Tank Man
Tank Man
Client:
C/O Berlin
Concept & realisation:
Jonas Meyer
Curation:
Felix Hoffmann & Kathrin Schönegg
Scientific research:
Christin Müller
In early 2021, I had the honor of creating an eight-minute video art piece for C/O Berlin Foundation’s thematic exhibition “Send me an Image . From Postcards to Social Media” curated by Felix Hoffmann and Kathrin Schönegg.
The video — for which cultural scientist Christin Müller researched and compiled a wide variety of visual content — sheds light on the phenomenon of “Tank Man” (also known as “Unknown Rebel”), an unidentified Chinese man who stood in front of a column of tanks leaving Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989, the day after the bloody suppression of student-led demonstrations.
While it is still forbidden to talk about these events in China, the Tank Man‘s iconic act of protest has led to countless press reports, visual interpretations, reenactments, memes, or even merchandise articles. In my video, I take a look at some of the most interesting publications of the last 30 years found by Christin Müller.
I am very grateful for the trust the curators have placed in me. And I want to thank the unknown Chinese man for his extraordinary civil and moral courage. To create an art piece nowadays dealing with his fight for freedom and democracy — at a time when some misguided people in Germany loudly chant “dictatorship” because they are supposed to wear a health-protecting mask — made me feel embarrassed and ashamed, especially towards him.
Tank Man
Client:
C/O Berlin
Concept & realisation:
Jonas Meyer
Curation:
Felix Hoffmann & Kathrin Schönegg
Scientific research:
Christin Müller
In early 2021, I had the honor of creating an eight-minute video art piece for C/O Berlin Foundation’s thematic exhibition “Send me an Image . From Postcards to Social Media” curated by Felix Hoffmann and Kathrin Schönegg.
The video — for which cultural scientist Christin Müller researched and compiled a wide variety of visual content — sheds light on the phenomenon of “Tank Man” (also known as “Unknown Rebel”), an unidentified Chinese man who stood in front of a column of tanks leaving Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989, the day after the bloody suppression of student-led demonstrations.
While it is still forbidden to talk about these events in China, the Tank Man‘s iconic act of protest has led to countless press reports, visual interpretations, reenactments, memes, or even merchandise articles. In my video, I take a look at some of the most interesting publications of the last 30 years found by Christin Müller.
I am very grateful for the trust the curators have placed in me. And I want to thank the unknown Chinese man for his extraordinary civil and moral courage. To create an art piece nowadays dealing with his fight for freedom and democracy — at a time when some misguided people in Germany loudly chant “dictatorship” because they are supposed to wear a health-protecting mask — made me feel embarrassed and ashamed, especially towards him.
Backstage Confessions with Bürger
Backstage Confessions with Bürger
Client:
Bürger GmbH
Creator & director:
Jonas Meyer
Production:
Giganten Film
Producer:
Gerrit Klein
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
In January 2021, we were commissioned by Giganten Film and the supervising agency Oscar Charlie to create the idea for a series of commercials for the popular Stuttgart-based company Bürger. The reason: The Swabian food specialist had set itself the goal of making the product Maultasche better known, especially in northern Germany, and in doing so to present the many variations in which Bürger offers its bestseller.
Backstage Confessions with Bürger
Client:
Bürger GmbH
Creator & director:
Jonas Meyer
Production:
Giganten Film
Producer:
Gerrit Klein
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
In January 2021, we were commissioned by Giganten Film and the supervising agency Oscar Charlie to create the idea for a series of commercials for the popular Stuttgart-based company Bürger. The reason: The Swabian food specialist had set itself the goal of making the product Maultasche better known, especially in northern Germany, and in doing so to present the many variations in which Bürger offers its bestseller.
In just a few weeks, we realized three 15-second spots, which advertise the Maultaschen variants “Traditional,” “Vegetables,” and “Vegan” under the title “Backstage Confessions with Bürger.”
The videos were broadcast from April 2021 as part of the new Maultaschen campaign as pre-roll ads on YouTube and TVnow (todays’s RTL+). This meant that only ten weeks passed from the initial idea to publication.
