It's been quite some time ago since I have completed the last scene of my film. But I still feel as if it had happened only yesterday.
Well, it all started as follows:
I had just graduated from High School in Germany and enjoyed my life as a free man. It must have been around end of July when Clemens called us to find out about a few musical pieces of music my father and I had composed. He told us that he would like to use these songs in his film. We made an appointment in a beer garden which later turned out to be our permanent residence for our breaks.
We met there and after some small talk we immediately found out that we had much in common. When I told Clemens that I had quite some acting experience already, he offered me the role of Max, a fellow who was hooked on drugs. It happened at this very moment: I had given my OK to take part in one of the craziest film productions!
I read the script and after a while I was totally immersed in this crazy story.
All I could say: 'heavy' ! Would you tell me please how will you manage to put this on a set?
Today I must admit: dammed, they - or better we altogether have really succeeded!
The script was totally crazy. But when I had arrived at the set I knew that I would never forget this film production. The set was located at a run down distillery. There were a number of actors running around in weird costumes. Well, and the rest you will see in the film.
But surprisingly enough there was a very pleasant and amicable atmosphere. Everybody had fun to participate in this film.
Two days later we already started with the rehearsals for different dance scenes. We had to act as robots. During these first robot movements I felt already that there were muscles in my body I had not even dreamt of before. I also realized very quickly that I was not very gifted in rolling joints (the role of Max, the professional joint junkie had asked for this). Luckily enough we had a very talented man at the camera who solved this problem with brilliance! Being behind the camera, you need to be an all-rounder.
It was also obvious that one of my scenes would be filmed at a roof. No problem for me being afraid of heights! The first time standing at the roof of the old distillery together with Clemens, my knees were trembling so much that I was afraid they would hear it downstairs.
We agreed on a lower spot directly above the loo in case I did panic after all and had to visit this place very quickly.
Some of the scenes give me great memories.
In one of these sets I had to sit by the sound mixer. Unfortunately, this sound mixer was fully exposed to the sun. They should have installed a hair dryer under my armpits since I was sweating like hell.
One of the most beautiful scenes was the one where I could have my first sexual experience with a column. During this scene - I had swallowed nearly one pound of sand that had been stirred up during the dance scenes - I was so 'stoned' I already thought I had an encounter with Lolo Ferrari .
Not to forget the romantic scenes: one of the scenes was the one with the guitar where I had to sing to my beloved one: 'love me tender'. The scene was constantly interrupted by heavy rain showers and - because of the constant need to repeat this scene I was very irritated. At a certain point I started to sing 'love me Ständer` (The translation of german ständer is `hard on`in English!) Clemens thought this was great. But ever since I cannot take this song for serious again.
In one of the next scenes I had to sit on a tree, sing another heartbreaking love song and throw apples at my beloved one like a lunatic. Suddenly, one of the branches I sat on broke. Luckily enough I did not have to continue this scene in the hospital.
All in all I must say: it was a great experience I would not want to miss for the life of me. It was a great production with excellent actors and - in any case - a lot of fun!
Till next time Elvin
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