Stephan Luca plays a firefighter in “Marie Catches Fire”. In the interview he reveals whether this was perhaps even his childhood dream.
Four new episodes of the local film series “Marie Catches Fire” (since 2016) are on the program on ZDF every Thursday at 8:15 p.m. from October 10th. The films are made in Bad Bayersoien, Murnau and the surrounding area. Actor Stephan Luca (50) has been on board as firefighter Peter Angerer since episode 17, which aired in 2021. “I think the films have been very exciting, emotional and entertaining,” he enthuses about the four new editions. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he also reveals how he likes the Bavarian region where the films are shot. He also makes it clear how much the topic of fire services is now close to his heart.
How do you like it in the mountains?
Stephan Luca: I am a child of the mountains; my father instilled this passion in me very early on. I grew up in Stuttgart, lived in Hamburg for many years and now live in Munich and Berlin. I’m a city person, but I’m always drawn to this great nature, whether as a hiker, climber or to go ski touring in the winter. This is definitely my greatest passion. When I move in the mountains, I recharge my batteries and take a break from life in the city.
“Marie Catches Fire” is filmed in the Murnau region of Bavaria. What do you particularly like there?
Luca: Murnau is a wonderful, small town on Lake Staffelsee, surrounded by a number of very beautiful villages and other lakes. The Ester Mountains and the Ammergau Alps form a fantastic backdrop; when visibility is good, you can see as far as the Zugspitze and the Karwendel Mountains. We immerse ourselves in this region with our stories and we explore many places that were previously unknown to me. It’s always special how intense filming brings you closer to places and people. I consider it a great gift to experience this in new and different ways on my journey as an actor.
Which local encounters will you not forget?
Luca: On “Marie Catches Fire” we work hand in hand with the Murnau volunteer fire department. We were welcomed with open arms as a film team and acting ensemble and are constantly learning more. We train together the processes and maneuvers for the different missions and discuss everything in great detail in preparation for the films. We work together on the films with a lot of trust and mutual respect. This makes filming very special.
Could you imagine living there?
Luca: When you get to know a region like that through filming, the idea is certainly appealing. However, I have already found my places in the world, in the city and in the country.
Did you have anything to do with the fire department before filming?
Luca: I played a firefighter in 2006 when filming “The Inferno – Flames Over Berlin” and worked day and night shifts at the Hamburg fire department to prepare for the role and the thriller, which we then shot in Lithuania and Berlin .
How easy is it to get into firefighter clothing and how comfortable is it?
Luca: Everyone has a different technique for getting into the fire department uniform. The most important thing is: it has to be quick. The fire brigade uniform is high-quality protective clothing. On cool days it gives us a pleasant warmth when in use. At the same time, everyone is happy to be able to take off their protective clothing to fight fires on very hot days.
How much of a firefighter are you now and was that perhaps even your childhood dream?
Luca: I have the greatest respect for the work of the volunteer fire department. The focus is on camaraderie and teamwork. You work together and support each other on difficult and dangerous missions. This commitment is mostly voluntary, the training includes extensive training and further education, the tasks are extremely diverse and range from fire operations to technical assistance in accidents to rescuing people and animals. Every day brings new challenges and the assignments can be physically and mentally stressful, which also makes the work very demanding. Becoming a firefighter wasn’t one of my childhood dreams, but now, as an actor, playing a firefighter is absolutely challenging.
In “Marie Catches Fire” there are always smaller action scenes: abseiling, running around on roofs and the like. Do you do the stunts yourself – and if so, how much fun is it?
Luca: I was always excited when a new role also brought with it a major physical challenge. This is the case again in “Marie Catches Fire” and we work with a great stunt team. We have known each other for many years now from many different projects and the trust in our stunt coordinators Torsten Jarabek, Katja Jarabek, Marc Sieger and their team is very high. I get to do a lot of things myself and of course I’m happy when we get the time to rehearse stunts.
What can your fans look forward to next?
Luca: We also shot four more exciting fire department films this summer, which will be broadcast next year. Including about a natural disaster that occurred at the end of August 2023, while we were filming. Bad Bayersoien was hit by an extremely heavy hailstorm that caused significant damage. Thanks to the courageous decision of our producers and in consultation with the mayor and the community, we tell a dramatic rescue operation that pushes the team of “Marie Catches Fire” to the edge of their strength…
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
