The real Wustrow surf centre is a well-frequented oasis on the Fischland between Rostock and the Darß, with a caravan site and ideal conditions on the Baltic Sea and the Saaler Bodden. In the film "The Investor" by Jarek Raczek, however, the centre is run down and is bought by a shady ex-arms dealer (Henry Hübchen). In both films, the surf centre is run by Oli, Sven and Martin, who play themselves. Oli told us how the film was made
How does a surf school operator become a film star?
Not Star yet (laughs). A few years ago, Jarek Raczek, the director, cameraman and screenwriter, turned off at our place to go surfing and his car broke down. We helped him and I don't think he thought that was too bad (laughs). Then we got to know each other. He was always sitting with the three of us grinning and I asked "What are you laughing at?" and he just said "You three are so marvellous." He always found it funny with us. Then we made a little image film, eight minutes long. After about 10 years, we thought we could make another image film. Then we came up with one idea after another and lots of new jokes. Jarek is really unique, he has so many ideas and a great sense of humour, and at some point he said "We have to make more of this", and that's how it slowly came about.
One idea after another was added and lots of new jokes. That's how the film came about."
How did big names like Henry Hübchen and Friedrich Liechtenstein get involved in the project?
Henry Hübchen has been friends with my parents for a long time, they knew each other through the GDR windsurfing championships when I was still very young (Henry Hübchen was GDR board sailing champion twice, in 1981 and 1982, editor's note.). We carried on the friendship, he's a good friend of mine, of ours, from the Wustrow surf centre. At some point, he arrived here at our campsite with a shiny car and a white shirt and jokingly complained about why the barrier wasn't being opened for him, and then Martin said "Oli, here comes the investor, quick, quick, quick, open the barrier!" That's how the title for the film came about and that's how the idea for this project came about. We started filming and persuaded Henry to take part. But we were still planning the image film. Then Isabell Gerschke joined us, I know her from our Jump & Style parties, she was always at our parties and danced when I was DJing. Friedrich Liechtenstein is a good friend of Jarek's and agreed right away, so the film was made bit by bit and the result is now showing in the cinema.
So you weren't cast or anything, but the film came out of your friendship with Jarek and Henry?
Let me put it this way: we thought it would be a good idea to make a film out of it (laughs), especially Jarek.
What was it like working with the professional actors who then met you amateurs?
It was interesting and also exciting, for example how Henry prepared himself, as he had to play the bad investor. One day we sat there and asked ourselves why he was in such a bad mood. He sat there like that, was very calm, I thought he was in a bad mood, but he was just focussed and prepared for the role. That was very interesting. We would never have made the film if we hadn't known Isabell, Jarek, Henry and Friedrich. There was a lot of trust in the director and everyone else. But also with Isabell, you realise how professional she is. I think Jarek packaged it very well so that you don't feel it, he tried to bring us up to a certain level, he's incredibly skilful at that. We didn't know that beforehand either. It was funny. When the scene was finished, we always fired up the barbecue in the evening, it was a great atmosphere. Isabell's delicious salad is definitely worth mentioning...! The shoot was also extremely relaxed with Friedrich, he really is like that!
When the scene was finished, we always fired up the barbecue in the evening, which was a great atmosphere."
Did you improvise or did you have a fixed script?
Jarek always sent us a PDF with the lyrics, which we read through and that was the basis. Of course, there was plenty of room to improvise to the left and right if we strayed from the text. So it wasn't "learn by heart and repeat", but a lot of improvisation. That was already part of the concept, so to speak. There was a goal, but there was a lot of space and freedom around it.
How long did you film for in total?
Over three years, and then ten days of filming per year with four to five hours, sometimes up to ten hours. We always had to see what the weather was like and everyone had to have time at the same time. We also filmed during opening hours... If a customer came in, we couldn't just close up. Then Jarek would take a break and check the camera batteries. Jarek was incredibly calm. He simply switched off, stayed seated and switched the camera back on when the customers were outside again.
Did you ever go out on the water together after filming?
No, Henry prefers sailing now, he no longer windsurfs. He's also achieved everything as a two-time GDR champion (laughs). Sometimes he paddles to the pier on his SUP.
In the film, you get two million from the investor, which you squander. Was it fun to play, throwing money around like that?
Yay! (laughs) Of course, even if it was only imaginary money! But the role that Jarek came up with was fun to play!
Walking down the red carpet at the Zoo-Palast as a surf school and pitch operator was unique."
The premiere was at the Zoo-Palast in Berlin, how was that?
I jokingly said in an interview that we have a routine because our theatre is almost like a stage (laughs). But of course, we were all totally thrilled, red carpet, photo wall... And then to celebrate a premiere in such a beautiful cinema was a huge event for us. Walking down the red carpet in the Zoo-Palast as surf school and pitch operators was unique. Afterwards we learnt that the cinema was sold out, which is also a small accolade.
What about a sequel, is one already planned?
I always say we'll see how the film is received. So far it's been shown three times and has been sold out three times, so that's not too bad. But let's wait and see, it will be available to rent and buy digitally from 3 August, but if we realise it's fun and works, then we could do something else. There are enough ideas!
"The Investor" can be seen from 3 August on all popular online video libraries and video-on-demand services, including Amazon Prime Video! Further cinema screenings are also planned.
- More about the film at capelight.com/the-investor
- Information about the Wustrow surf centre: www.surfcenter-wustrow.de
