Workshop for Film Fans
In the “Camera Acting Workshop” at the Karlsruhe acting school Imagine, young talents not only learn acting but also experience the reality of the film industry.
Photo: Jörg Donecker
“Sound off,” “Action” – “Action!” This is the exciting language of film, and many young people dream of becoming a movie star. Or an influencer. Or a singer. In any case, they want to be on a stage or in front of the camera.
However, the reality of theater and film often looks very different. There are long waiting times, endless repetitions, and drops of sweat in the glaring light of the spotlights.
Eight young people attend the workshop in Karlsruhe
The young people who have taken a course or workshop at the Imagine acting school do not go into a casting unprepared. Under the guidance of Imagine owner Ute Merz and cameraman and director Holger Metzner, eight young individuals participated in a “Camera Acting Workshop” last weekend at the facilities of Imagine on Ettlinger Street. And things got pretty intense.
First, the young people presented a scene from their favorite movies, such as “Miss Congeniality II” or “The Hunger Games.” Then a scene was developed as a film script and presented with distributed roles. Together with the “teachers,” the team considered whether the scene would be better suited for an outdoor shoot or should be filmed indoors in front of the black curtain at Imagine.
Props set the right atmosphere
Props were distributed as the filming began for a scene from “Brooklyn 99.” A desk, phone, and a few outfits were enough to create a crime atmosphere. “It really feels like on a real set,” said Merz. And like on a real set, Anna Helena Jaki, who played a witness at the police, initially struggled a bit with walking in high heels. One must get used to that. But it all works out when one has a goal in mind.
Just like nearly eleven-year-old Finn Fischer, who wished for “Star Wars” and would play Harrison Ford. He definitely wants to become an actor and is already participating in several castings. Performing in front of an audience does not scare him. On the contrary. The 15-year-old Mira Stützer also has this career aspiration. She chose a scene from “The Hobbit” and is getting closer to her dream with the “Camera Acting Workshop” at Imagine.
The young people develop an understanding here of how much technology goes into a film.
Holger Metzner
Cameraman and Director
Ute Merz, who has been operating the acting school for 15 years and currently supervises 120 students aged three to 25, reports that some of her protégés are already appearing in actual roles. “At the end of the workshop, each participant receives a complete recording of all the scenes. This can also be used for applications,” said Merz.
Beyond career options, the seminars also offer something for the film aspirants. Holger Metzner, who stands behind the camera with intense concentration as in a real shoot: “The young people develop an understanding here of how much technology goes into a film and how many steps of work are necessary. This allows them to engage with a film more consciously.”
