SAVE US
book review
Save Us brings the Maxton Hall trilogy to its most intense point, picking up after the scandal that left Ruby Bell suspended and her Oxford future at risk. She suddenly faces the reality that verything she has worked for could vanish, while James Beaufort is forced to confront the onsequences of his choices and the power his ather Mortimer Beaufort holds over him. The takes are higher than ever and both characters re pushed to grow in ways they never expected
One of the strongest elements of the finale is the nforced distance between Ruby and James. heir separation is emotional and physical and haped by the pressures around them. Ruby’s esilience becomes the heart of the story. She efuses to let Maxton Hall define her or break what she has built. James’s fight to step out of is family’s shadow gives his character the depth ans have been waiting for as he tries to become omeone worthy of the life he wants.
he expanded perspectives from Ember, Lydia nd Wren add emotional layers to the story. mber and Wren’s relationship brings warmth nd defiance, while Lydia’s vulnerabilities offer a evealing counterpoint to the Beaufort family’s world. These threads widen the lens of the trilogy, urning the finale into more than a romance and rounding it in friendship, identity and the weight of expectation.
“ When Ruby is so close to me, I no longer feel like I have all the weight in the world on my shoulders I rather feel like I have the world in my arms. ” - James
With heartbreak, growth and hard earned hope, Save Us delivers a gripping conclusion to the Maxton Hall series. It ties together every arc with clarity and emotion, proving that strength and love can survive even in the turbulent halls of Maxton Hall. This final book does not just end the trilogy, it elevates it, showing every character at their most honest and their most courageous.
The English translation of Mona Kasten’s bestselling trilogy is now available anywhere you buy books!
Episode 1: Devastated
EpisodebyEpisode:
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Season 2 opens with a striking contrast: and Ruby sharing a quiet moment at Ox before the sudden image of a car flipped upside down It sets the tone for an episo built on rising tensions and devastating Ruby finds James at Cyril’s party, where back into old habits and kisses Elaine in her. Heartbroken, she shuts down, hides truth from her family and lets perfection become her armor.
James, drowning in emotions he can’t co breaks down when Ruby goes to see him showing us just how lost he really is. Ruby walks away not out of anger, but becau choosing herself is the only strength sh left.
While Ruby tries to move forward, Jame Lydia attend their mother’s funeral, Oph (their mother’s sister) returns unexpect and Beaufort family tensions erupt
A brutal argument with Mortimer push James past his limit, sending him spiral until he speeds off in a car and the epis ends in a shocking final moment.
Season 2 begins with heartbreak, choices and consequences that neither of them can escape.
Episode 2: Wish to the Universe
Thanks to James’ aunt, Ophelia, help ar quickly, and while James briefly slips in vision of his mother urging him to follo heart, he wakes with only light injuries, the doctor quietly hands James a card psychiatrist Ruby’s proposal for the Cam Gala is approved, but the school’s steep funding requirement leaves her unsure raise the money
Lydia tries to balance helping her fathe the secret of her pregnancy, while Cyril after learning his grades won’t get him int Oxford without a sports scholarship. Ruby reaches breaking point until Lydia, Lin, an Ember surprise her with a pyjama night, sending wish lanterns into the sky, where uses hers to let go of James, blocking his number
A week later, the Beauforts return to scho where Ruby and James cross paths at the committee meeting, where he insists on helping instead of going back to Lacrosse When Ruby leaves to meet Lydia, James j Kieran and Lin at the gallery and manage secure artwork covering half the gala funding.
Meanwhile, Ruby and Lydia visit the gynecologist after she feels a pain, where Lydia learns that she’s expecting twins, whilst Mortimer calls a meeting, and James is forced to step in. Later, James discovers Lydia’s pregnancy and promises to support her.
Ruby gets accepted to Oxford, and James receives a new chance at his interview, but the pressure sends him straight to her She cares for him, but tells him to save himself first When they’re assigned to pick up a photo booth for the event, the tense car ride eases once they try it out, the camera’s flashes briefly pulling them back toward each other.
Episode 3: Emotional Rolle
Episode 3 follows the afterm breakdown, as he’s in thera confronts the upbringing t Ruby is still shaken after alm the photobooth, and when Ember come to the gala, sh ashamed of her - while she protect her
James continues supportin he can, even as she struggl tell Graham about the pregnancy.
As gala preparations finalize, Ruby sugge bringing someone who got help by the foundation. James finds Scott, former add and plans to coach him through his speec but it weighs on him more than he expec He later apologizes to Cyril, who admits h badly he needs the team for a scholarship leaving their truce cautious but sincere.
A power glitch in the ballroom causes ma chaos, but the committee pulls together a group to save the event just in time
Ruby brings Ember to the gala after all, grateful for her help. Mrs. Campbell arrives and takes Ruby onto the red carpet, proudl showing off Ember’s design. Inside, Embe meets Wren and ends up kissing him.
Everything runs smoothly - until Scott do show up. James steps in, speaking openly the first time about his privilege, grief, an what therapy is teaching him. Without naming her, he admits how deeply he hu Ruby and how much he loves her. The roo falls silent, then erupts in applause. Ruby tries to reach him afterwards, but Mortimer pulls James away before she ca speak
Episode 4: Secrets
Episode 4 opens with tension as Mortime confronts James about his gala speech, creating a pressure that follows James through the episode. Ruby is with her fam when James reaches out, and he soon ar at her house
In her room, they share a warm and intim moment as James imagines a future for them, though his mention of his father wanting him to marry Elaine briefly caus Ruby to pull away. He reassures her, and they agree to keep their relationship a secret. Their connection deepens when James joins the Bell family for dinner, blending into their world more easily than he expects.
While this unfolds, Lydia continues to struggle between pleasing her father and protecting her pregnancy. Her quiet resilience stands out, and her instinct to put others first remains one of her strongest traits.
Elaine stirs trouble again by inviting Ruby to her all white party, though Ruby stays cautious When Elaine’s brother Frederic shows up and tries to create conflict, James steps in to defend Ruby, exposing their secret relationship sooner than either of them is ready for.
Even so, the episode captures the sweetn of their early days together. Their first dat feels magical, Ruby’s plans are falling into place, and for a moment everything seem hopeful They plan to spend time togethe while Mortimer is away, but his cancelled flight brings their perfect moment to an abrupt stop and reminds us how fragile th happiness is
Episode 5: Deceptive Lightness
Episode 5 shifts tone as Ruby and James return to his house after their perfect date, a tender moment quickly interrupted by Mortimer. Instead of sending Ruby away, James asks her to stay, leading to a tense introduction and a revealing conversation that shows Mortimer already forming a plan Ruby later talks to her mother about James, grounding the episode in the warmth of her family, while Mortimer’s breakdown in his office reminds us that wealth cannot shield anyone from unhappiness
As Kieran’s Midsummer Night’s Dream pa comes together, shareholders confront James about the gala, Lydia’s pitch is dismissed, and Lin casually reveals she’s b seeing Cyril Ruby’s world cracks when Ali Campbell revokes her scholarship, the firs sign of Mortimer’s interference A heated confrontation between James and his fat follows, and Mortimer crosses a line when searches James’s phone and finds photos can use against Ruby
The party begins with Shakespearean flai Cyril tries to win Lydia, though her heart is with Graham. Ruby and James share a heartfelt talk about their future and Mortimer’s threat, ending with James promising to stand by her In the forest, Ly tells Graham she’s pregnant, only for Cyril Elaine to catch them on camera When El confronts Ruby and James, James immediately defends her, strengthening connection The night is full of hope until Lexington receives a devastating call, and episode ends on a tragic turn none of the can escape.