In just a few weeks, we realized three 15-second spots, which advertise the Maultaschen variants “Traditional,” “Vegetables,” and “Vegan” under the title “Backstage Confessions with Bürger.”
The videos were broadcast from April 2021 as part of the new Maultaschen campaign as pre-roll ads on YouTube and TVnow (todays’s RTL+). This meant that only ten weeks passed from the initial idea to publication.
Credits:
Concept, script & direction: Jonas Meyer
Production: Giganten Film Produktions GmbH
Producer: Gerrit Klein
Agency: Oscar Charlie GmbH
DOP: Steven Lüdtke
1st AC: Felix M. Weber
Gaffer: Amnon Schmuckler
Sound: Claudio Demel
Set manager: Lisa Dirk
Styling: Teresa Grosser
Hair & makeup: Luiza Simor
Food styling: Guido Gravelius
Set photography: Maximilian König
Casting: Gerrit Klein
Cast: Martin Schnippa, Lucas Wilson & Luna Schaller
Editing: Steven Lüdtke
Grading: Christine Lüdge
Mix & sound design: Marvin Keil
Medical service: Julia Stoellger / SetMedic.Berlin
Catering: Al Dente Catering
Studio: Spreegraphen Studios Berlin
Credits:
Concept, script & direction: Jonas Meyer
Production: Giganten Film Produktions GmbH
Producer: Gerrit Klein
Agency: Oscar Charlie GmbH
DOP: Steven Lüdtke
1st AC: Felix M. Weber
Gaffer: Amnon Schmuckler
Sound: Claudio Demel
Set manager: Lisa Dirk
Styling: Teresa Grosser
Hair & makeup: Luiza Simor
Food styling: Guido Gravelius
Set photography: Maximilian König
Casting: Gerrit Klein
Cast: Martin Schnippa, Lucas Wilson & Luna Schaller
Editing: Steven Lüdtke
Grading: Christine Lüdge
Mix & sound design: Marvin Keil
Medical service: Julia Stoellger / SetMedic.Berlin
Catering: Al Dente Catering
Studio: Spreegraphen Studios Berlin
Fargow (Pt. I)
Fargow (Pt. I)
Photo series
(personal work)
This is a true story. The events depicted took place in Brandenburg in 1986. At the request of the people involved, the license plates have been changed. Out of respect for the facts, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.
Fargow (Pt. I)
Photo series
(personal work)
Idea & concept:
Jonas Meyer & Maximilian König
Photography & postproduction:
Maximilian König
Cast:
Michel Diercks
This is a true story. The events depicted took place in Brandenburg in 1986. At the request of the people involved, the license plates have been changed. Out of respect for the facts, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.
Idea & Concept:
Jonas Meyer & Maximilian König
Photography & postproduction:
Maximilian König
Script:
Jonas Meyer
Cast:
Michel Diercks
Car:
Till Wolf
This true incident was photographed with the Leica SL2.
A special thanks goes to Thomas Böhringer.
Idea & Concept: Jonas Meyer & Maximilian König
Photography & postproduction: Maximilian König
Script: Jonas Meyer
Cast: Michel Diercks
Car: Till Wolf
This true incident was photographed with the Leica SL2.
A special thanks goes to Thomas Böhringer.
Winter Escape
Winter Escape
Client:
Standert Bicycles
Concept & photography:
Nis Alps
5/21 or 11/4? A no brainer when you know the meaning of the numbers. “5/21” stands for the rain days/temperature you can expect on Lanzarote in December. “11/4” means the rain days/temperature you can expect in Berlin in December.
Reason enough for our photographer Nis Alps to escape the Berlin winter for a while and enjoy the mild climate on this beautiful island. So, he packed up his analog cameras and Standert’s new “Triebwerk Disc” bike for a bit of summer in winter—and for producing some content for the brand’s advertorial blog.
Winter Escape
Client:
Standert Bicycles
Concept & photography:
Nis Alps
5/21 or 11/4? A no brainer when you know the meaning of the numbers. “5/21” stands for the rain days/temperature you can expect on Lanzarote in December. “11/4” means the rain days/temperature you can expect in Berlin in December.
