Interview by Andreea Boyer // Edited by Chris Charles of Idol Features

Actress-turned-filmmaker Karoline Eichhorn says that after acting for so many years in front of the camera, she now finds it challenging to work behind the camera. She is pictured above with her team during the filming of her directorial debut, entitled Donny’s Got a Brand New Car and Drives a Little Bit Too Fast (Donny hat ein neues Auto und fährt etwas zu schnell), which is based on a German novel.

Andreea Boyer: Where are you from and what can you tell us about yourself?

Karoline Eichhorn: I was born and raised in Stuttgart. After school, I went to Folkwanghochschule in Essen to study acting there. After my education, I played in several theaters like Schaubühne in Berlin, Schauspielhaus Bochum, Thalia Theater in Hamburg, Burgtheater Wien, Salzburger Festspiele. In between, I was doing many movies and TV series. For example, seasons one. two, and three of Dark on Netflix. Donny’s Got a Brand New Car and Drives a Little Bit Too Fast is my first work as a director.

Andreea Boyer: Have you been working in the film industry mainly in your country or also somewhere else around the globe?

Karoline Eichhorn: I’ve been working mainly in Germany.

Andreea Boyer: How did you start your career as a filmmaker and what has your motivation and inspiration been?

Karoline Eichhorn: I always wanted to make my own movies. After acting for so many years in front of the camera, I find it challenging to work behind the camera.

Andreea Boyer: When did you start with your career as a filmmaker and has filmmaking always been your main focus?

Karoline Eichhorn: “Donny” is actually my first work as a director. It started with acting and then it developed over the years.

Andreea Boyer: What can you tell us about the cast and story from your movie?

Karoline Eichhorn: This movie is actually made by “J.A.C.K.” J.A.C.K. is the musician Jonas Landerschier, the Danish writer Arne Nielsen, the actress Catrin Striebeck, and myself. The rest of the cast are friends of ours. The story was inspired from the German cult book Donny hat ein neues Auto und fährt etwas zu schnell by Arne Nielsen.

Andreea Boyer: Where did you film your movie?

Karoline Eichhorn: We filmed the movie in the south of Denmark.

Andreea Boyer: What can you tell us about your other films and work?

Karoline Eichhorn: “Donny” is my first movie. I had so many great experiences in my work in theater and movies, but being responsible for the making of Donny was quiet an adventure. I will definitely continue my work behind the camera.

Andreea Boyer: Which moments on the film set have been the most difficult ones for you?

Karoline Eichhorn: Well as you probably know, the biggest problem with movie-making is always getting the pictures in your head transformed to the screen. You constantly have to make sure that you stay focused and don’t loose the original idea.

Andreea Boyer: What is your advise for all young independent filmmakers on how they should work on their goals and reach the best audience for their individual work?

Karoline Eichhorn: If I knew the answer to this last question, I would already have finished my next film. The only thing I can say just do it. It’s like in the Fleetwood Mac song; “Go Your Own Way.”

Thank you, Ms. Eichhorn. We wish you continued success.

See more of Karoline Eichhorn’s works at her IMDb page.