Mikko Lehtinen was born in Lahti, Finland, studied Marketing, Acting and Theatre & Cultural history. After a year in the army Mikko started working as a production assistant on commercials, TV-programs and various feature films. Mikko tried about everything there is to filmmaking, from casting directing to being a gaffer, and worked his way up to directing. As a director he has shot over 150 commercials and 10 music videos around the world. He shot for many of the most respected international brands like IKEA, Puma, Volkswagen, Virgin Mobile, T-mobile, Nokia, Heineken, Sprite, Coca Cola, Land Rover and the Guardian.

Mikko´s style is very hard to pigeonhole. Like many other gifted and committed filmmakers he can easily switch between off-beat comedy, drama, even horror. Some say he´s a Scandinavian comedy director, others know him from painfully revealing and poignant drama. Throughout his career Mikko has been awarded at numerous festivals.

Most recently Mikko charity spot Fragile Childhood about parental alcohol abuse has been making waves internationally. Only two days after its launch the spot

has been featured on all of the major ad industry sites. Shots, Little Black Book, Ads of the World, Best Ads on TV, Coloribus, Advertolog. As well as tons of blogs

around the world from France to Korea. What makes this campaign special is that the newspapers have also picked it up and encouraged discussion around this important topic. Finnish tabloid Iltalehti put up a survey asking whether it is okay to get drunk in front of your children or not. Rolling Stone Magazine contributor Joe Berkowitz writes: "The Monsters ad takes a cinematic approach that would do John Carpenter proud."