“Seeland” crime thriller: Why Tatort star Eva Mattes likes to film on Lake Constance

Ms. Kaya, are you someone who enjoys watching crime dramas?

I have become someone like that. (laughs) When I was accepted for the role in “Seeland”, I thought: Now I have to think about the topic a bit. And I discovered that I find crime novels really exciting.

What do you think makes a good TV crime drama?

A good script and an exciting case, but also good camera work and image design and good direction – and of course the acting team.

To personDream Rock (36) studied acting in Turkey, took on roles in TV productions and appeared on the theater stage. In 2013 she went to Germany. Her first leading role on German television was in “Seeland – A Crime Thriller from Lake Constance” in 2022. The second film in the SWR series, “Demons”, will be shown on ARD on November 14, 2024 at 8:15 p.m. Kaya plays Chief Detective Elena Barin, who, like her, has a trans identity story. The actress lives in Berlin.

Almost two years ago you were seen for the first time as Elena Barin in “Seeland”. What’s special about the series?

For the first time ever, we have a commissioner like Elena on German television; I think she is even the first in the world. Her trans identity makes her unique. She is incredibly calm and approaches her cases psychologically; she observes a lot. This is what sets her apart from other commissioners. Of course, Lake Constance also plays a big role for us. And our director Holger Haase and our camerawoman Lena Krause try to tell our stories with a new, exciting visual language.

Elena is a strict boss who always has to remind her colleague Achim Schatz, played by Julian Bayer, that she is in charge. How is the collaboration with Julian Bayer going?

The work between us is completely different than between Elena and Achim. (laughs) This applies to the investigative team, including Aliki Hirsch and Florian Kleine. We like each other a lot, we support each other, it’s very collegial. In general, the whole team is very friendly, even though there were a lot of new faces there the second time.

Were you able to help create the character Elena?

Yes, of course, the long conversations with director Holger Haase and working with my acting coach Bettina Lohmeyer made it easier for me to create the role. Even though Elena and I have similarities, she has her own life. And understanding, shaping and telling this life is a demanding task.

Do you find Elena likeable?

Yes, but I think you have to get to know them a little first. She is not a woman you immediately like. You have to give her time, then she is very sweet and friendly and also collegial and correct.

What do you both have in common?

I have to say, I’m not as calm as Elena, I’m more on fire. (laughs) I’m an emotional person, I talk a lot, I laugh a lot and I enjoy it. But keeping calm and observing people is something we have in common. I am very interested in psychology and I really enjoy observing people. And like Elena, I take my time and let actions speak rather than words.

How did you feel when you found out that “Seeland” was continuing?

We were all hoping that it would continue and were very excited. On the evening of the broadcast, I received an incredible number of messages, from my friends and family, but also from viewers. The next day, I still remember, I looked at what the ratings were and that was exactly when our producer Sabine Tettenborn called… We were very happy that we had such success with the first film. It was a wonderful feeling.

Would you say a role in a crime series is a jackpot for an actress?

Yes and no. Of course, there is no guarantee how long “Seeland” will continue, so I wouldn’t call the role a jackpot. But it’s definitely a great opportunity for me and also for the others to show themselves to a larger audience. Visibility is important for actors and actresses.

Now that you’ve made two films, are you seeing any developments?

There are a lot of people working on set to ensure everything runs professionally. It’s a big team, a wonderful team, I have to say that. And of course, we are all evolving. In the second film, for example, we see the police station for the first time and how Elena behaves there as a police officer. She is still at the very beginning; she wants to achieve success both personally and professionally. She has left the city where she worked for years and now she wants to start over in Konstanz. Of course we see development, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Did you know Lake Constance before filming?

No.

How long were you on site?

The first time I was at Lake Constance for almost a month, this time it was different, unfortunately I only filmed here for a week, in Konstanz and Radolfzell. The area is simply fantastic, I really like being on Lake Constance.

You certainly haven’t seen much in such a short time, have you?

I was in downtown Konstanz, that has to be the case. (laughs) And I was at the harbor and went for a walk. This time we lived a bit outside, so I was able to explore the area a bit.

Elena also likes to go for walks. She says that’s the best way to get to know a city.

That’s correct. In a foreign city I visit the tourist places, churches for example, theaters and museums, but I also want to discover all the alleys and places where the locals are. No matter where I am, I make sure to take the time to really lose myself in the city. I do this very well because I have no sense of direction. (laughs)

Is there anything on Lake Constance that you definitely want to see on your next shoot?

No, but I’m open to suggestions. I also keep getting messages from viewers who make suggestions or even offer to show me around a bit. I find that very sweet.

Why do you think Lake Constance is so special as a filming location?

Lake Constance has a very special beauty. And when you are in Konstanz, you have the feeling that you are abroad. It’s a whole world of its own, as if you were in Italy or the south of France. The city has its own character.

Elena is the first transident inspector on German television, but that doesn’t play a big role in the films. Is it still important that there is such a figure?

I think it’s really great how we do it, that it’s not primarily about her trans identity, but that we tell the story of a commissioner like any other. It’s basically nobody’s business, it’s Elena’s private story. On the other hand, it is important to talk about it because it is not yet a matter of course that we portray a character like that.

Queer people, and especially trans people, are often not as accepted as Elena is. But we should learn to live together as equals without anyone feeling disadvantaged. But since not everyone in society is on an equal footing, it is important that we talk about it so that it becomes self-evident at some point.

Do you think it is important that you, as a transgender person, play this role?

Of course it is very important that I play this role. It is the first time that such a character appears on German television and is played by an actress who was not born and raised in Germany. It provides some visibility for both groups. It also ensures that the role is played in the most natural, authentic way, by someone who can best understand it. For years, trans women have been portrayed by male actors in women’s clothing, this must stop.

Elena is very stylish. Did she get that from you?

Nope. When I’m out and about for private purposes, it’s stylish, I would say. I think the team took a bit of inspiration from that. Nevertheless, we made sure to find Elena’s own style. I wouldn’t wear everything she wears.

Let’s assume there is also a third film. What do you wish for Elena and her team?

Of course, I hope that we continue to reach many people. Especially those who may be struggling with their identity or parents who don’t know what’s going on with their child. I hope that they see me and say: If she did it, then I can do it too. That is my personal goal.

Was that actually the reason you went to Germany, so that you could be yourself here?

That definitely played a role. Every person wants to feel free and be able to move freely. Ankara is my home, but in Germany I feel at home, I feel welcome here. That’s really lucky.

Did you already know German before you came here in 2013?

I started learning German in 2012. I came here with A1, i.e. the basic course. Then came A2 and B1, which I learned at home, then B2 at the adult education center and since then I’ve continued learning on my own. When filming it is sometimes difficult, there are difficult words and difficult sentences.

How do you learn your lines?

First and foremost, I care about the situation in each scene so that I can play it correctly. The text comes at the end. But I start learning very early and also get coached because I’m not a native speaker. And if I have questions while filming, I also ask my colleagues whether the intonation is correct, for example.

Before “Seeland” was broadcast, you were seen in the film “Unmake-up”. Are you getting more offers now?

Yes definitely. I received a few offers and have now appeared in seven productions. And I already have new offers.

Can you reveal more?

I can definitely say that I have been accepted for two leading roles in international productions.

For “Unschminkt” you appeared in front of the camera with Eva Mattes, among others. She used to investigate as a crime scene detective in Konstanz. Have you exchanged ideas?

We talked about time. At lunch we sat across from each other and talked about what it was like to film on Lake Constance. That was a special moment. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with such people.