Reason enough for our photographer Nis Alps to escape the Berlin winter for a while and enjoy the mild climate on this beautiful island. So, he packed up his analog cameras and Standert’s new “Triebwerk Disc” bike for a bit of summer in winter—and for producing some content for the brand’s advertorial blog.
With Stance and Debate
With Stance and Debate
Client:
Jens Spahn MdB
Strategy & creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
Photography:
Maximilian König
Art direction:
Tavy Hornbrook
We created in late 2016 a differentiated brand positioning for Jens Spahn, Member of the German Parliament and current Federal Minister of Health, and a subsequent strong and clear visual identity focusing on a very personal photographic style.
In the next step, we created a new concept and design for Spahn’s website and provided ongoing content production for his social media communications.
With Stance and Debate
Client:
Jens Spahn MdB
Strategy & creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
Photography:
Maximilian König
Art direction:
Tavy Hornbrook
We created in late 2016 a differentiated brand positioning for Jens Spahn, Member of the German Parliament and current Federal Minister of Health, and a subsequent strong and clear visual identity focusing on a very personal photographic style.
In the next step, we created a new concept and design for Spahn’s website and provided ongoing content production for his social media communications.
In early 2020, we were asked to refresh Spahn’s visual identity and sharpen it for all of his official online communication activities. In the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, we created a bold, clear and contemporary design concept that works from Instagram to newsletter, Facebook to WhatsApp.
In early 2020, we were asked to refresh Spahn’s visual identity and sharpen it for all of his official online communication activities. In the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, we created a bold, clear and contemporary design concept that works from Instagram to newsletter, Facebook to WhatsApp.
Afterwards, we developed a brand book including detailed corporate design guidelines and equipped an online tool with various templates which now enables Spahn’s team to create corporate identity-proofed posts on social media in the twinkling of an eye.
Afterwards, we developed a brand book including detailed corporate design guidelines and equipped an online tool with various templates which now enables Spahn’s team to create corporate identity-proofed posts on social media in the twinkling of an eye.
Ballet Without a Stage
Ballet Without a Stage
Client:
Friedrichstadt-Palast / C/O Berlin
Concept & direction:
Jonas Meyer
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
Music:
Florian Deitermann
In October 2019, East Berlin photographer Sven Marquardt photographed several members of the international ballet ensemble of world-famous Friedrichstadt-Palast. Even though it was unclear at the time when and where these photos would be presented to the public, we were asked to come on set and capture the moments on video.
Overwhelmed and simultaneously inspired by the grace and attitude of the Palace’s ballet, we decided on-site to produce more than a usual making-of video. The result was an artistic film, the dynamic of which was determined by the expressive movements of the dancers and the special atmosphere during the production days.
Ballet Without a Stage
Client:
Friedrichstadt-Palast / C/O Berlin
Concept & direction:
Jonas Meyer
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
Music:
Florian Deitermann
In October 2019, East Berlin photographer Sven Marquardt photographed several members of the international ballet ensemble of world-famous Friedrichstadt-Palast. Even though it was unclear at the time when and where these photos would be presented to the public, we were asked to come on set and capture the moments on video.
Overwhelmed and simultaneously inspired by the grace and attitude of the Palace’s ballet, we decided on-site to produce more than a usual making-of video. The result was an artistic film, the dynamic of which was determined by the expressive movements of the dancers and the special atmosphere during the production days.
Less than half a year after the photoshoot, the artists portrayed were deprived of their stage and essentially became “stageless” when all performances from March 11th, 2020 were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Facing this new situation, Sven Marquardt’s photographs took on a whole new meaning—and suddenly the idea of a photo exhibition called “STAGELESS . SVEN MARQUARDT” in the Palast’s empty foyer was born. In cooperation with the renowned C/O Berlin Foundation and headed by its main curator Felix Hoffmann, the ensemble’s portraits were printed on massive construction fence tarpaulins illuminated with construction lights and presented to the public from the beginning of October until the end of November 2020 (without any entrance fee).