Episode 6: Reaching for the Stars
Episode 6 opens with Lexington receiving photo that seems to expose an affair betw Graham and a student, putting his caree risk. At the same time, the Lacrosse matc Maxton Hall takes place, and James skips key board meeting to support Cyril The g stays close until Cyril fumbles the winnin shot and, devastated, blames Ruby for distracting James, who defends her desp knowing their friendship has slipped
Rumors about Graham spread through the stands, leaving Lydia tense. Mortimer, alre d furious about James’ absence, faces anoth blow when Mr. Ellington rejects the new Beaufort strategy and pulls his sponsorsh Soon after, Ruby learns her mother was fi and the family bakery sold - clear signs of Mortimer’s interference - though her fam tries to stay hopeful
Before his hearing, Graham promises Lyd he’ll stand by her and the twins. James th takes Lydia to the reading of Cordelia’s wi and despite Ruby’s message about the bakery, they walk in hopeful - only to learn everything has been left to Mortimer. Shocked, they vow to fight it, and James openly defies his father.
Campbell later admits Mortimer pressure her for donations, leaving James and Lydi with nowhere to go but Cyril’s place, while Ruby focuses on her scholarship exam.
The next day, Graham faces the committe Believing the accusation was about Lydia had already confessed - only to realize it’s being pinned on someone else Lexington confronts Ruby and her mother, and thou Ruby denies it, she’s suspended As Graha taken away by the police, Ruby breaks do in James’ arms.
SCHLECHTEMENSCHEN Die
REVIEW
BenFelipeMeetsLukasJokkebrok
What really makes a person “bad”?
Schlechte Menschen is a four-part miniseries set in a bureaucratic version of the afterlife, where three examiners, Timoteo, Nazlı and Cornelius, are tasked with judging borderline cases, people whose lives cannot be clearly defined as good or evil Instead of offering clear answers, the series leans into ambiguity, pairing dry, dark humor with a restrained visual style As the examiners begin to disagree and lose their professional distance, the process of judgment itself slowly starts to unravel. Available since October 17 in the ARD Mediathek.
The tone is clearly set in the very first episode: At the center is Lukas Jokkebrok (Ben Felipe), a charismatic man who dies of a heart attack during a speed-dating event Lukas moves through life with visible selfconfidence, used to drawing attention effortlessly and treating closeness more like a game than a responsibility. Instead of maintaining professional distance, the examiners find themselves influenced by his presence - Lukas wraps them around his finger and exposes the cracks in the system.
In the following episodes, this deeper look into human contradictions becomes more intense. A radical misanthrope pushes the trio to the edge of their own moral standards, a seemingly perfect woman reveals the emptiness behind her flawless surface, and finally the distance collapses completely when examiner Nazlı is confronted with her own past. This is where the series most clearly shifts from its skurrile premise into something emotionally raw, revealing that even those who judge are not standing outside the system.
Conclusion:
Schlechte Menschen impresses with moral grey zones and a cool, distinctive tone. An unusual series for viewers who appreciate skurrility and dark humor.
TTheLüneburgVariant heLüneburgVariant
Damian Hardung Takes On A Bilingual European Thriller
Paolo Maurensig’s acclaimed psychological novel is being adapted for the screen with Damian Hardung joining the cast in one of his most ambitious roles yet. Filming is expected to begin sometime next year.
The story explores a decades long rivalry between two chess prodigies and reveals a deadly game of memory, guilt and revenge across generations It is a darker, more complex project that marks a major shift for Damian
In a recent interview he shared that he will be performing in both German and Italian:
“I have to speak Italian in the film. I will be acting fifty percent in German and fifty percent in Italian.”
His Italian background runs deep. He lived in Palermo during his Erasmus, studied medicine there, filmed in Rome and even took language courses in the city. As he said:
“Mine is a true love story with Italy… the culture, the views, the peace you feel in certain places.”
Damian also spoke about working with director Gabriele Salvatores:
“When I read the screenplay I was blown away. I do not think I have ever read such a well written script. I cannot wait to shoot the film with him.”
With a powerful story, a celebrated director and a bilingual performance from Damian, this project is already one of the most anticipated European films in production.
A MAGICAL EVENING AT THE NYC SCREENING OF MAXTON HALL SEASON 2
The NYC screening of the final episodes of Maxton Hall Season 2 felt like stepping straight into the world of the show. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of quiet excitement.
Guests were greeted with a Maxton Hall photo backdrop and a lantern station where everyone could write a wish and hang it on a small tree. It made the space feel personal, intimate, and connected to the themes of the series.
Portraits of Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig Matten as James and Ruby decorated the venue, setting the tone right away Guests grabbed drinks, took photos, and even turned their pictures into personalized bookmarks, a simple but fun touch
When Damian arrived, the whole room shifted. He took photos, chatted with fans, and brought such genuine warmth that the night immediately felt personal. Watching the final two episodes on the big screen afterward was incredible, every look, every moment, every emotion landed even harder
When he returned for the Q&A, his answers were thoughtful, funny, and full of heart. It was the perfect ending to Season 2, celebrating the show, the cast, and the fans who love it
REDDIT Q AND A WITH DAMIAN HARDUNG IN NEW YORK
The day after the screening, Prime Video hosted a Reddit Q and A with Damian Hardung. Harriet Herbig-Matten had planned to join, but she was unable to attend due to being unwell, so Damian opened the session by sending her warm wishes
A moderator guided him through fan questions, and he balanced thoughtful answers with playful moments that gave fans a glimpse into his perspective on the series. One standout question came from user Elliee2000, who asked what he finds special about Harriet’s acting. Damian replied, “I mean, have you seen her act??” Later, user Lucky Stress3172 joked that they could barely hear him, and Damian answered, “I WILL WRITE LOUDER,” which quickly became a fan favorite
A few of his answers were later shared as short videos, letting fans everywhere enjoy the session. It was a simple but meaningful event that added a thoughtful and fun touch to the NYC experience, showing again how much he values the fandom.
FANREACTIONS: ASeasonThatHitUsRightintheHeart FANREACTIONS: ASeasonThatHitUsRightintheHeart
Season Two of Maxton Hall didn’t just meet expectations - it shattered them. Fans were left reeling from heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. Raw emotions, nextlevel performances, and episodes that hit like a punch to the heart.
Over on our Broadcast Channel, “Gossip Hall”, we let the fans talk.
“Honestly, I’m loving it. The pacing feels tighter, the character arcs are finally gaining real depth, and every episode leaves me with that ‘okay, I need the next one right now’ feeling ( ) James crying in Ruby’s arms It wasn’t dramatic for the sake of drama - it was just real That scene stayed with me long after the episode ended ” @maxtonhallpt
This sums it up perfectly. Season 2 didn’t just move the story forward - it gave our main characters real weight. Every episode felt urgent, layered, and impossible to pause.
Vulnerability like shown in the show are rare in teen dramas, and we felt every second of it.
“Martin (Schreier) is genius and the talent of the actors left us speechless. We shared the grief at the funeral, we screamed at the car crash - and we’ll never forget the white party reveal.”
@damik.ua
From heartbreak to chaos, this season delivered drama without losing depth We got to experienced unpredictable turning points and rollercoasters
With more messages flooding into our channel, one thing became undeniable: Season Two didn’t just tell a story, it created a collective emotional experience. Every fan had their own moment, their own quote, their own scene that refused to let go.
“One of the strongest seasons so far ” @maxtonhallpt
Many praised the season’s tighter structure and deeper emotional layers.
@maxtonhallpt pointed again to James breaking down in Ruby’s arms - a scene they describe as quietly devastating and completely genuine.
James’s apology speech also earned major love: raw, vulnerable, and brilliantly delivered
For others, like @maxton.hall.fans.mx, the show’s emotionality came through it’s dialogue. Here’s her favourite quote by Ruby:
“When you want something so much that nothing in the world can stop you you don’t give up”
“Magical, heartbreaking, iconic ” @damik.ua
“Pain, hope, and everything in between ” @maggienie1106
As already said, the emotional journey in this season hit hard
The funeral, the car crash twist, Mortimer’s emotional complexity - fans were hooked at every turn.
