Please note: The following text is an interview or story from a previous year. Please do not draw any conclusions from it about events currently taking place or statistics etc.

Spreewald Journal Issue: November/December 2015

Interview with extra Candy Hentschel: "For lovers of the region, every Spreewald thriller is a must." "Shut up...and action!" was the motto in the Spreewald when the film crew of the Spreewald crime thriller, which is popular throughout Germany, moved into the region for around four weeks in September/October 2015. And this was already the ninth time. During this time, Candy Hentschel also temporarily exchanged her work at the Spreewelten Bad in Lübbenau for the extra role as a policewoman. A not everyday experience, as she knows to report.

Ms Hentschel, the Spreewald crime thriller has now established itself as a permanent fixture on German television and is eagerly awaited by many viewers every year. What do you feel is the special strength, the trademark of this film series? "The landscape is what distinguishes the Spreewald, what people are particularly interested in. And it comes across very well in the crime films. So well that after each broadcast the phones ring more frequently in the Spreewald tourist information offices because many viewers want to come here to experience the Spreewald for themselves. In addition, Christian Redl does a really good job as Commissioner Krüger, which is also great advertising for the region." What motivated you to apply for an extra role in what is now the ninth crime thriller? "As someone from the Spreewald, I have wanted to be an extra in one of the Spreewald thrillers for a long time. I just wanted to know how the work on a film is done - especially here in my homeland. After being cast for the first time last year, I was allowed to slip into the role of a policewoman this year, which really pleased me." How can we imagine your working day as an extra? "The shooting day started for me at 8am. After being greeted by the very friendly film crew, I immediately slipped into my police uniform. They paid attention to all the details - I even had to wear handcuffs and a pistol. Then it was off to make-up and then to the filming location, where all the actors were then ready for their assignments. The individual scenes were now filmed several times and with great concentration - a real work of detail and a test of patience. Anyone interested in an extra role should know that a lot of the time on set is simply spent waiting for the shoot." What is the atmosphere like on set? Is there perhaps something that has particularly surprised or impressed you? "The atmosphere is very nice, friendly and open-minded, but still absolutely disciplined and professional. That also has to be. It's impressive how long it takes to shoot a single small scene. I also have to say that it really makes a difference to stand in front of the camera in police uniform than in your own civilian clothes. It's a completely different feeling right away." Is there a spot in the region that you think should definitely still be considered as a filming location in the future because it has that certain Spreewald something? "Since I'm fascinated by the old wooden plank houses here in the Spreewald, I generally always find it nice when this traditional architecture is captured in crime stories." As a fan of the travel region, what good reasons do you think there are for watching the Spreewald thrillers? "Definitely the insights into the mystical sides of the Spreewald. Sure, some of them are exaggerated, but that's film. Another argument is that viewers get a glimpse behind the scenes of former Spreewald life: Very few guests will probably ever have the opportunity to drop in on Spreewalders at home. The setting is simply authentically staged and personally always reminds me a little of the charm of grandma's times. For lovers of the region, any Spreewald thriller is a must, I'd say." Will you see the film you just shot with slightly different eyes when it airs on ZDF in 2016 because you know the behind-the-scenes look? "Yes, I will. On the one hand, I'm naturally curious to see what the final realisation of what was shot will look like. I have my memories of the work. But what was cut and how? For another, there's the tension in the air of seeing yourself in the final version of the film."