Interviewing producer Willi Kamarad

1. How did you get started in the film industry and what led you to become a producer?

I owned a media store (1988-2012). But I founded my first producing company 2003 (Dreamfilms GmbH) and produced music videos, short films and opening films for two Star Wars conventions. It was just for fun, but after I had to close my media store, because this business was no longer profitable, I worked in several positions for German films, as line producer, production manger etc. and I learned the producer job by working on these films.

2. What have been your main influences in filmmaking?

My main influences have been the movies of the 70s and 80s, especially the movies from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. 

3. Can you describe your work process when selecting a project to produce?

After receiving a script and my producing partner and I decide to work on the project we  will prepare a script report and work with the writer on a final script. Then we choose a director and discuss with the director the main cast. The smaller roles will be casted by a casting director. Of course the director will decide with the producers together each role. Then we decide with country we will shoot the projects. We make this dependent on tax rebates and support from film commissions there. 

4. What types of stories are you passionate about telling through your films?

Stories which not only entertain the audience. Stories that will be talked about for years to come. Stories the audience will have something to think about.

5. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career as a producer?

Each films has his own challenges. It’s not so easy to tell the biggest one. But if I would start to talk about challenges it would be a good idea to write a book about it ;-)

6. Can you tell us about your most recent project? What is it about and what inspired you to do it? 

„Madonna In A Fur Coat“: The story is about young Raif who travels from Turkey to Berlin in the 1920s, where he meets Maria, an educated and independent woman. As their relationship deepens, Raif discovers that Maria is a complex personality with her own inner conflicts and struggles. The book is a fascinating love story, historical novel, and cultural reflection that immerses the reader in the world of the 1920s and depicts the emotional journey of a man in search of himself and his lost love.

7. How do you choose the writers and directors you work with on your projects?

Usually the writers send projects and my partner and I discuss and decide together if we like the projects and want to proceed with them. Depending on story and budget we choose the directors carefully. 

8. What role do film festivals play in your film release strategy?

Festivals play a crucial role. Festivals are for promotion and making new contacts. My partner and I participate in all major festivals. 

9. How do you manage budgeting and financing for your film projects?

The budget will be created by a line producer and myself. Financing is very complex and difficult. My partner and I work with several financing companies and film funds to raise money. Another important part of the financing our relationship with distributions. 

10. What impact do you think technology has on current film production?

Technology has a huge impact. In the case of „The Mandalorian“ the landscape was created on a computer, but it was already visible to everyone during the filming on huge LED walls. This technology is called StageCraft. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used for script analysis, shooting schedules, video editing, promotion for films and even for analysis if a film will be successful or not.

 11. Are there any lessons you’ve learned along the way that you’d like to share with aspiring producers?

Never give up. Believe in yourself and your projects. Trust your gut feeling and most important be careful with your business partners. It took me many years to find the right partners. There are many crooks, wannabes and huge egos you have to deal with.

12. What upcoming projects are you currently working on?

„Madonna In A Fur Coat“ based on a famous novel from Turkey as mentioned above.

„Mutation Park“ (working title) Logline: A new chief ranger of a conservation park must hunt down a mutated beast while managing his difficult family relationships.

„Shane Road“, a Supernatural Thriller. Logline: When a boy returns 14 days after going missing from a haunted train track, his family realise that he is no longer the same, and is in fact possessed by the spirit of a dead child from the past.

13. How do you prepare for criticism and public scrutiny of your films?

You can never satisfy everyone. There are always people who love the films and hate the films. 

14. What message or legacy do you hope will leave behind for viewers who see your films? 

I want the audience to talk about the films and think about it. Not only enjoy them and forget about them the next day. I want to create film projects the audience will watch again and find them as exciting and inspiring as they watched them the first time.