And of course, special moments still live rent-free in our heads.
“Chaos, tears, and pure brilliance.” @glendylpark
The Midsummer Night’s Dream performance in Episode 5 became a standout for many - chaotic, romantic, and brilliantly directed.
“Growth, vunerability, and unforgettable moments ” @glendylpark
Fans repeatedly mentioned how much Ruby and James grew this season.
For @cooltess64, the moment Ruby walks into James’s bedroom after his mother’s death was “pure love and strength.”
They also keep replaying Ruby’s iconic line about not giving up - and the soft, intimate magic after their first dinner date
Now, for me personally, I love the depth the series brings - not only in showing James going to therapy, but also in highlighting Ruby’s strength and independence.
The series doesn’t just portray real-life struggles, like reaching out for help and dealing with mental health issues, but also the importance of speaking up for yourself, setting boundaries, and choosing your own self-worth first.
SCHWARZES GOLD: SCHWARZES GOLD:
A Glimpse Into The First Episode A Glimpse Into The First Episode
On November 4th, I had the incredible honor of joining the other winners of the NDR competition for an exclusive first look at the opening episode of Schwarzes Gold - days before its official release. The entire cast was present, offering warm, candid insights into the making of the series, the intensity of filming, and the emotions that shaped their journey throughout this project.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my impressions of the first episode, the unique atmosphere of the event, and the musical experience - composed by Hans Zimmer together with Aleksey Igudesman and brought to life by his orchestra.
Butfirst,let’stakeonemoremomentto divebackintotheheartofthestory:
Setaround1900inaremotevillageinthe LüneburgHeath,thequietrhythmofrurallife isshatteredwhenoilisdiscoveredbeneaththe Lambertfamily’sfields.Whatfirstseemslikea long-awaitedlifelinequicklyignitesaruthless struggleforpower.TheinfluentialPapefamily isdeterminedtoclaimthe“blackgold”for themselves,nomatterthecost.
Astensionsriseandloyaltiesfracture,young JohannaLambertisthrustintothecenterofa communityonthebrinkofupheaval Caught betweenambition,betrayal,andaworldthat underestimatesher,shemustfighttoprotect everythingherfamilystandstolose
Itisaworldwheresilenceisexpectedofher, andyetemotionbecomeshergreatest strength.
“Allowingyourselftofeelangercanbe powerful,especiallyforwomenwhoareso oftentaughttosuppressit.”
~HarrietHerbig-Matten
Thisemotionalfoundationnotonlydefines Johanna’sjourneyonscreen,butalsoechoed throughouttheatmosphereofthepremiere evening Inthefoyer,guestsmovedthrougha quietsenseofanticipation,pickingupasmall drinkortakingaquickPolaroidinfrontofthe officialSchwarzesGoldbackdropbefore findingtheirseats.
Insidethehall,thefocusshiftedtothemusical introduction Theorchestra’sfirstnotescarried animmediatepresence,withthescore composedbyHansZimmerandAleksey Igudesmanunfoldinglivewithstrikingclarity Themusicnotonlysetthetonebutdeepened it,perfectlyalignedwiththethemesandvisual languageoftheseries Itamplifiedthe atmosphere,madethetensionmoretangible, andbroughttheemotionalweightofthestory closertotheaudience.
Asthefinalnotesfaded,theroomfelt unmistakablyprimedforwhatcamenext: theveryfirstglimpseintoEpisodeOne.
EpisodeOneopenswithasenseofquiet urgency,immediatelyimmersingtheviewerin thestarkbeautyoftheLüneburgHeath.The visuallanguageisgroundedandcinematic, withmutedtonesthatmirrorthetension simmeringbeneaththesurfaceofthestory. Fromtheveryfirstscenes,theseriessetsits focusclearly:thisisnotsimplyataleaboutthe discoveryofoil,butaboutthepeoplewhose livesarealteredbyitlongbeforethey understanditspower.
HarrietHerbig-MattenintroducesJohanna Lambertwithaquiet,compellingstrength, balancingvulnerabilityanddetermination fromthestart Theepisodeunfoldswith measuredpacing,revealingthevillage’s shiftingdynamicsthroughsubtle,telling moments.Tradition,hardshipandunspoken hierarchiesbegintopressagainsteachother, andthefragilityoftheLambertfamily becomesclearevenbeforethecentralconflict appears.
Whatstandsoutisthesteadytension betweencalmandapproachingchange Every scenehintsthatthegroundbeneaththe charactersisalreadybeginningtoshift Afterthescreening,thecastsharedinsights intotheirwork.Harrietrevealedthatakey scenerequiredhertoscreamonscreenforthe firsttime,andsheadmittedsheworriedit mightnotsoundrightorcouldeven embarrassher.Heropennessoffereda genuineglimpseintothevulnerabilitybehind herperformance Italsobecameevidenthow welltheseriesiscast,aseachactorbrings immediateemotionaldepththatmakesit easytoconnectwiththecharacters
Foreveryonewhowasn’tabletoattendthe premiere: theseriesisstillinpost-production,butall episodeswillbeavailableintheARD MediathekstartingDecember22.Inaddition, ARDwillbroadcastthefirstfourepisodeson December29at20:15.
© Florian Petrow
© Florian Petrow
LLoveMeLoveMe:Preview oveMeLoveMe:Preview
Andrea Guo Joins the Cast of Love Me, Love Me Movie Adaptation
Best selling YA romance Love Me, Love Me by Stefania S., beloved by millions of readers on Wattpad, is making the exciting leap from page to screen. The first novel, Magnetic Hearts, plunges readers into the stormy senior year of June White, a shy and introspective girl navigating a new high school after frequent moves with her artist mother. As June attempts to find her place, she encounters hideous secrets, complicated friendships, and a brooding bad boy named James Hunter, setting the stage for a slow burn romance that fans have eagerly devoured.
Now, with backing from Wattpad Webtoon Studios, Leone Film Group, and Amazon MGM Studios, the story is being adapted into a global film aimed at teen and young adult audiences. Adding excitement to the adaptation, rising star Andrea Guo, known for her work in Maxton Hall, has been announced as part of the cast, playing a character named Amelia Hood. While details about Amelia’s role remain under wraps, her inclusion promises fresh dynamics and intrigue for fans of the book.
With a combination of a beloved source material, high‐profile production studios, and a talented cast including Andrea Guo, anticipation is building for how the film will translate Stefania S’s slow burn romance and emotional drama to the screen For fans of the novel and newcomers alike, the countdown to the Love Me, Love Me movie has officially begun, with a planned release in 2026
SchwanenseePreview
This Christmas, the timeless fairy tale of Schwanensee returns in a fresh cinematic adaptation by Kurhaus Production, airing as part of Das Erste’s holiday program and streaming via the ARD Mediathek. According to Kurhaus Production’s official page, the story follows Prince Friedrich, who retreats from his royal obligations with his friends into the sorcerer Rotbart’s forest At the mysterious lake, he meets the enchanted Odette - by day a swan, by night bound by magic - and must discern true love from deception to break the spell Frédéric Balonier appears among a stellar cast including Riccardo Campione, Samirah Breuer, and others
This reimagining promises a blend of classic elegance and cinematic storytelling, where every scene feels like a painting come to life. From the shimmering reflection of moonlight on the lake to the quiet intensity of the ballroom sequences, Schwanensee draws the audience into a world that balances fantasy and emotion with remarkable visual detail. This version retains the classic themes of transformation, devotion, and betrayal, while embracing a cinematic aesthetic - from majestic period costumes and grand estates to haunting lakeside landscapes and winter’s chill. This holiday production promises to be a highlight for ballet lovers and general audiences alike - a story where swans carry secrets and nothing is quite as it seems At The Maxton Edit, we’ll all be gladly tuning in to watch Balonier’s take on Swan Lake - a performance we’re certain will reflect the same artistry, grace, and depth that continue to make him one of Germany’s most captivating rising talents
For more information, visit kurhausproduction.de.
