In "Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo" Jana McKinnon plays the drug addict Christiane F. In an interview, she talks about the challenges.
With "Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo", the next German production is in the streaming starting blocks. The series adaptation by Constantin Television and Amazon Studios will start on February 19 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In eight episodes, the Amazon Original Series tells the story of Christiane F. and her clique from Bahnhof Zoo as a modern interpretation of the world-famous bestseller. The series producers show the dark world of drug abuse, where crime, violence and prostitution are the order of the day.
The Austrian-Australian actress Jana McKinnon (22) plays Christiane F. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, she talks about the challenges of the role, her future plans and the corona crisis.
In "Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo" you play the teenager Christiane F., who already came into contact with drugs as a schoolgirl and ends up on the Berlin children's line. How did you prepare for this dark role?
Jana McKinnon: That was definitely a role that demanded a lot from me. The shooting time was a very intense time in which I learned an incredible amount. I was shooting almost every day for around seven months. I read the scripts in preparation, of course, but I also read through the book and watched the film.
I also worked intensively with Christiane F. and did a lot of research on drugs. I looked at everything I could find: testimonials, documentaries and films – and watched how other actors played drug addicts.
How did you manage to put yourself in Christiane F.'s shoes?
McKinnon: In the series, the children especially feel at home in the "Sound" disco: There they see each other, dance, and are free. Therefore the question was raised: How does Christiane dance? Before we started shooting, we worked with a choreographer and I actually approached my character by dancing. Every morning before I went on set, I danced to my train station-zoo playlist for ten minutes.
The series shows brutal and terrifying images, among other things you play a cold withdrawal. Were there any scenes that were particularly difficult for you?
McKinnon: The biggest challenges weren't just individual scenes, but getting to the set every day and being open to what awaited you that day. As an actress, you really go through what you play. Every day I got involved anew to enter the emotional world of Christiane F.
Playing withdrawal was a particular challenge, as it's something that I personally find difficult to imagine. I had to work a lot with imagination to get to the point where I could understand the pain of withdrawal.
You could already see the result. How did you feel about that?
McKinnon: I've seen the show twice now. I will try not to see her with friends again. Of course I am proud of my work. But of course I also criticize myself while looking, and at some point I get on my nerves – and above all I would make comments all the time and distract others.
You have dealt intensively with substance abuse for more than half a year. Has that changed anything about your point of view?
McKinnon: I go through the world with different eyes. For example, when I see junkies on the street, I now have the feeling that I can relate their lives in a strange way – even though I actually can't. But I have become very empathetic towards such people.
I am generally a cautious person about drugs. Alcohol isn't exactly mine either. I much prefer to dance without being drunk, otherwise I have the feeling that I am not completely with myself. I feel really free when I let myself completely into the music.
Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video are increasingly relying on German productions. Especially in times of the corona pandemic, the cinema is increasingly taking a back seat. Where do you see your professional future?
McKinnon: Personally, I love the cinema. I am extremely lacking at the moment. I also like to go to the cinema on my own and sink into another world in my cinema seat. I believe that cinema will stay, even if many say it will die. But books haven't gone away either.
Streaming services are an exciting addition to the cinema. Above all, I like the aspect that as an actress I do something that is accessible to so many people. Everyone can decide for themselves where, when and with whom to watch something.
"We children from Bahnhof Zoo" will introduce you to a wide audience. What is your future career like?
McKinnon: I'm not a person who makes plans for the future, I let myself go and listen to my gut instinct. I'm at a point in my life where I want to concentrate on my studies and recharge my batteries.
Fortunately, I was able to make two films during the Corona period. I can enjoy the silence, but I lack personal contact. I look to the future with a little concern and hope that in the end there won't be too many losers from the crisis.
Can you already reveal something about your other projects?
McKinnon: In addition to "We kids from Bahnhof Zoo", there will definitely be something else coming out with me this year. The film "The Trouble with Being Born" by Sandra Wollner, in which I have a small role, will be released as soon as the cinemas are open again.
In addition, in autumn 2020 I made a film about a left-wing artist commune in the 80s, the Otto Muehl commune. The film was made on a farm on the Fulda Peninsula under Corona conditions: Nobody was allowed in or out. I'm looking forward to the result alongside Clemens Schick, who played Otto Muehl. I play Jeanne Tremsal, who in turn plays her own mother in the film.