A personal journey into the world of the legendary sound designer Conny Plank. Stephan Plank takes us along as he is getting to know his late father via a soundtrack that made music history and has influenced millions over three decades.
Join us for the journey and a post-screening conversation with Stephan Plank.
Konrad “Conny” Plank is undoubtedly one of the most innovative sound designers of his time. The recordings realized in his sound studio near Cologne between the 60s and 80s, revolutionized the music world. He was the pioneer of “Kraut-Rock”, “Neue Deutsche Welle” and paved the way for the revolutions of electronic and pop music respectively. Bands and artists who were fathered by the sound wizard (mostly before they became world famous) all agree that their careers would have been different without the talents of Conny Plank; Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Annette Humpe, Michael Rother (Neu!), Les Rita Mitsoukou, Daniel Miller (Founder of Mute Records), Whodini, Scorpions, Midge Ure (Ultravox), Karl Hyde (Underworld), DAF and Gianna Nannini are just some of those featured on screen. Conny Plank died much too young, aged 47. For his wife, the actress Christa Fast, and his 13 year old son Stephan, he left behind a world renowned sound studio. This is a story that begins 25 years on, with Stephan embarking on a journey to rediscover his father’s impact and his importance in music history. Because of the family connection, this film brings an unusually intimate and emotional insight to the artists and their work with Conny Plank, and all that defines music production.
Germany 2017, colour, 92mins. With English subtitles. Directors: Reto Caduff & Stephan Plank. With: Conny Plank, Michael Rother, Hans-Joachim Roedelius, Karl Hyde, Gianna Nannini, Dave Stewart, Whodini.
Stephan Plank was born in Wolperath, near Cologne in 1974. After he graduated from secondary school he managed his father’s sound studio until 2002, working with Bands such as Die Fantastischen Vier, Einstürzende Neubauten and Die Ärzte. At the same time he worked as a reporter, assistant director and realised film productions for the regional TV station WDR. In 2002 he founded the record label Krautpop. From 2006 – 2010 he was the manager of Nina and Cosma Shiva Hagen. Since 2010 has worked as media consultant and has developed film projects as director.
Conny Plank – The Potential of Noise is his directorial debut.
Conny Plank – The Potential of Noise is distributed by Burning Bridges / Lowlight in the UK. We would like to thank them for organising this event with us.
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