Til Schweiger “KOKOWÄÄH” Premiere in Berlin 25.01.2011

Til Schweiger´s latest movie KOKOWÄÄH was on Tuesday January 25, at the Sony Center, Potdamer Platz, Berlin. Til Schweiger not only stars in it he wrote it, produced it directed it! It was a cold night but all who turned up to see their favourite German movie star made it warm and pleasurable; except for the crazed fans who were trying to have a moment on my ladder.

The night was spoiled by the sudden death of Germany’s biggest producers, Bernd Eichinger. Many of the stars got the news on the red carpet. A few were in tears as they walked into the theatre. I was also sad, as I had photographed him and his wife at the Berlinale in 2009

Jasmin Gerat, Meret Becker, Svenja Holtmann

 

I wanted to take pictures without flash at this premiere. I knew if I was in range, I could easily pop my on camera flash if it was necessary. I was very happy with the results and will do more pictures without flash. It is much easier, today, to do this technique to use the surrounding light. In the old days we had no stabilizers or instant viewing. The important thing is to be as steady as possible. I was shooting at 1/100 second and even went as low as 1/15 second. F3.5.

Til Schweiger

Meret Becker

I managed to capture Til Schweiger, his girlfriend Svenja Holtmann, and Meret Becker.

I am really looking forward to the warmer weather. I have worked twice outside this week and went to the premiere. I noticed my picture-taking performance went down this week. My hands were cold and my body was shaking. The result is noticeable in the pictures. Even felt a little tired.

Til Schweiger smoking during an interview

Try shooting without flash!

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Pete

Bernd Eichinger Dies at 61

 

Katja & Bernd Eichinger at the 59th Berlinale

 

 

Bernd Eichinger, the German producer died suddenly of a heart attack on January 24, at his home in Los Angeles.

He will be missed and remembered by the film community around the world.

Mr. Eichinger is survived by his wife Katja, a film journalist and daughter Nina.

 

Pete

(One of my favourite movies is “PERFUME ;The Story of a Murderer “; produced by Bernd Eichinger)

 

Harrison Ford & Rachel McAdams in Berlin For the “Morning Glory” Premiere

Harrison Ford

January 9, 2011: It was the first premiere of the year at the Famous Cine Star, Sony Center/ Potzdamer Platz, and what a way to start of the year with Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams. Diane Keaton was also expected to be at the premiere but unfortunately was a no-show. I was also interested in getting a photo of her. Maybe next time! There was also rumours of Jeff Goldblum (another favourite) to appear, but did not show. The weather was warmer than the last two premieres but got cold towards the end. It was a small premiere and very pleasant. Everyone who came out for the premiere was happy. Again, the organizers went all out to make the evening safe and successful. Thanks!

Harrison Ford was just as I expected. Being a fan since “Star Wars”, “Indiana Jones”, “American Graffiti”, “Blade Runner”, “Mosquito Coast”, etc, etc, etc. I knew he was a private person and stayed out the trash tabloid scene. Hardly gave interviews. I saw him in a few interviews and was always very serious and reserved. He does have a sense of humour that can be observed in his movies. Most fans know that he was a carpenter before his big break; when he was in front of me signing an autograph I said to him “Mr. Ford! Beats sitting on a rafter eating lunch, is it?” He said to me with his blank expression “Better than a real job!” I laughed, thanked him and wished him “Good Luck”. Why do I say “Good luck!” to successful people…I don’t know! He was very thoughtful in giving every one a signature. He is and will always be a class act.

He was very quick with the press photos and the interview. I hope to have another opportunity photographing him again as I did not get a winner shot. The one above was the best of the evening. C´est la vie!

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams was very courageous with her beautiful, red, bareback dress in the zero weather. She got out of the car, took of her coat and started signing for every fan! Smiling and looking great! I was located beside the press section with other fans with semi-professional cameras. It looked like we were also press and she stopped signing three people from where I was. I tried to call her saying “Rachel! For a fellow Canadian!” I was loud but she was set on her turn for the red carpet photos.

The first time I saw her was in a movie called “The Hot Chick” very funny! The second time was “Mean Girls”. Since then I have seen many movies with her. I can’t recall them all. She will be very big. She is not only pretty, but also a talented actress (From comedy to drama). I was happy with the photos I got of her and hope the next time to get to an autograph.

It was the first premiere of the year. Since I am not a “Press Photographer” I try to have close contact with the movie stars now. Asking for autographs and a photo (if possible). Just a basic normal crazed fan! It is a lot of fun if you are into movies and you get to see the stars up close.

BERLINBOLIDE, 1 and 2 for 2011 are Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams.

Have a safe & successful year people!

Keep Clickn´

Pete

 

My Next Blog: ?

Waris Dirie in Berlin

L to R: Liya Kebede, Sherry Hormann, Waris Dirie and Soraya Omar-Scego

Waris Dirie

When I found out Waris Dirie was having premiere to her movie I had to go. The story of this powerful woman is incredible. Not because she was a world-famous super model, but what she has done for humanity, especially for woman in Africa and around the world.

The Premiere was held at the Sony Center, Berlin on September 9, 2009. I went early to get a good spot and to my surprise it was empty! I guess the average person was not aware that someone special was coming. The press section was also empty. It was like they wanted a small premiere or the media was not interested in covering Waris Dirie and her story.

Liya Kebede

The red carpet was no red carpet but a catwalk stage. The fans were well 6 meters from the guest. It was not very intimate to get autographs or to get a good photo with a compact camera that the average fan uses. As a photographer I was well equipped with my zoom lens. I was happy with my photos that day and happy with the movie. It is a movie to be seen!

To full story of Waris Dirie is easy to obtain on the net. For a good read I suggest “Desert Flower” By Waris Dirie. An autobiography.

Timothy Spall & his wife

The Stars that attended were Waris Dirie (Author), Liya Kebede (Actress), Soraya Omar-Scego (Actress), Timothy Spall (Actor), and Sherry Hormann (Director).

German Celebrities also were in attendance such as Andrea Sawatzki (Actress), Francisca Urio (Singer/Model) and Rolf Scheider (Model Agent).

 

 

Andrea Sawatzki

Rolf Scheider

Francisca Urio

All of the people above are BerlinBolides!

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Pete

My Next Blog:  “Morning Glory” Premiere