WU Film in Conversation with Director Thomas Rösser

It’s not every day that students get the chance to meet a “real” film director. The 8th- and 9th-grade students in teacher Ines Vielhaben’s elective film class recently had that good fortune—and to top it off, he was a former Steinmühlen student!

The group listened intently to director Thomas Rösser’s remarks. During his visit to the Steinmühle, he gave a vivid account of the making of his feature film “Streiflicht”—from the initial plot, through the screenplay and storyboard, to the shoot and the elaborate post-production process. Through excerpts from his films, the students gained insights into, among other things, how to emotionally engage the audience using cinematic techniques. The director’s remarks ranged from expert knowledge of camera work and film editing to the leitmotif in film music and color grading. Film budgets and legal issues were also discussed.

“Can you even enjoy your own movies at the theater?” Leonard (9a) asked the charismatic director after the four school periods. “Well, I actually can’t stay in the theater at all when my movie is playing…,” replied the director and former Steinmühlen student, “I see so many things that I’d shoot differently now.” That’s why Thomas Rösser is currently working on his new feature film, which, if all goes well, is set to begin shooting shortly.