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Hans-Christian Schmid • Producer

"I have total control of my films"

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- With 23/5 production company, Hans-Christian Schmid produced his movie

In 2004, Hans-Christian Schmid founded the 23/5 production company, with which, the following year, he produced Requiem [+see also:
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trailer
interview: Hans-Christian Schmid
interview: Hans-Christian Schmid
interview: Sandra Hueller
film profile
]
. He is currently producing Am Ende kommen Touristen by young filmmaker Robert Thalheim, who came to the limelight with Netto [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
, a social comedy on the reunification of Germany.

Cineuropa: Why did you decide to take on both roles, that of producer and director, considering all the problems this brings?
Hans-Christian Schmid: I’ve wanted to work as a producer for a long time now and the opportunity came with Requiem. I didn’t have a lot of problems because I was surrounded by people I trust. They helped me not think about the financial side and start two weeks before shooting, allowing me to concentrate on directing. Naturally, as producer I had a lot more control over my film, and this is important seeing how as in the future I intend to work with other directors whose work I admire.

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In fact, you are currently producing Robert Thalheim’s film...
Yes, Robert came to 23/5 with his treatment after Netto, and we decided to make Am Ende kommen Touristen. The film is about his own personal experiences during his civil service: he was a guide for visitors at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

How much did Requiem cost? Was it difficult to obtain financing?
The budget for Requiem was €1.9m. We received financing from SWR, ARTE, WDR and BR. We didn’t have any particular problems. But I’d actually like to be completely independent and not receive any state money. It bothers me to think that a lot of unemployed citizens need that money to survive.

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