A few days ago we did 126. Yes, it is amazing that we have won so many awards. Because of this success I wrote an expose for a feature film "The Invitation". I'm currently reworking it and will be looking for a producer soon. I can't manage a feature film financially on my own. 

Yes, that's right. When I find a producer. Let's wait and see.

It is strange. The film is about success and what we are willing to sacrifice for it and has immense success itself. That makes him special to me. My other works were rather successful on a small scale. I think "The Invitation" is one of those rare projekts where everything fits. The idea, the script and only good people came together. Everyone did a great job.

I'm staying true to the genre. I'm am a big horror fan. I also like type of genres like Sci-Fi or Thriller. But absolutely no way I'm going into comedies. But "The Invitation" has humor, dark humor. That's the kind of humor I like.

The money. Genre films are rarely funded in Germany. I was forced to finance the budget myself. Cast and crew worked without a fee. They loved the script.

The film has also received awards in many categories at other festivals. The actors have won awards. Also the script, editing, score, color grading, VFX, direction and sound design. I think these are the strengths without wanting to be arrogant. Dominika Cybulska was our color grader. She is great!

Actually everything. Developing a film gives me great pleasure. I enjoyed the story idea, the script, the direction, even the editing. A film is a product that you can watch and evaluate over and over again. Like a built table. When I'm acting on stage, I can't see myself doing it. That's why I like making films. But I don't necessarily have to be in front of the camera. To direct is enough for me. By the way, two editors let us down when we were working on "The Invitation". They didn't have enough time for the project. So I had an experience in a director cut, because I did it by myself.

I want to make genre films that have a message. A current example is "Squid Games". Like many others, I love this show. There is a lot of suspense and action, but also criticism of our society. That we give too much space to money, to the pursuit of wealth and that humanity falls by the wayside. In "The Invitation" I address similar topics.

To be honest, I don't see a big problem. Yes, films could be more complex again. There could be more films like "Joker" to come. I thought it was great. But that'll come again. I am for diversity anyway. Every genre has its place. Sometimes you just want to be entertained. Then it is completely sufficient if it bangs. I love action movies. I'm not afraid to admit that I have some idols. First of all, Hitchcock. Then nothing comes for a long time. Then Kubrick, Romero, Carpenter, Spielberg, Donner, Cameron, Scott and so on.

A complex question. There is no variety of films in Germany. That has to do with the policy of German film funding. Genres such as horror, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, fantasy and westerns are rarely promoted in Germany. Unless you already have a major production or television station behind you. Which is seldom true for independent filmmakers. So it happens that Germany is poorly positioned internationally. We certainly cannot compete with Hollywood. For these reasons, I would immediately accept an offer from America. In Germany you often fight against windmills when you want to make a genre film.

As I said in the last answer. In Germany there is no funding for horror films. No money, no film. And there are no paid jobs for genre filmmakers in Germany either. Unless you bend and shoot what is required. I also work as an actor, but the fees are not so high that I could finance and make a new film every six months. And this is how the breaks you mentioned arise. After five short films, I would like to make a feature film. Gladly the feature film "The Invitation".

Even as a child. At the age of ten I saw "Jaws" alone in the cinema. At that time, the protection of minors was not taken so seriously in Germany. I fell in love with cinema. I wanted to do that too. In retrospect, as a young adult, I should have decided to study film. When I was 12 I made films with my Super 8 camera. Instead, I chose acting. That brought with it some problems, as many actors want to be on stage. But I wanted to act in movies. Although I succeeded, it didn't go as I had hoped. In 2006 I decided to go behind the camera.

Yes, I know what actors need and what they expect. I know how to lead actors, because I'm an actor too. By the way, I have also other film ideas, of course. I'm working on a new horror story about man's creepy connection with his dog. There is also an idea for a film about a phantom who punishes TV makers for humilating and exposing people in their shows.

I really like that you support filmmakers, for example with this interview. Based on the well-researched questions, I can see that you have a real interest. That’s great. I can't think of anything that you could do better. The participation of our film in the festival was positive through and through. There is nothing to complain about. Everything was great!