H&M H&M
HighlightingA FanAccount HighlightingA FanAccount
OneofmyfavoritepartsofrunningTheMaxtonEditisspotlightingfriendswhohelpshapethis communityfromtheinsideout.
Jana,ourCommunityManager&InterviewCorrespondent,andJanina,ourFeatureEditor&Interview Coordinator,bringheart,creativity,andconnectiontoeverythingtheydothroughMaxtonHallAccess. MeetJanaandJanina
Can you both introduce yourselves and tell us how Maxton Hall Access came to life?
We’re Jana and Janina - the duo behind Maxton Hall Access. This account started as a simple idea: to create a place where we could share everything we love about Maxton Hall, its cast, and the world surrounding it With everything we post and do, we want to build a space that celebrates the show and the community behind it Over time, it’s become so much more than a fanpage - it’s turned into a home, a creative outlet, and a place where everyone who feels something for this story can feel seen.
How did you two meet - and when did you realize you’d make the perfect team for a fan account?
Actually, we met through the account! Janina joined after we got to know each other via, now our, page, and when things started to grow and life came in between, she started to help with keeping up the content. What started as teamwork turned into a real friendship We discovered how well we complement each other - creatively and personally. We both bring our own strengths, ideas, and quirks to the table, and it just… works. That makes Maxton Hall Access feel like us
Is there a particular post or reel you’re especially proud of? What made it stand out?
We’re especially proud of the fan projects we’ve created - like our “Maxton Moments” that we put out every last Friday of the month - and the Maxton Hall Appreciation Day. Those were fully “us”concept, execution, and heart
Seeing the fandom engage with them, relate to them, and feel something because of them? That’s the kind of impact we always hope for.
How do you divide roles when it comes to running the page - is one of you more into design and the other into updates, or do you share everything equally?
We actually don’t have fixed roles - it all flows naturally. We talk every day, both as friends and page-runners, so it often depends on who has time or which one of us feels inspired Sometimes one of us handles the design while the other manages updates, and other times it flips completely It’s super intuitive and based on trust.
What’s been the best part of running a fan account together?
Honestly? Having each other
Sharing every exciting update, every tiny breakdown, every big reveal - together. It’s also been amazing to experience moments like watch parties, premieres, interviews, and all the little milestones side by side Beyond that, connecting with other fans and creators has been so fulfilling. The support, the hype, the friendships - we didn’t expect any of it, but we’re so thankful
Has Maxton Hall Access helped you connect with other fans - or even the cast?
Yes, and it’s something we still can’t fully wrap our heads around. We’ve had the chance to connect with some cast and crew members, and we’re incredibly grateful for the recognition and kindness they’ve shown. Especially around the fan project for Maxton Hall Appreciation Daythe fact that it got noticed and supported meant everything to us. And within the fandom, we’ve found real connections that have turned into friendships. We don’t take any of it for granted.
Do you remember your first “pinch me” moment where you realized how far your account had come?
Definitely, being a Part of the Maxton Hall Reunion with our Fan Project and being invited to the Season 2 World Premiere in Berlin.
Those moments were surreal. Being invited, being part of something that special, and feeling like what we do actually matters in this space? That was a full-circle feeling we’ll never forget.
What do you hope fans feel when they visit Maxton Hall Access?
We want people to feel welcome. Like they’re part of something - part of the community, the excitement, the heartbreaks, the joy. Whether they’re coming to catch up on updates or just to fangirl with us, we want them to leave feeling like they belong Our goal is always to share the love for the show in a way that feels inclusive and real.
What’s something you’ve both learned about fandom, creativity, or collaboration through this experience?
That there’s no limit to what you can create when you love something deeply We’ve learned to trust our ideas, embrace our differences, and celebrate the creativity in others, too Collaboration has been such a gift - seeing what other fans do, teaming up, supporting each other and admiring someone‘s work it’s powerful
Lastly, what’s next for Maxton Hall Access - any plans, projects, or dream collaborations on the horizon?
Last Friday, we officially announced our Christmas Fan Project - so if you want t join in, we’d like to welcome you!
And we have much more in our heads already - so make sure to keep an eye up!
Harriet For Harriet For EsquireGermany Esquire Germany
“Radiant, self-assured, and timeless.”
Berlin’s winter chill didn’t stand a chance against the warmth and star power that filled the Esquire Townhouse. Leading the evening’s lineup was Maxton Hall star Harriet Herbig-Matten, who celebrated her feature on the Winter 2025 cover of Esquire Germany The night felt both cinematic and deeply personal for the rising actress. Stepping into the spotlight in a sleek monochrome ensemble, Herbig-Matten embodied the effortless sophistication that her Esquire shoot captures so well The cover itself, sharp and modern, presents Harriet at her most confident yet, balancing youthful curiosity with the poise of a performer coming into her own.
The Esquire Townhouse event gathered
an impressive crowd of industry names, but for Harriet, it was also a reunion of sorts. Maxton Hall co-stars Runa Greiner, Sonja Weisser, Eli Riccardi, Ben Felipe, and Justus Riesner attended to show their support, highlighting the cast’s close bond beyond the Prime Video series. The evening became a celebration of collaboration and friendship within Germany’s flourishing entertainment scene, and the atmosphere reflected the same energy and connection that fans love about the Maxton Hall cast With Maxton Hall Season 2 captivating audiences and Esquire Germany spotlighting her as a modern icon, Harriet continues to define herself as one of the most promising voices in a new era of German film and television
© @harriet.herbigmatten on Instagram
© Esquire Germany
ShapingtheWorldBetweenUs: MartinSchreieronDirectingMaxtonHall ShapingtheWorldBetweenUs: MartinSchreieronDirectingMaxtonHall
WhenitcomestobringingMaxtonHalltolife,onlyafewpeoplehavehadasmuchinfluencebehind thecameraasMartinSchreier Asthedirectorofallseasons,hiscreativevisionhelpedshapethe emotionaldepth,cinematicstyle,andunforgettablemomentsthatdefinetheserieswealllove
Fromintimatecharacter-drivenscenestosweepingvisualstorytelling,Martinhasbeenthereevery stepoftheway-guidingthestorywithcare,passion,andprecision.Inthisexclusiveinterview,wedive intohowheapproachedSeasonTwo,howit’slikeworkingwiththecast,andthemomentsthatstayed withhimlongafterthecamerasstoppedrolling.
Was hat dich ursprünglich dazu bewegt, die Regie bei Maxton Hall zu übernehmen? Und was hat dich an diesem Projekt – oder der Geschichte –besonders gereizt? // What originally motivated you to take on the role of director for Maxton Hall? And what was it about this project – or the story – that particularly appealed to you?
Es gab zwei Gründe, warum ich Maxton Hall machen wollte. Der erste Moment war ein Anruf von unserer Produzentin Ceylan Ich weiß noch, wie ich durch die Wohnung gelaufen bin, während wir telefoniert haben, und plötzlich das Gefühl hatte: Das könnte etwas Besonderes werden.
Nicht wegen ihrem Pitch der Geschichte, sondern wegen dieser menschlichen Verbindung. Mir ist das Zwischenmenschliche bei kreativer Arbeit immer enorm wichtig Wenn ein Projekt zu einem Ort wird, an dem Menschen sich vertrauen, lachen, streiten, suchen und gemeinsam etwas tragen, dann entsteht etwas Echtes. Und genau dieses Gefühl hatte ich nach unserem Gespräch Da wusste ich: Mit Ceylan möchte ich arbeiten.
Und dann gab es noch eine zweite Frau, die mich endgültig überzeugt hat: meine Mutter.
