At age seven Mark Nickelsburg made his first film, “Gums,” a Super-8 short a stop motion tale about a not-so-scary shark. Many years later his editing skills have brought numerous national and international commercial projects to life for such diverse clients as Pepsi, Bayer, Jaguar, United Airlines, Fidelity, Gatorade and Sharp, short films, and documentary features.

Nickelsburg then took his unique point of view and shrewd storytelling skills behind the camera as the writer and director of the award-winning dark comedy EXPIRATION. Nickelsburg found himself in familiar territory. “Like editing and, directing involves making artistic choices. I love exploring which choices will make strong emotional connections, tell compelling stories and entertain."

EXPIRATION went on to open the prestigious Palm Springs International Shortfest, and tour festivals around the world including South by Southwest, Vancouver, Ft.Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and many more - winning multiple “Best Short Film” awards along the way.

With EXPIRATION's success and Nickelsburg's mastery of commercial editing, he began directing spots for clients in need of outstanding storytelling craftsmanship. He also kept active in longer narrative by directing the pilot for "Carroll Gardens," which won Best TV Pilot at the Trimedia Film Festival. On the strength of these accomplishments, he was named one of SHOOT Magazine's "Up-and-Coming Directors for 2010" and invited to serve on the Friars Club Comedy Film Festival jury.

Nickelsburg continues to direct and edit commercials, as well as his own films. His next short, "Harry Grows Up," about an eighteen-month-old baby living alone in Manhattan, will be released in 2012.