Less than half a year after the photoshoot, the artists portrayed were deprived of their stage and essentially became “stageless” when all performances from March 11th, 2020 were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Facing this new situation, Sven Marquardt’s photographs took on a whole new meaning—and suddenly the idea of a photo exhibition called “STAGELESS . SVEN MARQUARDT” in the Palast’s empty foyer was born. In cooperation with the renowned C/O Berlin Foundation and headed by its main curator Felix Hoffmann, the ensemble’s portraits were printed on massive construction fence tarpaulins illuminated with construction lights and presented to the public from the beginning of October until the end of November 2020 (without any entrance fee).
With this new development, our 100-second video that we produced in late 2019 became the exhibition’s official promotion trailer. What’s more, as part of the upcoming communication activities, we were also asked to create three specific video cutouts from the comprehensive footage we had on hand. These 15-second clips focusing on individual dancers were used for the Palast’s official exhibition promotion on social media, for which we cut each video to the 9:16 and 4:5 formats required by stories and timelines on social media.
With this new development, our 100-second video that we produced in late 2019 became the exhibition’s official promotion trailer. What’s more, as part of the upcoming communication activities, we were also asked to create three specific video cutouts from the comprehensive footage we had on hand. These 15-second clips focusing on individual dancers were used for the Palast’s official exhibition promotion on social media, for which we cut each video to the 9:16 and 4:5 formats required by stories and timelines on social media.
In addition, we created an expressive loop video for the big LED screens hanging outside above the main entrance.
In addition, we created an expressive loop video for the big LED screens hanging outside above the main entrance.
Besides this marketing-centered work, we were also asked to create a concept for a video visual: a cinematic, artistic addition to the “StageLess” photo exhibition. During a detailed exploration of the many empty rooms and corridors of the Friedrichstadt-Palast, we came across a so-called “ghostlight:” In theaters around the world, when the auditorium is empty, there is a tradition of leaving a single light on until the ensemble returns to the stage and the auditorium is filled again.
At that moment we knew immediately that we wanted to start our cinematic visual with this symbol of hope. In the following days, we produced a 10-minute video walk through the empty Palast that we subsequently combined with rough construction sounds and digital overlays of Sven Marquardt’s analog ensemble portraits—like faces that sometimes appear out of the dark as if they were ghosts inhabiting the void.
Besides this marketing-centered work, we were also asked to create a concept for a video visual: a cinematic, artistic addition to the “StageLess” photo exhibition. During a detailed exploration of the many empty rooms and corridors of the Friedrichstadt-Palast, we came across a so-called “ghostlight:” In theaters around the world, when the auditorium is empty, there is a tradition of leaving a single light on until the ensemble returns to the stage and the auditorium is filled again.
At that moment we knew immediately that we wanted to start our cinematic visual with this symbol of hope. In the following days, we produced a 10-minute video walk through the empty Palast that we subsequently combined with rough construction sounds and digital overlays of Sven Marquardt’s analog ensemble portraits—like faces that sometimes appear out of the dark as if they were ghosts inhabiting the void.
During the photo exhibition, this video was permanently shown in the middle of the foyer on both sides of the stairs—and at a height of about five meters. When you stand on the huge stairs in the foyer featuring several meter-high video projections, you will almost feel as if you are in an abandoned grand hotel.
During the photo exhibition, this video was permanently shown in the middle of the foyer on both sides of the stairs—and at a height of about five meters. When you stand on the huge stairs in the foyer featuring several meter-high video projections, you will almost feel as if you are in an abandoned grand hotel.
Credits:
Photography by Sven Marquardt
Personal assistance by Hardy Paetke
Concept, direction & production by Jonas Meyer
DOP, cut & grading by Steven Lüdtke
2nd camera by Frederik Bösing
Fashion by Klaus Stockhausen
Hair & makeup by Saskia Krause
Assistance by Felix Stößer
Production assistance by Ralf Preßmar
Music by Florian Deitermann
Graphics by Marc Naroska
Credits:
Photography by Sven Marquardt
Personal assistance by Hardy Paetke
Concept, direction & production by Jonas Meyer
DOP, cut & grading by Steven Lüdtke
2nd camera by Frederik Bösing
Fashion by Klaus Stockhausen
Hair & makeup by Saskia Krause
Assistance by Felix Stößer
Production assistance by Ralf Preßmar
Music by Florian Deitermann
Graphics by Marc Naroska
1, 2, 3, Sommer!