Sie hat das Konzept gelesen und war vom ersten Moment an Feuer und Flamme Während ich.noch abgewogen und gezweifelt habe, hat sie einfach gesagt: Mach das. Das wird groß. Man sollte öfter auf seine Mutter hören
Mir war es von Anfang an wichtig, diese Geschichte modern und emotional zu erzählen Auch wenn sie bestimmte klassische Elemente in sich trägt, die alten Gemäuer etc. wollte ich ihr eine Frische geben, die nah an dem ist, was junge Menschen heute fühlen, denken und erleben
Für mich stand immer im Mittelpunkt, Emotionen spürbar zu machen Ich liebe es, wenn Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer lachen, weinen, mitfiebern und sich in Figuren wiederfinden. Genau dieses Potenzial habe ich in Maxton Hall gesehen. Es gab Raum für große Gefühle, für leise Momente, für Humor und für Schmerz Und alles in einer Welt, die jung, lebendig und sehr präsent ist.
Gerade deshalb erfüllt es mich jetzt umso mehr mit Freude, die Reaktionen zu sehen. Die Nachrichten, die Gespräche, die Begeisterung im Internet. Zu erleben, dass Menschen fühlen, was wir erzählen wollten, ist für mich das größte Geschenk
There were two reasons why I wanted to do Maxton Hall The first moment was a phone call from our producer, Ceylan I still remember walking through my apartment while we were talking and suddenly having the feeling that this could become something special
Not because of her pitch of the story, but because of this human connection Interpersonal connection has always been incredibly important to me in creative
work. When a project becomes a place where people trust each other, laugh, argue, search and carry something together, something real is created And that was exactly the feeling I had after our conversation. That’s when I knew I wanted to co-work with Ceylan.
And then there was a second woman who ultimately convinced me: my mother. She read the concept and was on fire from the very first moment While I was still weighing things up and doubting, she simply said: Do it This will be big You should listen to your mother more often.
From the very beginning, it was important to me to tell this story in a modern and emotional way. Even though it contains certain classic elements like the old walls, I wanted to give it a freshness that is close to what young people today feel, think and experience.
For me, it always came down to making emotions tangible I love it when viewers laugh, cry, feel the tension and see themselves reflected in the characters That is exactly the potential I saw in Maxton Hall There was room for big emotions, for quiet moments, for humor and for pain, all within a world that is young, alive and very present
That’s precisely why it fills me with even more joy now to see the reactions. The messages, the conversations, the enthusiasm online To experience that people feel what we wanted to tell is the greatest gift for me.
Maxton Hall hat viele emotionale Ebenen. Wie hältst du beim Dreh den Überblick darüber, welche Schwerpunkte in welchem Moment wichtig sind? // Maxton Hall has many emotional layers. How do you keep track during filming of which aspects are important in each moment?
Den Überblick über die emotionalen Ebenen und Erzählstränge einer Serie zu behalten, ist eine große Herausforderung und deutlich komplexer als bei einem Spielfilm Wir drehen ja nicht in der Reihenfolge, in der die Geschichte später erzählt wird, sondern nach Drehorten und Motiven. Das bedeutet zum Beispiel: Alles, was in Maxton Hall auf Schloss Marienburg spielt, wird direkt hintereinander gedreht
Dadurch kann es passieren, dass ich morgens eine Szene aus der ersten Folge inszeniere und nur ein paar Stunden später eine Schlüsselszene aus dem Finale. Die Figuren stehen dabei emotional an völlig unterschiedlichen Punkten und genau das muss man als Regisseur jederzeit im Kopf haben
Um das zu meistern, braucht es viel Vorbereitung, Erfahrung und ein Team, dem man vertraut. Ich habe wundervolle Menschen an meiner Seite, die für Skript und Continuity verantwortlich sind. Wenn es darum geht, genau zu wissen, wo ein Charakter emotional gerade steht, wie er sich fühlt oder was bereits passiert ist, kann ich mich jederzeit auf sie verlassen.
Keeping track of the emotional layers and narrative threads of a series is a major challenge and far more complex than in a feature film. We don’t shoot in the order in which the story will later be told, but according to locations and motifs That means, for example, that everything in Maxton Hall that takes place at
Marienburg Castle is filmed back to back.
As a result, it can happen that in the morning I direct a scene from the first episode and just a few hours later a key scene from the finale
In those moments, the characters are at completely different emotional points, and that is exactly what you have to keep in mind at all times as a director.
To manage this, you need a lot of preparation, experience, and a team you can trust. I have wonderful people by my side who are responsible for script and continuity When it comes to knowing exactly where a character is emotionally at any given moment, how they feel, or what has already happened, I can rely on them at all times
Wie früh im kreativen Prozess entstehen deine visuellen Vorstellungen? Und woran erkennst du am Set, ob eine Szene genau so funktioniert, wie du sie dir vorgestellt hast – oder eben nicht? // At what stage in the creative process do your visual ideas start to take shape? And how do you recognize on set whether a scene works exactly as you imagined it – or not?
Die ersten Bilder und Gedanken entstehen bei mir sehr früh. Manchmal schon, wenn ich die ersten Pitch Ideen höre oder die ersten Drehbuchseiten lese Gerade bei den tollen Büchern aus Staffel 2, die Ceylan als Headautorin zu verantworten hatte, war dies ein Leichtes. Auch beim Casting formen sich oft die ersten Szenen in meinem Kopf Dann sehe ich vor mir, wie sie sich anfühlen sollen, welches Tempo sie brauchen, welchen emotionalen Ton sie tragen und wie tief sie gehen dürfen.
Dieser Prozess passiert bei mir intuitiv und oft sehr schnell, sobald ich mich mit einer Geschichte verbinde. Ich habe mir im Laufe
der Zeit eine eigene Arbeitsweise dafür geschaffen. Nachts, wenn alles ruhig ist, sitze ich oft alleine in meinem Kino, höre Filmmusik und lasse meinen Gedanken freien Lauf In dieser Stille und in diesen Klängen entstehen dann Momente. Bilder. Emotionen. Szenen, die später einmal Wirklichkeit werden.
Trotzdem war mir von Anfang an wichtig, mich nicht starr an diese erste Vision zu klammern. Film entsteht im Austausch, im Zusammenspiel vieler kreativer Menschen Jeder Einzelne am Set bringt eine Idee, eine Perspektive, einen Impuls mit, der etwas verändern oder sogar verbessern kann. Und manchmal entsteht daraus etwas, das größer ist als das, was man sich allein jemals hätte vorstellen können
Deshalb versuche ich jedem Mitglied meines Teams Raum zu geben Kreative Freiheit. Ein Gefühl von Vertrauen. Ich höre zu, nehme Ideen an und ermutige alle, mutig zu sein. Denn selbst ein Gedanke, der auf den ersten Blick ungewöhnlich wirkt, kann eine neue Richtung eröffnen und etwas Unerwartetes auslösen.
Natürlich gibt es Momente, in denen eine Szene nicht so wird, wie ich es mir vorgestellt habe. Das gehört dazu. Es kann frustrieren, manchmal sogar richtig schmerzen. Aber auch dann versuche ich, das Beste daraus zu machen und nach vorne zu denken
Und dann gibt es Augenblicke, in denen alles genau so gelingt, wie es im Kopf begonnen hat. Manchmal sogar besser. In Staffel eins war das zum Beispiel die Szene im Schlafzimmer, als Ruby James besucht. Oder die Beerdigung, bei der ich schon beim Dreh den Song dabei hatte und Damian ihn vorgespielt habe.
Solche Momente sind es, die einen nach einem langen Drehtag mit einem Lächeln nach Hause gehen lassen. Weil man spürt:
Da ist etwas entstanden, das wahr ist. Etwas, das bleiben darf.
