THOMAS WEIDENBACH
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Thomas has been making films since 1984 and set up Längengrad Filmproduktion in 2005. His passion is exploring the world through film.
SARAH ZIERUL
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCERIN
After studying Politics and Film and training at NDR, Sarah has been reporting on politics, economy and science, from the deep sea to banana plantations and nuclear waste disposals. She loves making strong subjects even stronger and is convinced that a good film really can change the world.
KATJA STRÄTER
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
After years of experience as a production assistant and unit manager on various feature film and television productions, Katja joined Längengrad in 2008.
MARTA HERRMANN
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Working for almost 20 years as a production manager for feature films, TV series, shows, documentaries as well as commercials, Marta is now part of the Längengrad team.
FRANK NISCHK
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
While still a biology student, he took part in expeditions up to the rainforests of Ecuador. Nowadays, as a journalist and filmmaker, he explores not only wildlife subjects but also human topics in the fields of science and technology – preferably worldwide.
MEIKE HEMSCHEMEIER
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
Since studying Biology and Journalism, Meike now focuses largely on failings in Germany’s health system. She has written a book on the subject (‘Vorsicht Operation’) and has made a name for herself with many documentaries.
TANJA WINKLER
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
After a degree in Biology and an internship, Tanja began working in 1998 as a writer and editor for various science media – from online to film. She defines her job as sticking her nose into other people’s business, learning something new and passing it on to others through well-made stories.
OSKAR KÖPPEN
JUNIOR-PRODUCER
Studied science journalism at TU Dortmund. Completed a traineeship at Längengrad. He is interested in questions about life, the universe and all the other topics.
LAURA BLEIFUSS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Combining a full throttle approach with an overall view and total commitment, Laura helps ensure that our productions run smoothly. As a Bachelor of Engineering she is also the right contact for technical questions, both large and small.
ALICAN TAMKAN
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
He loves films which make you think and create new perspectives. He is responsible for all kinds of organisational matters.
ISABELLE ALBERT
FILM EDITOR
Every moment on screen counts. And has to work! Achieving this in the editing process has been Isabelle’s responsibility since 2005. She loves helping the writers to mould the most diverse subjects and creative ideas into stories.
MICHAEL GÄRTNER
DIRECTOR
Since 1992 Michael has been a screenwriter and filmmaker, initially in the drama and series sector of ZDF. In 2006 he made a film about lions and has since devoted himself to making nature and animal films around the world. Not really surprising, since at one time he actually wanted to become a vet.
RÜDIGER HEIMLICH
AUTHOR
For the last 25 years, Rüdiger has worked for newspapers, radio and television with a focus on archaeology, history and music. He is also the author of several books. Most of all he would like to film all the world heritage sites.
CHRISTIAN HEYNEN
DIRECTOR
His award-winning documentaries cover the whole gamut from A for ARD to Z for the Zurich Film Festival. For over 15 years Christian has constantly sought out new stories and exceptional people.
MICHAEL KERN
CAMERAMAN
Some stop and listen, others stop and look. Michael simply can’t stop looking.
SVEN KIESCHE
CAMERAMAN
For 30 years, Sven has been creatively active in the field of documentary film and science. Technophilic, innovative, experienced and constantly looking for new angles. A family man and an enthusiastic cook.
SEBASTIAN KOERNER
ANIMAL FILMMAKER
As a biologist, Sebastian has devoted himself completely to filming Germany’s wild wolves. His films aim to provide objectivity in the debate about these controversial predators.
DANIEL MÜNTER
DIRECTOR
After studying Physics and training at WDR, Daniel loves to immerse himself in new subjects, put exceptional people in front of the camera and look for unusual filmic perspectives.
SHI MING
AUTHOR
Born in Peking, Ming studied German and Law in China. He has lived in Germany since 1990 as a journalist, publicist and consultant.
MAXIMILIAN NARKOVIC
FILM EDITOR
After training as a media designer and completing several film editing internships, Maximilian has been a freelance editor since 2011 – including for Längengrad. As a drummer he has a good feeling for timing and the use of music.
HERBERT OSTWALD
DIRECTOR
Herbert started out as a radio reporter in Berlin and worked in the political department of a newspaper. For the last 20 years he has been making documentaries on nature and science topics. He’s interested in animals that tell us more about ourselves, our culture, society and politics.
CLAUDIA RUBY
DIRECTOR
She knew as a child exactly what she wanted to do: follow in the footsteps of the celebrated German zoologist Bernhard Grzimek. As a biologist she found her way into television. After an internship at WDR, she’s now an environmental and medical journalist, who challenges supposedly unassailable truths.
ERIK SICK
KAMERAMANN
As a freelance cameraman for Längengrad, Erik is out and about around the world.
JAN WILM SCHMÜLLING
FILM EDITOR
MARC SCHUBERT
FILM EDITOR
ANASTASIA WAGNER
EDITING ASSISTANT
She supports the postproduction team in editing and graphics.
ISMENI WALTER
DIRECTOR
As a marine biologist, television journalist and professor of environmental journalism and new media, Ismeni is passionate about addressing painful issues – and showing what can be done about them.
MATHIS HOHMANN
APPRENTICE
As part of his journalism studies, he completes an apprenticeship at Längengrad.
ERIK BENGER
VOLUNTEER
Started studying science journalism at TU Dortmund after an apprenticeship as an educator. Curiosity and creativity are on his agenda.
DAVID RÜCKLE
VOLUNTEER
Studied economic policy journalism at TU Dortmund and developed a great interest in films during his studies. He now combines the two worlds in his traineeship.
