Ask the Director: Jens Wirtzfeld

Your way into filmmaking was like....

It started around 2008 inside a tiny teenage room and lots of counterstrike. I edited gaming videos all night long, while peach ice tea kept me energized. Gaming nights quickly transformed into party nights. Then I started to organize techno parties, meant: I booked acts, created flyers and edited video-teasers. Some years later I’ve turned my editing hobby into my job. I worked 3 years as an editor in a gaming company. Music was still a passion and through some connections I somehow started filming music videos for german rap artists. I was quite good at pretending to know what I was doing; thus, I got my first job in advertising. A lot more jobs followed and I had the chance to prove myself as a DOP and director. Lifestyle ads and music videos are my territory, but gaming ads will always have a very special place in my heart. 

What's the key to becoming a successful and renown DOP?

Never stop pretending 

How do you see yourself in comparison to other DOP's?

I don’t like comparing myself to others – for me, it’s unhealthy in all areas. Everybody has his own tempo and sometimes all you need is a big portion of luck to go somewhere.  For different projects I get Inspo on different channels, but I don’t have a pool of DOPs that I watch constantly. 

Is there a difference for you between shooting a music video vs. shooting a commercial?

Music Video: Cold Pizza, lousy hostels, no money but cool artist and creative freedom. 

Commercials: Tasty Restaurants, Cozy Hotels, dollar bills but sometimes a lot of compromises. 

How do you present your upcoming work to clients in pitches, what tools do you use?

Since I want to sell moving images, I logically use a tool that displays moving images in a fresh way. Readymag is a nice tool when you want to upload videos and portray it in an individual style. A few weeks ago I also started using Excire – a tool that automatically tags your mood library with keywords. It helps you to stay organized within all your mood stuff and saves a lot of time when it comes to creating DIs or if you want to communicate your ideas.

What's your approach on mixed media, 2D, 3D etc? - new style or short trend?

I’m always open for new stuff and mixed media. Since 14-years-old TikTokers make a lot more money than me with videos, I would never underestimate trends. I’ll just go with the flow until I’m so old, that I have to take seminars, to be cool again.

Where do you see the future in filmmaking?

I think the future will be about more small projects and not about big ass productions anymore. Directors & DOPs need to be more flexible and react even faster than now. What I really like is that commercials get more meaningful and braver. I hope that the future is not only about good-looking anymore but about setting statements.

Tips for aspiring filmmakers?

Surround yourself with a good crew and don't hesitate to ask questions. Make mistakes but don't make them twice. Organize your calendar, equipment and shot lists. Write a little journal - draw some light sketches, remember technical flaws and write down general notes. Be a companion to your crew and production house, give them options and try to come up with solutions rather than problems. Be persistence because the first few years are going to involve a lot of sleepless nights, crying and money problems.

Cool instagram accounts?

@plantyhoes @fuckadvertisements