Shut up the first, and action! - Big plans for the Film Academy

Driven by a passion for film, Bernd Hölsken is committed to advancing the Film Academy project. A native of Berlin, he began his career by studying design, photography, and art in Braunschweig. While pursuing further studies in the cinematography department in Hamburg, he was taught by leading figures in the international film industry, including the renowned cinematographer Michael Ballhaus.

Bernd Hölsken has already worked in a wide variety of roles in film productions. In addition, he has been teaching film, photography, and design for over 10 years—primarily in Berlin and Hamburg. Now he intends to contribute his expertise to the Saxon Film Academy.

Mr. Hölsken, starting in September 2021, you will be responsible at the Saxon Film Academy for the overall conceptual and pedagogical design, as well as the planning and implementation of the first continuing education course. What appeals to you about this challenge?

This task appeals to anyone looking for a new role, because the Film Academy is just getting started. Of course, that can involve a certain amount of risk, but the project is clearly being driven forward with determination and offers a world of possibilities. Although the Film Academy is starting out with a small team, it is receiving a great deal of support from all sides.

What are your visions and goals for the Saxon Film Academy?

The Academy aims to train people interested in film in specific areas of the film industry—people who can be hired locally by the film industry for projects and who can provide professional support to production teams. It’s aimed at anyone with an interest in the industry and a passion for film. Initially, production assistants will be trained. If this model proves successful, training programs in other areas such as set design, cinematography, lighting, and sound are conceivable. This could create a momentum that also allows for small in-house projects—so to speak, “Made at the Görlitz Film Academy.” Ideally, the Film Academy and the quality of its graduates will become known beyond Saxony’s borders, and the Academy will develop a good reputation among film productions, from which the city of Görlitz and the region can also benefit.

The Film Academy is to be established in Görlitz. Can the academy be linked to local film productions?

Görlitz is a fascinating and beautiful city that, until recently, I knew very little about. I wasn’t aware of how many film productions take place here. These productions can be good at integrating with the Film Academy, as film crews are always looking for local staff for their shoots—people who have both local knowledge and the technical skills needed to contribute to the production. The production teams want people from the region to work on the film shoots because they have a locational advantage. Economic reasons also play a role, since there are no accommodation costs for this staff. Those who go through the Film Academy should, of course, first and foremost acquire the necessary skills to contribute effectively to a film shoot. It’s important to understand the film production process.

Many films have already been shot in Görlitz. Which ones have particularly impressed you?

For me, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is the standout example. I always thought those were all built sets, but the department store was put to good use and showcased beautifully in that film. Quentin Tarantino has also shot scenes here, and “Wolfsland” is produced here time and again. So many films have been shot in Görlitz over the past 50 years—the list is impressive. The Film Academy can play a part in promoting this to the public.

The interview was conducted by Hanna Maiwald.