Pictures capture the essence of people and emotions. Gernot began thinking in stories and visualizing them from an early age. Since the early 2000s, the Munich native has worked globally as a director and cinematographer on commercials for international agencies. His deep passion and the focus of much of his work is Africa. He has traveled to over 40 countries across the continent, shooting music videos, commercials, and documentaries with local crews.

 

It was through this work that Gernot caught the attention of director Oswald von Richthofen. Together, they collaborated on the documentary 35 Cows and a Kalashnikov, produced by Roland Emmerich, which was featured at film festivals in Los Angeles, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and Amsterdam.

 

Gernot has a unique ability to connect deeply with his subjects, moving beyond Western perspectives. His images are striking, often showcasing the vivid, radiant colors of Africa. He favors shooting with his RED Dragon, gimbal, and drones. Having worked with ARRI for many years, he understands the advantages of these tools and can adapt his gear to the challenging conditions of remote locations with minimal adjustments. This love for hands-on problem-solving extends beyond filmmaking; when he seeks relaxation and time to reflect, Gernot retreats to his garage near Ulm, where he restores vintage cars.