The first images and thoughts come to me very early Sometimes as soon as I hear the first pitch ideas or read the first script pages. This was especially easy with the wonderful scripts for season two, for which Ceylan was responsible as head writer Even during casting, the first scenes often take shape in my mind. I then see how they should feel, what pace they need, what emotional tone they carry, and how deep they are allowed to go
This process happens intuitively for me and often very quickly once I connect with a story Over time, I have developed my own way of working At night, when everything is quiet, I often sit alone in my cinema, listen to film music, and let my thoughts run free. In this silence and in these sounds, moments are created Images Emotions Scenes that will one day become reality
Still, it was important to me from the beginning not to cling rigidly to this first vision Film is created through exchange, through the interplay of many creative people Every single person on set brings an idea, a perspective, an impulse that can change or even improve something And sometimes something emerges from this that is greater than what one could ever have imagined alone
That is why I try to give every member of my team space Creative freedom A feeling of trust I listen, embrace ideas, and encourage everyone to be brave. Because even a thought that seems unusual at first glance can open up a new direction and trigger something unexpected
Of course, there are moments when a scene does not turn out the way I imagined it That is part of the process It can be frustrating, sometimes even truly painful.
But even then, I try to make the best of it and keep looking forward.
And then there are moments when everything works out exactly the way it began in my head. Sometimes even better. In season one, for example, this was the bedroom scene when Ruby visits James, or the funeral, where I already had the song with me during the shoot and played it to Damian.
These are the moments that make you go home smiling after a long day of shooting
Because you can feel that something real has been created Something that is allowed to stay
Wie schaffst du es – gemeinsam mit deiner Crew – eine Atmosphäre am Set zu erzeugen, in der Schauspieler:innen wirklich loslassen und sich in ihren Rollen fallen lassen können? // How do you – together with your crew –create an atmosphere on set where actors can truly let go and fully immerse themselves in their roles?
Mir ist es immer wichtig, dass am Set eine Atmosphäre entsteht, in der sich alle sicher fühlen und gerne arbeiten. Ein Ort, an dem man sich fallen lassen kann. Ich glaube fest daran, dass Menschen ihr Bestes geben, wenn sie mit Freude und Vertrauen arbeiten. Deshalb versuche ich, so gut es geht, Druck vom Set fernzuhalten und eine Umgebung zu schaffen, die offen und respektvoll ist
Bei Staffel Zwei hatten wir das große Glück, mit einem wunderbaren Team zu arbeiten Ein Team, das mich und die Schauspieler mit unglaublich viel Professionalität, Geduld und Empathie unterstützt hat. Gerade bei emotionalen Szenen ist das entscheidend In solchen Momenten müssen Ruhe, Konzentration und Respekt spürbar sein. Und genau das hat unser
Team geschaffen: eine leise, fokussierte Energie, in der Gefühle entstehen durften.
Aber genauso gibt es am Set Momente, in denen Leichtigkeit gefragt ist. Jeder Schauspieler arbeitet anders. Manche tauchen tief in Emotionen ein und bleiben nach der Szene in dieser Stimmung, um den inneren Raum zu halten, so wie Damian. Andere brauchen das Gegenteil, sie müssen lachen, reden, Bewegung spüren, um sich von der Szene zu lösen.
Und manchmal stehen genau diese zwei unterschiedlichen Menschen gemeinsam in einer emotionalen Sequenz. Dann wird es anspruchsvoll und man muss beide Bedürfnisse bedienen.
An solchen Tagen braucht es Feingefühl. Man muss spüren, was die Situation verlangt, und sich darauf einstellen können. Da geht es nicht nur um Technik oder Zeitplan, sondern um Menschen und Emotionen.
Und genau deshalb bin ich so dankbar für dieses Team. Wir hatten Menschen am Set, die nicht nur ihren Job gemacht haben, sondern die Stimmung getragen haben. Menschen, die hingeschaut, gehört und wahrgenommen haben Dadurch wurden viele schwierige Tage zu schönen Tagen.
It has always been important to me that an atmosphere is created on set in which everyone feels safe and enjoys working A place where you can let yourself go. I firmly believe that people give their best when they work with joy and trust That is why I try, as much as possible, to keep pressure away from the set and to create an environment that is open and respectful.
On Maxton Hall season two, we were incredibly lucky to work with a wonderful team. A team that supported me and the actors with an incredible amount of professionalism, patience, and empathy
Especiallyinemotionalscenes,thisis crucial Inthosemoments,calm, concentration,andrespectneedtobe tangible.Andthatisexactlywhatourteam created:aquiet,focusedenergyinwhich feelingswereallowedtoemerge Atthe sametime,therearealsomomentsonset whenlightnessisneeded Everyactorworks differently.Somedivedeeplyintoemotions andremaininthatmoodafterascenein ordertoholdthatinnerspace,likeDamian Othersneedtheopposite Theyhaveto laugh,talk,feelmovementinorderto detachfromthescene.Andsometimes thesetwoverydifferentpeoplestand togetherinanemotionalsequence Thatis whenitbecomesdemanding,andyou havetomeetbothneeds
Ondayslikethat,sensitivityisrequired You havetofeelwhatthesituationcallsforand beabletoadapttoit Itisnolongerjust abouttechniqueortheschedule,butabout peopleandemotions.
AndthatisexactlywhyIamsogratefulfor thisteam Wehadpeopleonsetwhodid notjustdotheirjob,butwhocarriedthe atmosphere.Peoplewholookedclosely, listened,andpaidattention Becauseof that,manydifficultdaysturnedinto beautifuldays
WennduaufStaffel2zurückblickst:Gibt eseineSzeneodereinenMoment,der dichpersönlichamstärkstenberührthat –undwashatihnsobesonders gemacht?//
Reflecting on Season 2, is there a particular scene or moment that resonated with you the most and what made it so impactful?
Es gibt so viele Momente aus der zweiten Staffel, die mir im Gedächtnis geblieben sind und die mich tief berührt haben. Diese Staffel war geprägt von intensiven Gefühlen, von Verlust, Schmerz und emotionalen Abstürzen. Und es war nicht leicht, Harriet und Damian in diese Dunkelheit zu führen, während ich sie gleichzeitig als Menschen so sehr schätze
Einer der Momente, die ich nie vergessen werde, war der Augenblick, als Damian seine allerletzte Einstellung gedreht hatte Danach standen wir uns gegenüber, völlig ausgepowert, und sind uns einfach in die Arme gefallen. In diesem Moment ist die ganze Last abgefallen. Wir hatten diesen emotionalen Weg gemeinsam hinter uns gebracht Es war ein stiller, aber unglaublich kraftvoller Moment.
Und ohne zu viel vorwegzunehmen: In Folge sechs gibt es eine Szene, in der ich Harriet bis an ihre emotionalen Grenzen führen musste. Sie hat diese Szene so mitreißend und wahrhaftig gespielt, dass mir jeder Wiederholungsdurchlauf schwer gefallen ist. Irgendwann konnte ich einfach nicht mehr weitermachen, weil es mir selbst wehgetan hat, sie erneut dort hindurchgehen zu lassen Ihr werdet es spüren, wenn ihr die Folge seht
Solche Augenblicke bleiben, weil sie nicht nur Teil einer Produktion sind, sondern Teil einer gemeinsamen Reise Wir sind in dieser Zeit zu einer Art Familie geworden. Und wenn man Menschen, die man liebt und achtet, in emotionale Extreme schickt, dann trägt man diese Verantwortung mit Das hat mich bewegt, geprägt und mir gezeigt, wie viel Vertrauen zwischen uns entstanden ist.
Diese Erinnerungen nehme ich mit aus Staffel zwei. Und ich weiß, dass ich sie so schnell nicht vergessen werde.
