Maria Bauer & Stefanie Buecker
from Berlin/Germany
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Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
Maria: I was born in Berlin and raised in Russia and the former GDR. I received a diploma in social pedagogy before studying media sciences at the University of Potsdam.
Stefanie: I was born and raised in Cologne, Germany. After my commercial education I worked for a TV company. I met Maria on my first day at the University of Potsdam where we got our BA in European Media Sciences in spring 2007.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
We took various video courses during our studies, tried different subjects and styles in working with digital video, editing and sound.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
Our work is, in the broadest sense, about the image of reality, but has different subject matters. In general, we are more interested in “finding†images than manipulating them.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
We cannot say that we have developed certain principles or styles so far. Our ideas arise from personal interest and experience, we have a go at different subjects and styles.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
We use mini DV cameras, borrowed, and our computers for editing, effects and sound.
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
New media makes it easier, quicker and cheaper to access, create and process material – not to mention its publication. Equipment is easily accessible to everyone and leads to the creation of countless works. The downside is that it becomes difficult to stand out from the crowd.
7. How do you finance your films?
Bread and butter jobs are working for a museum / TV production. From what is left of these jobs, we produce videos in our free time. Sponsors, where are you?
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
Since we started filming, we work as a team. We also did some projects on our own, but are more creative and efficient as a team … because we complement one another so well.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
Concerning the image of reality, we certainly are influenced by the documentary style of the Direct Cinema. But also video artists and academic texts on film/video influence our work.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
Win the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennial, exhibit at the PS1 in New York, become rich – and famous for more than 15 minutes.