Veronica Ferres has changed sides and is increasingly involved in films, mainly behind the camera. Her two careers fulfill her and make her proud, but her priority is something else.
There were times when she was as present on television as the Tagesschau announcers. Veronica Ferres, 58, is still one of the busiest actresses in Germany, but today she is behind the camera more often than in front of it, and is basically the boss of Sandra Bullock or soon Laura Dern in her company Construction Film. She’s built a second career as a producer, and she’s proud of it. Her latest project: a feature film about the spectacular Johannes Erlemann kidnapping case.
Veronica Ferres: She prefers to be behind the camera these days
GALA: Is the impression correct that you are withdrawing more and more from the red carpet?
Veronica Ferres: If it’s necessary for film projects, of course not. But when you lead an exciting life like mine, with three children, a wonderful husband, a great production company and an acting career, then there isn’t much time left for things that aren’t absolutely necessary. Family always has priority.
After initial prejudices, do you now feel like you are being taken seriously as a producer?
Construction Film enjoys an excellent reputation nationally and internationally. It’s certainly not like it was in the beginning, when many people thought: “Oh, an actress will start a company and produce a few of her own films.” No, Construction Film has now produced ten films in which I was not involved as an actress. The fact that I see my acting career as completely self-sufficient has made me much more interesting as an actress.
What is your priority in the future?
I see my future in falling dead on stage at the age of 98 in a two-person play with John Malkovich. And before that, stay wild and curious. (laughs)
How do you manage your life between America and Germany?
The center of my life is Munich, but I have actually built a large, strong network in the USA. I make sure to set aside one day a week completely free to relax and clear my head. My recipe for happiness is that I always ask myself: Do I enjoy being in this place and enjoying being with the people? If I feel like something is wrong, I change it.
There are great other ways to stay young.
Is your cell phone completely off on your day off?
Yes. I only check the football results, especially those from my favorite club Bayern Munich.
Do you do sports yourself?
I love horseback riding and all sports that have something to do with water. I don’t need a gym, I do my exercises with therabands and my own weight. This is important to stay mobile. It is a great gift to be able to grow older in this way.
What else are you doing about it?
Healthy eating. And I have a lot of tricks that I have acquired over time. Freshly squeezed lemon juice in lukewarm water works wonders in the morning.
So just natural methods?
I take my hat off to those who have the courage to put themselves in other people’s hands and dare to carry out operations. I’m far too much of a coward. There are great other ways to stay young. They are strenuous and cost energy and time. But that’s my way.
In America they call us “Little Reese Witherspoon.”
Does this discipline also help you as an entrepreneur?
Yes, Construction Film just celebrated its tenth anniversary. We have grown slowly and homogeneously and now have great respectability and acceptance in the industry and are highly sought after. But that too was a long, rocky road.
What do you stand for today?
We are a female empowerment company. In America they call us “Little Reese Witherspoon.” (The Hollywood star produces decidedly feminist films; editor’s note.) The female stories came to us, that’s what our company stands for. That’s why we expanded the role of the mother, played by Sonja Gerhardt, so much in Erlemann.
Ferres’ current film deals with the kidnapping case of Johannes Erlemann
What fascinated you about Johannes Erlemann?
Johannes is like a rock star to me. He should fill concert halls, he has a unique view of the world and, despite his vulnerability, incredible strength. He could help many people. It also has a high entertainment value. You love listening to him.
What could he help with?
With his unbroken positive attitude to life, his optimism, his enthusiasm, his openness, even though telling his story is incredibly physically and mentally stressful for him every time. For him it’s like a 1000 meter sprint. He doesn’t see himself as a victim, but as a survivor.