There are so many moments from the second season that have stayed with me and deeply moved me This season was marked by intense emotions, by loss, pain, and emotional collapses And it was not easy to lead Harriet and Damian into that darkness while at the same time valuing them so much as people
One of the moments I will never forget was the instant Damian shot his very last take Afterwards, we stood facing each other, completely exhausted, and simply fell into each other’s arms. In that moment, all the weight dropped away. We had gone through this emotional journey together It was a quiet, but incredibly powerful moment
And without giving too much away, in episode six there is a scene in which I had to lead Harriet to her emotional limits She played this scene so grippingly and truthfully that every repeat run became hard for me At some point, I simply could not continue, because it hurt me to make her go through it again You will feel it when you see the episode.
Moments like these stay with you because they are not only part of a production, but part of a shared journey. In that time, we became a kind of family And when you send people you love and respect into emotional extremes, you carry that responsibility with you That moved me, shaped me, and showed me how much trust had grown between us
These are the memories I take with me from season two. And I know I will not forget them anytime soon
Die Verbindung zwischen den Figuren in Maxton Hall fühlt sich außergewöhnlich
authentisch an – was braucht es deiner Meinung nach, um genau diese Chemie entstehen zu lassen? Und wie arbeitest du mit dem Cast daran, dass selbst kleine Momente wie Blicke oder Gesten ganz natürlich wirken und nicht gestellt? // The connection between the characters in Maxton Hall feels extraordinarily authentic – in your opinion, what does it take to create that kind of chemistry? And how do you work with the cast to make even small moments – like glances or gestures – feel natural rather than staged?
Damit eine außergewöhnliche Chemie zwischen zwei Figuren entsteht, müssen viele Elemente ineinandergreifen. Der erste und vielleicht wichtigste Schritt ist das Casting Deshalb haben wir über ein halbes Jahr lang nach dem richtigen James und der richtigen Ruby gesucht. Es reicht nicht, eine tolle Ruby oder einen großartigen James zu finden, beide müssen miteinander funktionieren, sich ergänzen und in ihrer Energie zusammenpassen.
Deshalb haben wir Harriet und Damian immer wieder gemeinsam getestet, bis wir gespürt haben: Das ist es.
Doch mit dem Casting beginnt es nur Danach folgen viele weitere Schritte, die diese Chemie sichtbar machen. Ein wichtiger Teil ist die Inszenierung. Wie stelle ich die beiden in Beziehung? Wie lasse ich sie einander anschauen? Wie erzähle ich Momente, in denen Worte zweitrangig werden und Blicke alles sagen?
Dann spielt auch der Schnitt eine enorme Rolle. Wann schneidet man auf wen? Wie lange bleibt ein Blick stehen? Welche Nuance bleibt im Bild, welcher Moment darf atmen? Eine gute Chemie kann im Schnitt verstärkt werden, aber sie kann dort auch verloren gehen. Es ist
faszinierend, wie sehr Timing, Rhythmus und Intuition darüber entscheiden, ob ein Moment knistert oder verpufft.
Die Kamera ist der nächste Punkt. Wann gehe ich nah in ein Gesicht, wann bleibe ich geheimnisvoll nur auf dem Rücken, wie beleuchte ich eine Szene Düster, freundlich, romantisch etc
Und dann kommt die Musik. Musik öffnet Emotionen. Wenn sie im richtigen Augenblick einsetzt, verstärkt sie Gefühle, die schon da sind, und kann eine Szene in etwas Größeres verwandeln Sie lässt Nähe spürbar werden, Intensität wachsen und Emotionen beim Zuschauer anklingen.
All diese Elemente greifen ineinander und formen am Ende das, was wir Chemie nennen. Doch an erster Stelle stehen immer die Schauspieler. Sie bringen die Grundenergie mit, aus der alles entsteht
Und selbst dann bleibt es ein Prozess. Ich habe auch schon Liebesgeschichten inszeniert, bei denen die Hauptdarsteller privat nicht miteinander konnten und auf dem Bildschirm dennoch spürbare Nähe entstand. Das zeigt, wie sehr Film Teamarbeit ist Ein Gefühl entsteht nicht zufällig Es ist das Ergebnis vieler Hände, vieler Köpfe und vieler Herzen, die gemeinsam erzählen.
For an extraordinary chemistry to emerge between two characters, many elements have to interlock. The first and perhaps most important step is casting That is why we searched for the right James and the right Ruby for more than half a year It is not enough to find a great Ruby or an outstanding James. They both have to work together, complement each other, and match in their energy
That is why we tested Harriet and Damian together again and again until we felt: this is it
But casting is only the beginning. After that, many more steps follow that make this chemistry visible One important part is the direction How do I place the two in relation to each other? How do I let them look at one another? How do I tell moments in which words become secondary and glances say everything?
Then editing plays an enormous role. When do you cut to whom? How long do you hold a glance? Which nuance stays in the frame, which moment is allowed to breathe? Good chemistry can be strengthened in the edit, but it can also be lost there. It is fascinating how much timing, rhythm, and intuition decide whether a moment crackles or fizzles out
The camera is the next point When do I go close to a face, when do I remain mysterious by staying only on the back, how do I light a scene? Dark, friendly, romantic, and so on.
And then there is the music Music opens up emotions. When it comes in at the right moment, it intensifies feelings that are already there and can transform a scene into something bigger It makes closeness tangible, lets intensity grow, and resonates emotionally with the audience.
All these elements interlock and ultimately form what we call chemistry But first and foremost are always the actors. They bring the basic energy from which everything grows
And even then, it remains a process. I have also directed love stories in which the leads could not get along in private, and yet a tangible closeness still emerged on screen That shows how much film is teamwork. A feeling does not arise by chance. It is the result of many hands, many minds, and many hearts telling a story together
Bei Maxton Hall wurde wahrscheinlich mehr gedreht als man am Ende in den Folgen sieht. Wie entscheidet man, was am Ende in den finalen Schnitt kommt? // For Maxton Hall, there was probably a lot more filmed than what we ultimately see in the episodes. How do you, together with your team, decide what makes it to the final cut?
In Staffel zwei haben wir tatsächlich kaum etwas herausgeschnitten. Es gibt nur zwei Szenen, die es nicht in die finalen Folgen geschafft haben und die wir später online veröffentlicht haben. In Staffel eins fällt mir sogar nur eine Szene ein, die wir komplett entfernt haben.
Das liegt vor allem daran, dass eine Serie anders produziert wird als ein Kinofilm. Bei einem Film kann es passieren, dass man am Ende einen Rohschnitt von vier Stunden hat, den man auf neunzig Minuten herunterarbeitet. Bei einer Serie steht uns dagegen weniger Zeit zur Verfügung, und wir drehen sehr gezielt. Dadurch entsteht kaum Material, das am Ende überflüssig ist
Die Versionen, die ihr am Ende seht, liegen deshalb sehr nah am ersten Schnitt Natürlich wird hier und da eine Szene ein wenig gestrafft, man steigt später ein oder früher aus. Aber vollständig entfernt werden nur sehr wenige Momente.
Warum die beiden Szenen aus Staffel zwei nicht geblieben sind, hatte vor allem dramaturgische Gründe. In der ersten Szene, der Autofahrt zur Party mit Ruby und Lydia, brauchten wir ein schnelleres Tempo, um zügiger im Plot voranzukommen und James früher zu begegnen. Die Szene hat an dieser Stelle gebremst
Die zweite Szene, in der James bei Rubys Eltern im Wohnzimmer sitzt und ins Verhör genommen wird, mochte ich persönlich sehr. Und ich habe gesehen, wie viele sich online gewünscht haben, dass sie bleibt. Als Einzelszene funktioniert sie wunderbar und ich liebe sie sehr. Aber innerhalb des emotionalen Verlaufs fühlte sie sich nicht richtig an. Wir enden in Folge drei mit einem intensiven, verletzlichen Moment zwischen Ruby und James. Direkt danach mit einer comedyhaften Szene weiterzugehen, hat die Tonalität gebrochen.
