How did you get to play the role of Felix Hahn? And what inspired you to accept? My agent got the casting for me. I came over for one day and they cast me. I had to play out one scene. Two weeks later I got the part. I liked the power and the energy of the role.
Were you aware of Dream Team before you went for the role as Felix? No, I live in Germany. It is not possible to watch sky one. I didn't know of Dream team.
What is it like working with the crew and who is your favourite member of the cast? The crew are fantastic. I have never before had the chance to work with such lovely people. They create an atmosphere which makes it possible to enjoy working. It is really difficult to say who is my favourite but the lads have been also great. They gave me a very important support.
How are you finding a role that is outside of your usual language and would you like to continue working in English speaking roles? It was not so difficult; we know it is very usual having football managers, who are not from thier own country. It is a challenge to work in a language which is not the mother tongue. Sometimes its not so easy. I would like to continue working in your language.
Are you aware of the shows popularity before joining the cast? No, I didn't, because in Germany you cant watch the show and I had never heard before about Dream Team. The idea of making a show about football is great. We don't have a show like dream team in Germany.
How have you familiarized yourself with the English game? How do you compare the Bundesliga to that of the Premier League here in England? Honestly I am not familiarized with football in Germany or in UK. This show is the first contact with football, and I like it. I learned a lot about football. So, its not possible for me to compare the Premier league with the Bundesliga.
What football do you support if any? I live in Munich, so it is obvious that I support Bayern München.
When you joined dream team, where your first instant thoughts that you were going to be killed off pretty soon or did you expect to stay there for a while? I knew my storyline from the very beginning; so there was no surprise about the things which will happen. Anyway, in this business it better to let the things go and take it how it comes.
It has been noticed that the character you are playing seems to be based on modern football managers such as Jose Mourinho. Is this intentional or just coincidence? The character of Felix is coincidence. Sure, after a couple of episodes the character gets his own development, that's normal , but the basic character was created by Jane Hewland.
What are you highlights and lowlights working on Dream Team? This question is difficult; I've been there for 6 months and the atmosphere is very good. The production team was lucky having such a good staff. Even in other jobs there are better days and not so good days, but that's absolute normal. When I get up in the morning I am looking forward to go to the studio, that's not very often in other jobs.
Did you carry out any research before starting your role as Felix? Can you give away any little snippits of info about the forthcoming weeks? No, I didn't. I had no time. I was been cast 3 weeks before shooting, and the decision was made weeks before, so I did not have enough time for research. But the production team gave me the support I needed. Felix will not have easy times.
How does working on English programmes like Red Cap and Dream Team compare to working on German productions? Most people think there is a difference, it isn't. But honestly, there is only one.. The language. And this is sometimes not easy, cause if your are acting you should forget all about the language, and mostly it is not possible. Even the pronunciation. Sometimes my tongue had a knot.
Who is the best actor you have ever worked with? I worked with Douglas Hodge in Red Cap. He is a brilliant actor. There are some German actors, but I believe you don t know them.
What is your favourite film? At the moment it is “Stage Beauty” . I've seen this film at the film festival in Munich.
How did you get into acting? At the age of 27 , they asked me to join the dance group at the theatre. They needed another guy for the premiere of 'My Fair Lady'. I had the audition and they wanted me. At this time I finished my University course in the subject of forestry. After that I decided to go to the drama school.
What other jobs have you done in the past besides acting? Oh.. a lot. I needed to work during the university and the drama school. I had jobs in bars at the patrol station; I worked in the forests, and many others. That s important for getting experience, you also need for acting.
How would you like Felix to develop this season? I like how Felix develops in the next couple of episodes; he has a long journey, but I can t tell you too much :-))
How would you like to see your career progress? I would like to get a part in a costume film, I mean in a film which is plays in 17th or 18th century. That would be great.
What would be your ultimate acting role? I am not sure whether in film or on stage, but there are the parts Danton are in Danton Death or Macbeth. Obviously in German.
Who are your inspirations? There are a lot of people and films, I am not a fan of having one idol. There are so many different things, which give inspirations. And I believe, its important to be open for more different influences. So it's possible to create the own right way.
How do like to relax? I love riding, I have a horse and that's relaxing.. Also taking my motorbike and making a tour in the mountains.
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