The career of German filmmaker Gernot Roll spanned over six decades, beginning with his early training at the DEFA Studios in Berlin-Babelsberg. Moving to West Germany in 1960, he established himself as a prominent cinematographer and director, contributing to various television series and major cinematic works before his death in 2020 at the age of 81.
Early Career and Technical Training
Born in Dresden in 1939, Roll spent his childhood in Pirna. He entered the film industry at age 14 to begin training as a cameraman. His early professional experience included work at the DEFA Studios, where he served as a camera assistant on the fairy tale production The Singing Ringing Tree. In 1960, he relocated to Munich to join Bavaria Film, where he contributed to projects including the series Graf Yoster gibt sich die Ehre and episodes of Tatort.
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Roll gained a reputation as a specialist in literary adaptations and biographical films. In 1979, he filmed Thomas Mann’s The Buddenbrooks as an eleven-part television series directed by Franz Peter Wirth, and later served as cinematographer for Heinrich Breloer’s 2008 feature film version of the same novel. His extensive portfolio of collaborations features directors such as Edgar Reitz, notably on the 1984 sixteen-hour series Heimat – Eine deutsche Chronik, as well as Helmut Dietl, Caroline Link, and Sönke Wortmann.
Directing and Institutional Contributions
Transitioning into directing, Roll helmed the film Radetzkymarsch and the 2006 children’s classic The Robber Hotzenplotz. Beyond his creative output, he played an active role in the German film industry as one of the founding members of the Deutsche Filmakademie in 2003. His professional achievements were recognized with multiple awards, including the Romy and the Bavarian TV Awards in 1997.
Fast facts
- Born: 1939, Dresden
- Died: 2020, Munich
- Primary occupations: Cinematographer, film director
- Founding member: Deutsche Filmakademie (2003)
- Notable honor: Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Key collaborator: Edgar Reitz
- Citizenship: Germany
Questions readers ask
Which major literary work did Roll adapt twice?
He was the cinematographer for two different versions of Thomas Mann's The Buddenbrooks: an eleven-episode television series in 1979 and a feature film in 2008.
Where did Gernot Roll begin his film training?
He started his training at the age of 14 and subsequently worked at the DEFA Studios located in Berlin-Babelsberg.
Achievements
- Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Worked as cinematographer, director and film director
