WHAT THE GERMAN SAYS
(SHORT)
PRE-PRODUCTION
LOGLINE
In New York City, an overworked and exploited German assistant stands up to the domineering boss she can't escape, making a surprise call that changes their dynamic forever.
Note:
AI generated images serve as proof of concept for the ideal look/characters/setting/actions of the film
SYNOPSIS
On a Sunday morning, wealthy Boris Kalstem, CEO of Kalstem Real Estate in New York City, is pumped and ready to go for his early run. That’s until his phone starts ringing from the living room to which the caller doesn’t speak, but he recognizes who she is from her ticks. That’s his loyal assistant of eight years, Maya Müller who immigrated from Germany as a teenager, looking petrified while speaking from the backseat of an Uber on a flip phone. She is headed to the airport, leaving for Munich to begin a new position at Schneider & Sohn Immobilien—and she isn’t calling to say goodbye. Calm but unwavering who eventually takes the lead in the call, Maya ends their professional relationship and recounts the cost of her loyalty. This includes missing her father’s final days, losing a partner, enduring years of manipulation and blackmail. Boris slowly confronts the reality of someone who he believed that he had full control over now sabotaging him. Especially after Maya brings up her knowledge and possession of evidence displaying corrupt company secrets hidden by Boris. There’s no coming back for Maya and Boris after what she’s planned out and revealed.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES
• MikaMotions
CAST
Maya Müller - Helena Zengel (News of the World, The Legend of Ochi)
Boris Kalstem - Shaun Benson (The Boys, The Girlfriend Experience)
CREW
Director - Antonio G. Wagner
Producer - Antonio G. Wagner, Karoli Grenman,
Writer - Antonio G. Wagner
Director of Photography - Mateen Missaghi
FACTS AND FIGURES
Average Takes per Shot : TBD
Editing Time : TBD
Shooting Days : 2 (June 2026)
Shooting Format : Film, Arri SR3 Super 16mm Camera
Aspect Ratio : 1.66:1
Language : English
Sound Format : TBD
Genre : Drama
Runtime : TBD
Completion Date : TBD
Production Budget : $15,000 CAD
Country of Origin : United States, Mexico, Canada
Country of Filming : Canada
Film Color : Color