Pretzels and beer
Ricky Dandel
If one wants to believe Oscar Wilde it is easier to do something
instead of talking about it. That may be true; as long as nothing
does exist, there is also nothing to talk about.
" We should meet next week and talk about it", said
the caller. "I have some songs which I like very much and
GEMA has informed me that you are the composer. You know, I have
a sure-fire project on the hook - Deadline, that is the name.
We meet at the old distillery in Großhadern." Liquor,
I was wondering, perhaps one more guy with a crackpot idea. I
soon should learn that the whole affair had really something to
do with intoxication.
The workroom of the director, disguised as rotten booth. Piles
of manuscripts, photos, CDs, tapes and sheets of paper lying around.
"Looks like much work" I thought when entering the room.
"Clemens Keiffenheim", the man with the designer stubble
introduced himself and we shook hands. I think we became familiar
right from the start as we somehow understood each other from
the first moment. It was as if I had known this man for ages.
"Let's go to eat something and I will tell you what this
is about." "Okay", I said.
"A great story - and absolutely groovy" I said and realized
that I was totally crazy about the movie, after just reading the
summary of the script. Though, at the same time, I was wondering
about how one could realize such brilliant ideas. Odd, I was not
really sceptical but just curious.
The same evening I devoured the script and could not stop laughing
anymore.
Two days later, we listened to the songs Clemens intended to use
in the movie: "Stay until tomorrow", "Thank you
for your friendship", " You are the sunrise". Clemens
told me that he was still looking for a suitable song for a key
scene. "I have this song with me" I answered, "When
you´re not with me". Just listen to it!
After Clemens had listened to the song for the third time everything
was set. We had found the suitable song. Martina who was joining
us also considered the song excellent.
"There´s just a small problem. I wrote the words, but
not the music. My son wrote the music. His name is Elvin and he's
twenty."
Clemens listened to some of Elvin´s songs and was thrilled
: pop ballads written and also performed by Elvin.
Three days later, Elvin joined the group. Clemens offered him
the role of stoned Max which we rewrote and adapted to Elvin,
while eating pretzels and drinking beer in our favourite bar.
