Andreas Roth never fails to impress. The up-and-coming director was already on our radar when we interviewed him in January and in June he took top prize in the the European Film School category at the Young Director Award. We caught up with Roth to talk about his rather spooky winning spot, Dirt Devil.

When you were developing the Dirt Devil exorcist idea did you immerse yourself in horror films? Are you a big horror fan?
I really like the horror genre. These movies draw me into its spell, than anything else. The basic concept for the ‘Exorcist’ spot was created by Andre Price. Andre is a good friend of mine and a creative. I told him my visual ideas and visions and then we developed it.

What was the biggest challenge behind the Dirt Devil spot?
There were some difficult decisions but I would say the exorcist-ceiling construction with the daughter (Ann-Kathrin Doerig) was the most challenging. She was hanging by a rope from the ceiling and was actually moved back and forth for a couple of takes – that was really intense. Ann and the entire cast have done an incredibly good job – without their performance the spot wouldn’t be that good.

When did you first decide to become a director and why?
After my first internship at a production company, I realized a cinema commercial for a local newspaper. Together with a good friend, I developed the idea and also directed the piece. I was 21 years old and it was an incredible experience. Then I knew that I would like to tell stories myself.

What inspires you?
I get my inspiration mostly out of photographs. Stills often show stimulations and light situations which one can transport into moving images

Of course there are also a handful of directors that I admire, but that would now go too far.

Aside from your YDA-winning film, what piece of work are you proudest of and why?
The social spot ‘Typewriter’ – it was my first commercial which I realized at the Filmacademy Baden-Württemberg. I really like the whole atmosphere and the pace of the film, although I would do some things differently now.

What were your first thoughts when you found out your film had won?
I had no words. Honestly, it was a kind of emptiness because you’ve invested a lot of time and energy for a project and when you get rewarded for it, the whole pressure falls of you.

There are so many outstanding submissions. It makes me proud but at the same time it humbles me so I can draw strength for the next work.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?
The journey is the destination.

Having scooped a prize at the YDA, what are your plans for the coming year?
It would be nice if I could expand my reel in the coming year and try out different genres and also to go abroad for a year to gain some international experience.