Blickpunkt Film

»The inner passion is important« 

Director Florian Froschmayer is appearing on "das Erste" with two "MONEY, MURDER, ZURICH"-episodes this spring. He talks about the current situation and changes in the industry here. 

To what extent is your work affected by the Corona-induced shutdown? 

Since filming takes place with a group of people working together in a confined space, the health of all those involved is our first priority. We can only continue filming once the situation is safe again. At the moment, I am therefore already trying to concentrate on the time after that and to ask myself what kind of films will be in demand then and can try to push the development of such material in order to be ready to shoot when filming is possible again. 

You direct a lot of TV crime thrillers, and in spring two of your "MONEY, MURDER, ZURICH"-episodes will start on ARD. What changes are you currently noticing in the industry, especially regarding broadcasters? 

The new streaming services are a bit freer and bolder creatively, but their budgets are also somewhat more limited. For an experienced, classic TV director, however, it's difficult to have a part in it, because they're seen as conservative and are often pigeonholed as "public-law broadcasters". But I think that - like all changes - everything will settle down over time. First of all, I think it's great that Netflix and the other broadcasters exist and that creativity is seen as an asset again. Now everyone just has to realize that an adequate budget is also needed to properly implement ideas and visions. 

Has this also changed the working conditions for creative individuals?

Working conditions have changed massively in the last ten years. Budgets - even at public-law broadcasters - have become tighter. Preparation time is shorter accordingly, and a lot of flexibility is expected of directors and the entire film team. I see this as a new challenge, because it also requires a kind of creativity to face up to it and find the right solution for the movies. It becomes problematic when directors are only concerned with saving shooting days and simplifying scenes that are too expensive. But I'm positive about that, too, and think that things will level out. That's why, as a broadcaster, you should develop the stories you can afford in the end, even in the concept phase. 

You are a good example that you can be successful in the movie industry as an autodidact. Do you advise young people to not apply to a film academy? 

Above all, I recommend every newcomer to find his or her way! Whether school or autodidact, it is also type-dependent. For me it was the right way. I think, much more important is the inner passion. Do I really want it? There are many who are burning just like me then and now! If you don't have at least this inner passion for directing, you won't be able to position yourself sustainably. Too many people are pushing their way into the market. But: Those who really want it will make it, just like I did! On whatever path. 

You also launched the SCRIPTtoMOVIE software five years ago. How has this established itself in the industry? 

SCRIPTtoMOVIE is still ahead of its time in many aspects. In the industry, however, there is still a fear of contact with digital ways of working. But I am certain that SCRIPTtoMOVIE's approach is forward-looking. It will not be a question of "if", but rather "when" most movies will be realized with solutions like SCRIPTtoMOVIE. Since there are still few offers in this area, I hope of course that SCRIPTtoMOVIE will make a lasting impression. 

You are also passionate about set photography...
Photography has always been a great passion of mine and a nice complement to filmmaking. When making a movie, I work on a project together with a large team. I take a photo all by myself and am self-sufficient in the implementation. On set, I can basically experience these two worlds simultaneously and preserve the magic of certain scenes through photography. But I don't want to replace the still photographer in any way, because there are many great photographers who make my movies look sensational. 

FLORIAN FROSCHMAYER The Swiss filmmaker has directed a number of successful series such as "Tatort," "SOKO," "On behalf of the law" and "Coast Guards". His two "MONEY, MURDER, ZURICH"-episodes will be aired on April 30th and May 7th.