script, I have learned to be much less stuck in my insecurities.” Still, she won’t be starting a second novel anytime soon. “As a maker, I feel more at home in the film world. I’m more inclined to opt for scripts. But I never say never, I’m certainly open to it.”
Inspiration
Whatever she makes or writes, there is always a personal edge to it. She draws inspiration from her own environment. “I noticed that when I talked about love and sex with friends, it was a completely different perspective than the media portrays. That’s why I felt a strong need to portray a certain authenticity. So is Happy Ending for example arise. I notice that I always look for a combination between the personal and the social.”
Maxima
This combination is also reflected in her work for the series Maxima, where Joosje was allowed to direct the parts in New York. “I had worked with the producer before. They thought of me because I lived and studied in New York as a young woman.” Although she did not hook a crown prince, she could empathize with Máxima’s story.
“I know what it feels like to be in a big city as a young woman with dreams and ambitions. At Máxima you tell esomewhere an intimate love story, but at the same time it is about something bigger; politics, the monarchy. I find the combination of those different layers super interesting.”
Yet Joosje cannot go her own way, because… Maxima she collaborates with a number of other directors. “We really had to discuss as a team to stay within a certain style. My scenes are edited with other directors’ scenes. Of course, the viewer is not allowed to see the difference. As a creator you are not always aware of your own stamp, but my friends say they can see exactly which images are mine.”
How does Joosje describe her style? “I like playful camerawork. And thus that certain authenticity. I don’t try for intimacy in one picture perfect way to show, but stay close to reality. In addition, I never shy away from the colorful.”
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Future
Although not even all episodes of Maxima are on Videoland, the series is a big hit. A second season has even been announced, where Joosje will also direct. And we can expect other things from Joosje in the future. She is, among other things, writing a new script.
A set like that in New York also leaves you wanting more. “It would be a big dream to work on an international production,” she says, laughing. Joosje remains modest. “I am someone who dreams step by step. I am already super grateful for the things I have been able to do in recent years. I want to enjoy that for now.”
Strong women
One thing is certain: the future is female. “I only realized much later in my career that I could do something meaningful behind the scenes. That was because I mainly saw men in this work. For example, I really look up to female directors like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Greta Gerwig or the Dutch Eva Crutzen. I think it’s great to see that more and more women in such leading roles are creating beautiful things in recent years.”
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