1, 2, 3, Sommer!
Client:
Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband e.V.
Lead agency:
ediundsepp
Creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
Photography:
Maximilian König
On behalf of Munich-based design agency ediundsepp and Berlin-based brand consultancy Kleinundpläcking, we created an entertaining social media campaign in June 2020 for their client, Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband e.V. (Bavarian Construction Industry Association).
The aim of the campaign was to increase brand awareness among young target groups by inspiring them to novel ideas for their school vacations—in times when open-air baths, cinemas, and other public spaces are all closed, not to mention one of the hottest summers ever.
Driven by the campaign’s claim, “1, 2, 3, Sommer,” we produced three light-hearted DIY-themed videos in Bavaria and Brandenburg, showing a group of construction industry apprentices building their own pool, some wooden chairs for an outdoor cinema, and a massive barbecue grill for use at home.
1, 2, 3, Sommer!
Client:
Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband e.V.
Lead agency:
ediundsepp
Creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
DOP:
Steven Lüdtke
Photography:
Maximilian König
On behalf of Munich-based design agency ediundsepp and Berlin-based brand consultancy Kleinundpläcking, we created an entertaining social media campaign in June 2020 for their client, Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband e.V. (Bavarian Construction Industry Association).
The aim of the campaign was to increase brand awareness among young target groups by inspiring them to novel ideas for their school vacations—in times when open-air baths, cinemas, and other public spaces are all closed, not to mention one of the hottest summers ever.
Driven by the campaign’s claim, “1, 2, 3, Sommer,” we produced three light-hearted DIY-themed videos in Bavaria and Brandenburg, showing a group of construction industry apprentices building their own pool, some wooden chairs for an outdoor cinema, and a massive barbecue grill for use at home.
Part of the production concept was to film the three stories in such a way that, we could easily cut them in the post-production phase to 16:9, 4:5, and 9:16 formats according to the requirements of YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. With a length of 15 seconds, each video was quick to watch and fit perfectly into a single Instagram story.
Part of the production concept was to film the three stories in such a way that, we could easily cut them in the post-production phase to 16:9, 4:5, and 9:16 formats according to the requirements of YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. With a length of 15 seconds, each video was quick to watch and fit perfectly into a single Instagram story.
In addition to the film production, we shot six high-quality key visual photos and a number of amusing behind-the-scenes pictures.
In addition to the film production, we shot six high-quality key visual photos and a number of amusing behind-the-scenes pictures.
Equipped with a basket full of content, we created a visual identity for the campaign, made a four-week communication plan, wrote the texts for every single post, and supervised the campaign’s paid media performance on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, managed by Jubel Media agency.
Equipped with a basket full of content, we created a visual identity for the campaign, made a four-week communication plan, wrote the texts for every single post, and supervised the campaign’s paid media performance on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, managed by Jubel Media agency.
After four weeks, we were spontaneously asked to extend the very successful “1, 2, 3, Summer” campaign. Without further ado, we created and published easy-to-use DIY instructions for the presented pool, cinema, and grill.
After four weeks, we were spontaneously asked to extend the very successful “1, 2, 3, Summer” campaign. Without further ado, we created and published easy-to-use DIY instructions for the presented pool, cinema, and grill.
After that, we set up an Instagram lottery giving away three so-called “Bauindustrie Starterkits”—nice boxes full of tools, food, and other cool items highly appreciated by our young Bavarian target groups.
After that, we set up an Instagram lottery giving away three so-called “Bauindustrie Starterkits”—nice boxes full of tools, food, and other cool items highly appreciated by our young Bavarian target groups.
