Personal Vita

Born 1959 in Munich, Germany. Already at the age of 12, I had only one career aspiration: Cameraman

After my high school graduation in1980, I completed an apprenticeship as a still photographer. Afterwards I had a hands on training at some production companies in Munich, working for PR and commercials. Soon I began a free lancer life as camera assistant for any film I could get, ranging from features for the Munich Film University (HFF) or commercials to some documentaries for the Bavarian TV. After some years I gave up my free-lancing and got a job as assistant cameraman for the Bayerische Fernsehen (BR, Bavarian TV - Part of the German National TV).

A long, but interesting time was to come. Documentaries, TV-features, short and long reports with lots of work and travelling almost around the world with changing, but always interesting cameramen - a intensive time to learn.

Fortunately, I spent my last period during this time as camera operator for DP Manfred Feichtner. I enjoyed this possibility and experienced a wonderful preparation on my way to become a cameraman.

1993 - the target is achieved: Cameraman (Director of Photography)

But I always keep in mind that it is and it will always be a long process of gathering experiences, combining old and new values to create fresh visions and perspectives and most of all: learning every day, sometimes the hard way. Working in a crew means striving for a common target and keeping ones mind open for new ideas and new people. Against all odds (keeping in mind that they also belong to the shooting team, like a little luck) - I try to uphold my values and keep a positive attitude:

There is always a way to make it work, and often there is a way to make it work better

Languages, Foreign experience 

Aside from some words in Italian, I learned a little French and I speak fluent English.

During my work I could collect experience in the following foreign countries:

Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, England, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Tschechian Republic, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Sierra Leone, Mali, Tanzania, Papua New-Guinea, Australia, Canada, the USA, Japan, China

Awards

In 2007 I received the Deutschen Kamerapreis  (German Camera Award) for the short documentary

"Die Zelluloid Pioniere"  (BR)  14 min. DIGITAL BETA 16:9     Director:  Ernst Gortner

In 2005 I received the Deutschen Kamerapreis  (German Camera Award) for the short documentary

"Kind? Nein Danke"   (ARTE/BR)  15 min. DIGITAL BETA 4:3     Director:  Angela Graas

In 2005 the documentary "Lena Christ - Heimat und Sehnsucht"  (about the famous bavarian writer Lena Christ)

earned the  Bayerische Fernsehpreis  (Bavarian TV Award).

Director:  (Evita Bauer) / DoP: Mike Steffl   (BR)  45 min. DIGITAL BETA 16:9

The 105 min. DVD version of the documentary  "DIE ISAR"  was also moninated for the German Camera Award.

In 2006 the english Version "The River ISAR - Portrait of a bavarian Beauty" received the

SILVER CHRIS AWARD  at the Columbus International Film & Video Festival

In 2007 this documentary gained another prestigious award at

the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival - The PLATINUM REMI

(Both awards are the highest honours in its category)

Also in 2007 "The River ISAR - Portrait of a bavarian Beauty" won an prestigious "Hugo Television Award"

at the Chicago International Film Festival  -  The  SILVER PLAQUE

I received 3 Silver and 4 Bronze Awards at the

EPSON International PANO Award Contest 2011