SELECTED COMMERCIAL WORK
Written & Directed by Gustav Wärn
SELECTED SHORT FILMS
Written & Directed by Gustav Wärn
is a writer, director and producer from Stockholm, Sweden.
Whether it be directing drama or commercials, Gustav’s films often sit at the intersection of raw realism and heightened reality. In drama he likes exploring themes of self-discovery, longing, faith and doubt, complex interpersonal relationships, and loneliness, often with a more introspective tone. In commercials, his work is often high paced, bubbling with life, with a firm sense of people and the quirks and specific flaws that make us human. Texture and imperfection plays a central role in his work. Anything that is too neat or polished doesn’t interest him. With grit and nerve, Gustav creates stories and worlds that feel raw and real, with elevated elements that bring an interesting contrast of magical realism.
A self-taught filmmaker since the age of 15, Gustav honed his craft independently before furthering his education at Prague Film School in the Czech Republic. With a diverse portfolio, he has directed 15 short films to date, including notable works such as Stella by Starlight (2026), Do You See When Things Change (2025) and Existence, Fragmented (2024).
His work has screened at BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying festivals and has received recognition both nationally and internationally. Awards include Best Short Film Audience Award at Novemberfestivalen and multiple Best Cinematography and Screenplay awards.
Unexpected Virtue was founded in 2019, with a guiding vision that film is the most powerful tool we have to connect to each other, and with ourselves. With UV, Gustav has since produced notable works of drama, music videos and commercials — both independently and for clients and production companies.
EXPERIENCE
2025 - Current - Freelance at Crisp Film
2023-2024 - Freelance at Hello Dave
2021 - 2022 - Media Producer at Edisen / Chimney Pot
2019 - Current - Founder & Filmmaker at Unexpected Virtue
COMPETENCE
- Director
- Screenwriter
- Producer
- Production Coordinator
- DoP
- Editor (Premiere Pro, Da Vinci Resolve, After Effects, PhotoShop)
- Sound design & mix (Adobe Audition, ProTools)
- Colorist (Da Vinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, CinemaGrade)
- Graphic Designer (Photoshop, InDesign, KeyNote)
EDUCATION
2024-2025 - Prague Film School (Directing Fiction)
2022-2023 - Lund University (Bachelors in Business)
AWARDS
Anders Sandrews Stiftelse - Stipendie för utlandsstudier 2025
Best Cinematography - Sveriges Kortfilmsfestival 2025
Best Short Film: Audience Award - Novemberfestivalen 2024
Best Short Film - Filmörnen 2024
Best Screenplay - Filmörnen 2024
Best Sound Design & Mix - Filmörnen 2024
Best Comedy - Filmörnen 2024
WHAT WE DO?
Unexpected Virtue develops and produces visionary cinematic
commercial work, branded storytelling and visual campaigns.
We don’t approach projects as “content.”
We approach them as films.
DEVELOPMENT
Strong execution starts with clarity.
We work with you to define the core idea, refine the message and shape the visual direction before anything is shot. Whether starting from a finished brief or a loose concept, we develop strong concept & narrative direction - and mould the film in pre-production until we are all happy and certain that we hold a potential masterpiece in our hands.
And then the fun begins.
PRODUCTION
The scale adapts to the idea.
Some projects demand a lean, intimate crew.
Others require full-scale production.
We assemble the right team for the ambition of the piece and lead the set with clarity and efficiency. Creative ambition is balanced with practical discipline — time, budget and logistics are handled with the same care as image and performance.
POST-PRODUCTION
This is where structure becomes experience.
Editing, sound design, grading and finishing are treated as creative tools — not technical steps. We focus on rhythm, atmosphere and cohesion to ensure the final film feels intentional and immersive.
DELIVERABLES
Final films are delivered in all required formats — broadcast, web, social, vertical — optimised for the platforms they are intended for
BUDGET &
COLLABORATION
Every project is different.
Budget depends on scope, crew size, locations, timeline and post-production needs. After an initial conversation about your goals and expectations, we provide a tailored production proposal with clear cost structure.
If you have a brief, a deadline, or simply an idea — get in touch.
COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
PRODUCTION COMPANIES
Don’t be a stranger.
Contact us today.
We would love to hear about your new idea for your own business, and would be delighted in assisting you in making it come to life!
Send us a message, and we will be in contact with you before you can say …
Unexpected Virtue.



