The Storyteller

2013, 1 min., color

Direction: Milan Ruben Kappen

Screenplay: Michael Binz

Actors: Piet Fuchs, Julia Karl, Thomas Hatzmann, Hans-Günter Brünker, Luise Schmidt

Camera: Christian Mario Löhr

Editing: Johannes Schäfer

Advisors: Prof. Lars Büchel

Production: Academy of Media Arts Cologne

This commercial tells the story of a man who is incapable of telling a story.

Due to time constraints the filmmakers Milan Ruben Kappen and Michael Binz were unable to make it to an interview about The Storyteller. Luckily the filmkunstkino editors were able to locate their grandmothers at the last minute and invite them to participate in the interview in place of their grandsons. We thank you for understanding.



Milan: If I had known about this earlier I would have baked cookies.


Michael: Yes, this was quite last minute. Is there decaf? No? I should have brought my own.

Milan: Oh yes, we should talk about this commercial that the two boys made. (The ad is shown on a tablet. While it’s playing there is an oppressive silence.)

Michael: What, was that it? Okay…

Milan: If I can be really honest, I have to say that I didn’t understand that at all.

Michael: Michael says that you had to have seen this Star Wars movie beforehand.

Milan: Oh dear, I haven’t been to the movies in a while. 


Michael: Well, at least the boys tried.

Milan: Why aren’t the other actors allowed to speak?

Michael: True. I also didn’t really like that so much. 


Milan: But that main actor, he is great!

Michael: es, wasn’t he in Law and Order?

Milan: I thought he was wonderful. What’s his name again?

Michael: I’m pretty sure he’s called Luchs.

Milan: Yes, exactly! Piet Luchs!

Michael: But why is he in this thing?

Milan: Well, it is for a good cause. I think it’s good when people like Mr. Luchs support the next generation.

Michael: What is your grandson doing now? Mine has been unemployed for a month even though he has a degree. I don’t understand it…

Milan: My Milan is working on his degree film right now. It’s going to be a really great thriller.

Michael: Yeah? Wonderful, I like thrillers. But not so brutal like that Breaking Bad.

Milan:No, no, it’s his own series. I think it’s more like Law and Order.

Michael: Oh, how nice. Maybe Mr. Luchs will be in it too?

Milan: Definitely.

Michael: But hopefully there aren’t too many shoot-outs. I’m more interested in the interpersonal relations of the police officers. (Pause). That’s what’s exciting.

Milan: Since I’m retired I don’t have any time and sometimes I miss a season or two. I like that you can follow the main plot even if you start watching it later.

Michael: Exactly. You seem to have a few good ideas as far as story development goes.

Milan: Thank you, my dear.

Michael: For years I’ve been interested in finally developing my own TV series. Maybe you’d like a nice piece of cake in the cafe on the corner and having a go at writing a treatment? My granddaughter is the hairdresser of a well-known TV producer. She could give it to him. I’m sure he’d be interested.

Milan: That sounds great. I’m happy that we’ve gotten to know each other. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Michael: Yes, then at least this commercial the boys made was good for something.