Interview: Ben Blaskovic wants to film Boris Herrmann's Vendée Globe adventure
Tatjana Pokorny
· 18.05.2023
YACHT: How did you come up with the idea for a Boris feature film?
Ben Blaskovic: I've been a passionate sailor myself since I was a child. That's why I'm particularly pleased to be filming Boris Herrmann's heroic journey at the Vendée Globe. Boris and author Andreas Wolfers have created a wonderful basis with "Alone between sky and sea", which the outstanding scriptwriter Gernot Gricksch has turned into an exciting screenplay.
What kind of film can fans look forward to?
The result is a fictional film that makes Boris' outer and, above all, inner journey tangible for non-sailors too. Between all the negative "noise" in the world, it will give viewers a lasting, positive and strong message to take away with them. For me personally, all my passions come together: a passion for filmmaking, for sailing and for adventure.
Who should the film reach?
Not just sailors. It's about so much more! It moves people when someone exposes themselves to challenges and even agonies like the Vendée Globe. It's not just nice to sail around the world alone in a racing yacht. I think it's pretty much hell. With this film, we want to encourage people to pursue their dreams and never give up on making them come true.
How far along are you with the film plans?
It has long been more than just an idea. The first version of the script is on the table. Project development and financing have begun. The film is expected to be shown in 2025.
Where is filming taking place?
That is still completely open. Water, ships and sailing are some of the most complex subjects to shoot. I have already looked at several studios in Europe where water shots, wind, waves, fog and more are possible in combination with the appropriate technology. I can't reveal any more about this yet. What is clear is that we will also be shooting at a location by the water.
Since you look not entirely unlike Boris, will you be playing the sailing hero yourself?
I started there as a child in the classic Opti. My brother sailed 420s. I often joined him ... But as a teenager I didn't appreciate it as much as I do today. Sometimes I was also scared. When I was 18 or 19, I got a sailing boat on Lake Tegernsee. That's when I tasted blood and got a lot of licences in my 20s. I have the SHS on the programme for this year, but it might be tight - because, absurdly, I'll probably get to sail less this year, even though we're making a sailing film.
Are all the film roles played by actors, or are there also real members of Team Malizia?
As this is a fictional feature film, it will only feature actors.
Why do you believe in the success of such a sailing film?
Because the topic is totally prominent. Nine out of ten people have heard of Boris Herrmann and his story. His second Vendée Globe participation in 2024/2025 will once again put Boris and his team in the spotlight. This story is simply fascinating.
Your own passion for sailing was kindled on the Schliersee?
I started there as a child in the classic Opti. My brother sailed 420s. I often joined him... But as a teenager I didn't appreciate it as much as I do today. Sometimes I was also scared. When I was 18 or 19, I got a sailing boat on Lake Tegernsee. That's when I tasted blood and got a lot of licences in my 20s. I have the SHS on the programme for this year, but it might be tight - because, absurdly, I'll probably get to sail less this year, even though we're making a sailing film.
What and where are you sailing today, when you're not visiting Boris in Cape Town and travelling on the "Malizia - Seaexplorer"?
Our family has a Bavaria, built in 2006, in Croatia. When I find free time, I go down there. And from time to time I work for a sailing school in Munich or for agencies/companies as a skipper, supervise holiday cruises or do yacht transfers.
You also experienced your worst storm last year ...
Yes, in August off Corsica. The most violent thing I've ever experienced. I was skippering a Bavaria 45 with holiday guests. We were moored in a bay in the island archipelago north-east of Sardinia. The storm had not been forecast, but came as a complete surprise and blew through at 60 or 70 knots.
How did you react?
I was just about to go to sleep. After a minute, the anchor alarm went off. I got out immediately and switched on the engine. The air got brutally warm at 2am. Three ships drifted ashore during the night. We travelled back and forth in the bay for three quarters of an hour, then it was over.
What fascinates you about sailing?
Probably the classic: the freedom that you have, which is unrivalled in any other sport. Life in nature. Being exposed to it. Embracing the wind. Getting out in the evening where it has taken you. A lot of it is totally transferable to life.
In what way?
What Team Malizia has with its project is comparable to what we have in mind: a team of 50, 60 people working towards a goal and being confronted with dense work and challenges at times. And then there is sometimes more breathing space. Just recently, I sat down with our production manager and thought about who we should bring on board. Because a film team, like a sailing crew, functions like its own little microcosm.
How do you see the real Boris Herrmann?
We've met once in Cape Town so far, so we haven't had much time together. We get on very well. Boris is structured and organised. I think we are similar in character.
