Niels started in the film industry in 1991 as a trainee at "Großstadtrevier". After vocational training at Siemens AG as an electrician, he worked freelance as a lighting technician and dolly grip from 1992 to 1997. During this time he also did occasional stunts such as on the feature film "Karakum". From 1998 onward, Niels has been employed as a first unit manager until today. He worked also as an production manager for commercials and corporate films.