Full credits:
Creative director and producer: Jonas Meyer
Director: Fred Funk
D.O.P.: Steven Lüdtke
2nd camera: Ronald Zöllner
1st AC: Felix M. Weber
Music: Elmar Weyland
Set design: David Lichtenauer & Lars Noll
Hair & makeup: Luiza Galvão Simor
Editing: Steven Lüdtke
Grading: Georg Meyer
Animation & graphics: Benn Zorn
Photography: Maximilian König
Production: ediundsepp
Target customer profiling: Kleinundpläcking
Box design: Marie Parakenings
Instruction guidelines: ediundsepp
Full credits:
Creative director and producer: Jonas Meyer
Director: Fred Funk
D.O.P.: Steven Lüdtke
2nd camera: Ronald Zöllner
1st AC: Felix M. Weber
Music: Elmar Weyland
Set design: David Lichtenauer & Lars Noll
Hair & makeup: Luiza Galvão Simor
Editing: Steven Lüdtke
Grading: Georg Meyer
Animation & graphics: Benn Zorn
Photography: Maximilian König
Production: ediundsepp
Target customer profiling: Kleinundpläcking
Box design: Marie Parakenings
Instruction guidelines: ediundsepp
Modern Agriculture
Modern Agriculture
Client:
Forum Moderne Landwirtschaft
Agency:
Kleinundpläcking
Creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
Photography & post-production:
Steven Lüdtke
After Kleinundpläcking (a Berlin-based brand consultancy) had developed the Modern Agriculture brand (German: “Moderne Landwirtschaft”) for their client Forum Moderne Landwirtschaft e.V., we were asked to create the brand’s visual language based on a sharp and differentiating brand promise: “the knowledge of us all“ (“Unser aller Wissen“).
In the first, step we produced a series of key visual photos to interpret the brand’s core values. Our goal was not just to photograph the motives of agriculture, but also to take some pictures in the heart of a big city—to explain that modern agriculture is an essential part of people’s day-to-day life, no matter where they’re living.
Modern Agriculture
Client:
Forum Moderne Landwirtschaft
Agency:
Kleinundpläcking
Creative direction:
Jonas Meyer
Photography & post-production:
Steven Lüdtke
After Kleinundpläcking (a Berlin-based brand consultancy) had developed the Modern Agriculture brand (German: “Moderne Landwirtschaft”) for their client Forum Moderne Landwirtschaft e.V., we were asked to create the brand’s visual language based on a sharp and differentiating brand promise: “the knowledge of us all“ (“Unser aller Wissen“).
In the first step, we produced a series of key visual photos to interpret the brand’s core values. Our goal was not just to photograph the motives of agriculture, but also to take some pictures in the heart of a big city—to explain that modern agriculture is an essential part of people’s day-to-day life, no matter where they’re living.
In the second step, we produced an image film—directed by our dear Frederik Bösing—to explain the brand promise. Originally, it was only planned to use the video for internal purposes. But then FML’s people decided to show it to the entire world—in the context of the official launch of the new brand.
In the second step, we produced an image film—directed by our dear Frederik Bösing—to explain the brand promise. Originally, it was only planned to use the video for internal purposes. But then FML’s people decided to show it to the entire world—in the context of the official launch of the new brand.
In the third step, we developed additional brand identity components such as logo, color scheme, or typography, and defined detailed corporate design guidelines.
In the third step, we developed additional brand identity components such as logo, color scheme, or typography, and defined detailed corporate design guidelines.
Together with our friends of Wenkerottke agency, we created in the fourth step a magazine-like website concept that gives the brand a digital home: contemporary, content-focused, target group-relevant, and synchronized with the social media channels.
Together with our friends of Wenkerottke agency, we created in the fourth step a magazine-like website concept that gives the brand a digital home: contemporary, content-focused, target group-relevant, and synchronized with the social media channels.
Over the last years, we’ve been ongoingly producing dozens of photo editorials and short videos telling the enormous variety of stories and personalities that define the agricultural sector in Germany.
Over the last years, we’ve been ongoingly producing dozens of photo editorials and short videos telling the enormous variety of stories and personalities that define the agricultural sector in Germany.
Visiting Horsch company, a manufacturer of blood-red agricultural machinery:
Visiting Horsch company, a manufacturer of blood-red agricultural machinery:
Exploring one of Germany’s most modern supermarkets—guided by its founder himself:
Exploring one of Germany’s most modern supermarkets—guided by its founder himself:
Meeting a plant and seeding expert at KWS SAAT AG:
Meeting a plant and seeding expert at KWS SAAT AG:
