Bartholomew, suspect in 'Tatort': Berlin has become so expensive

Television - Bartholomew, suspect in 'Tatort': Berlin has become so expensive

"Florian Bartholomaěi," the criminal in the "Tatort" series, notices that many German actors are finding themselves on the brink of existence crisis, particularly in Berlin. "I came to Berlin nearly 20 years ago. There was vacancy, affordable rents, and I thought: 'Okay, great. Acting is a tough profession. One hangs on from project to project and it somehow works in Berlin''", explains the 37-year-old in a dpa interview.

"Now, it's become so expensive in Berlin that actors no longer have the freedom to decline projects they don't want. I believe this freedom is disappearing slowly", Bartholomaěi elaborates. "Production companies are also suffering. All costs have significantly increased. However, the broadcasters or funders aren't necessarily providing more budget. Shooting is insanely expensive now and there are many production projects that have to take place abroad."

It's important to raise the budgets, says the actor. "But often, the cultural industry is the first to face cuts when savings need to be made. That's really sad." After all, it's the place where social issues or political themes can be depicted in various contexts. "Whether it's family dramas or escape stories, perspectives can be illuminated differently and that can be discussed further."

It's not just actors giving up

Bartholomaěi's observation: "The whole industry is in a somewhat gloomy mood right now. You hear that from many." Visual effects people, sound designers, actors, and camera crews, according to Bartholomaěi, "all confirm that not much is being produced at the moment. If it goes on for too long, then good people might eventually give up. They say after 25 years: 'No, I have no more interest in this job. I can't build any security here.''' And then we lose "really great crew members," so the actor adds. "But it will eventually start getting produced again. I'm sure of it. Good stories and films that touch, they will always be sought after."

Bartholomaěi is currently filming for a project titled "The Dark Legacy" in front of the camera. This production by MadeFor Film and ARD Degeto is a crime series that revolves around the so-called Nebra Sky Disc. The TV audience knows Bartholomaěi primarily as a TV villain. He appeared in 14 "Tatort" crime series - and nine times as the criminal.

1. The high cost of living in Berlin is affecting not only actors but also various other professionals in the entertainment industry, such as visual effects people and sound designers.
2. The increasing expense of production in Berlin is causing many production companies to consider filming projects abroad, which could have implications for the visibility of German society and its social issues on German television.
3. Florian Bartholomaěi, the actor who plays the criminal in the "Tatort" series, believes that it's essential to raise budgets for the cultural industry, as cuts to this area can hinder the depiction of social and political themes.
4. The media in Germany is paying attention to this issue, with outlets like dpa interviewing Bartholomaěi to gain his perspective on the challenges facing the entertainment industry in Berlin.
5. Despite the current struggles, Bartholomaěi remains optimistic about the future of the industry, believing that good stories and films will always be in demand.

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