Der letzte Brief: Set Photography at the Selfkantbahn
When an idea becomes a story.
At a glance
The independent short film “Der letzte Brief”, shot at the historic Selfkantbahn railway, provided the setting for cinematic actor portraits and behind-the-scenes photographs. The series shows the world in front of the camera and the work behind it.
- Project
- Der letzte Brief
- Category
- Set Photography / Behind the Scenes / Portraits
- Venue
- Selfkantbahn
- Collaboration
- David Scherrers / Fodeo
- Use
- Project communications, social media, portfolio
The brief
“Der letzte Brief” began as an independent short film project with videographer David Scherrers. The idea developed from a photo shoot with actor Devon Nickel and grew into a full film production starring Devon Nickel and Natalie Debowski. The historic Selfkantbahn railway provided the setting, complemented by period clothing and an Opel P4.
My photographic brief was unusual: to capture the story behind the story as well as the finished cinematic image. Alongside staged portraits of the actors, we needed images from the working set and real behind-the-scenes moments offering an insight into the production.
My approach
During filming, I deliberately moved between two photographic roles. I created cinematic portraits and scene photographs that fitted the film's historical atmosphere, while also observing the production: preparations, camera work, make-up, coordination on set and all the small moments that won't appear in the finished film.
The resulting series has two layers: the world in front of the camera and the work behind it.
The photographs tell how a shared idea, acting, light, set design and many people came together for one day to create a little world of their own.