Solche Entscheidungen tun weh Ceylan hat viel Herz beim Schreiben in diese Szenen gesteckt, ich habe sie mit viel Liebe inszeniert und mein Kamerateam hat sie mit genauso viel Hingabe gefilmt. Die Mühen wegzuschmeißen ist nicht leicht Eine Szene herauszunehmen bedeutet niemals: Sie war nicht gut. Es bedeutet nur: Sie hat im Rhythmus der Geschichte nicht den richtigen Platz gefunden
Am Ende geht es immer darum, die Geschichte im Gesamtbild stimmig zu halten Und auch wenn es jedes Mal schmerzt, ist genau das manchmal der wichtigste Schritt auf dem Weg zu einer starken Erzählung.
In season two, we actually cut almost nothing There are only two scenes that did not make it into the final episodes and that we later released online In season one, I can only think of one scene that we removed completely
That is mainly because a series is produced differently from a feature film. With a film, it can happen that in the end you have a rough cut of four hours that you then work down to ninety minutes With a series, on the other hand, we have less time, and we shoot very deliberately. As a result, there is hardly any material that is ultimately superfluous
The versions you see in the end are therefore very close to the first cut Of course, here and there a scene is tightened a little, you enter later or exit earlier But very few moments are removed entirely.
The reason why the two scenes from season two did not stay in had mainly dramaturgical reasons. In the first scene, the car ride to the party with Ruby and Lydia, we needed a faster pace in order to move forward more quickly in the plot and encounter James earlier. The scene slowed things down at that point.
The second scene, in which James sits in Ruby’s parents’ living room and is taken through an interrogation, I personally liked very much And I saw how many people online wished that it would stay As an individual scene it works wonderfully, and I love it very much. But within the emotional flow, it did not feel right We end episode three with an intense, vulnerable moment between Ruby and James To go straight into a more comedy-like scene afterwards broke the tone.
Decisions like these hurt Ceylan put a lot of heart into writing these scenes, I directed them with a lot of love, and my camera team filmed them with the same dedication Throwing away that effort is not easy Removing a scene never means it was not good It only means it did not find the right place in the rhythm of the story.
In the end, it is always about keeping the story coherent as a whole. And even though
it hurts every time, that is sometimes the most important step on the way to a strong narrative
Inwiefern würdest du sagen, unterscheidet Maxton Hall von anderen Serien oder Filmen, an denen du gearbeitet hast oder die es gerade gibt? //
In what ways would you say Maxton Hall differs from other series or films you’ve worked on – or from others currently out there?
Maxton Hall unterscheidet sich für mich persönlich gar nicht so sehr von den Projekten, die ich vorher gemacht habe. Ich habe jede Produktion mit derselben Hingabe, Liebe und Sorgfalt begleitet Aber natürlich war Maxton Hall in einem Punkt etwas Besonderes: Es war meine erste Serie. Und eine Serie zu drehen bedeutet ein anderes Tempo. Bei einem Kinofilm entstehen oft nur zwei oder drei Minuten fertiges Material pro Tag Bei Maxton Hall waren es an manchen Tagen bis zu elf Minuten. Das erfordert mehr Effizienz, mehr Entscheidungen im Moment und manchmal auch Kompromisse. Man arbeitet weniger minutiös als bei einem Film, aber dafür mit einer anderen Art Energie
Was Maxton Hall im Vergleich zu anderen Produktionen unterscheidet, lässt sich schwer exakt definieren Aber etwas war uns von Anfang an klar: Wir wollten uns nicht vor Gefühlen verstecken. Wir wollten die Geschichte groß erzählen, die Emotionen ernst nehmen und ihnen Raum geben Manchmal wird so etwas belächelt, gerade hier in Deutschland. In anderen Ländern wird es gefeiert. Uns war es wichtig, mutig zu sein und der Geschichte zu vertrauen. Und ich glaube, dieser Mut wurde belohnt
Was Maxton Hall für mich ganz persönlich einzigartig macht, sind jedoch nicht Zahlen, Preise oder Sichtbarkeit Es sind die Menschen, die diese Geschichte tragen. Die
Fans. Die Art, wie sie reagieren, kommentieren, fühlen und teilen. Die Edits. Die Reaction Videos. Die Nachrichten, die täglich kommen Diese Welle an Liebe hat uns während der Dreharbeiten der zweiten Staffel begleitet. Wir haben sie irgendwann einfach so genannt: die Welle der Liebe.
Und genau dieses Gefühl getragen zu werden, verstanden zu werden, eine emotionale Verbindung zu einem Publikum zu haben, das wirklich spürt, was wir erzählen wollten macht Maxton Hall für mich unvergesslich Es hebt diese Serie für mich von allem anderen ab, was ich bisher gemacht habe. Nicht wegen der Größe des Projekts. Sondern wegen der Menschen, die es lieben
Maxton Hall does not feel that different to me personally from the projects I worked on before I accompanied every production with the same dedication, love, and care
But of course, Maxton Hall was special in one point: it was my first series. And shooting a series means a different pace In a feature film, you often only get two or three minutes of finished material per day
On Maxton Hall, on some days it was up to eleven minutes. That requires more efficiency, more decisions in the moment, and sometimes compromises You work less meticulously than on a film, but with a different kind of energy
What distinguishes Maxton Hall from other productions is difficult to define precisely But one thing was clear to us from the beginning: we did not want to hide from emotions We wanted to tell the story in a big way, take emotions seriously, and give them space Sometimes that is mocked, especially here in Germany. In other countries, it is celebrated. It was important to us to be brave and to trust the story And I believe that this courage was rewarded
What makes Maxton Hall truly unique for
me personally, however, are not numbers, awards, or visibility. It is the people who carry this story The fans The way they react, comment, feel, and share The edits The reaction videos The messages that come in every day. This wave of love accompanied us during the shooting of the second season. At some point, we simply started calling it that: the wave of love
And it is precisely this feeling of being carried, of being understood, of having an emotional connection to an audience that truly feels what we wanted to tell, that makes Maxton Hall unforgettable for me. It lifts this series above everything else I have done so far
Not because of the size of the project. But because of the people who love it
Was war das schönste Feedback, das du jemals zur Serie bekommen hast –vielleicht sogar direkt von einem Fan? // What’s the most beautiful or meaningful feedback you’ve ever received about the series – maybe even directly from a fan?
Eines der schönsten Feedbacks, das ich je bekommen habe, kam nach der ersten Staffel auf Instagram. Eine junge Frau aus der Ukraine schrieb mir, dass Maxton Hall ihr für sechs Stunden geholfen hat, den Krieg und all den Schmerz um sie herum für einen Moment zu vergessen. Diese Nachricht hat mich tief bewegt Und in diesem Moment habe ich verstanden, dass das, was wir tun, mehr sein kann als nur leichte Unterhaltung.
Es ist leicht, Projekte wie unseres zu unterschätzen oder ihnen Tiefe abzusprechen, besonders im Vergleich zu großen, dramatischen Kunstfilmen. Aber am Ende zählt nicht nur, was wir erzählen, sondern was es bei Menschen auslöst Welche Gefühle entstehen Welche Momente jemand erlebt, während er zuschaut.
Wenn eine Serie jemandem Trost schenken kann, Hoffnung, ein Lächeln oder einfach eine Pause von einer Realität, die schwer ertragbar ist, dann darf man das nicht gering schätzen Und genau das wurde uns immer wieder zurückgemeldet: dass, Menschen sich für eine Zeit leichter fühlen, berührt, getröstet oder inspiriert.
Wenn eine Serie jemandem Trost schenken kann, Hoffnung, ein Lächeln oder einfach eine Pause von einer Realität, die schwer ertragbar ist, dann darf man das nicht gering schätzen Und genau das wurde uns immer wieder zurückgemeldet: dass, Menschen sich für eine Zeit leichter fühlen, berührt, getröstet oder inspiriert.
Zu wissen, dass wir etwas geschaffen haben, das inmitten von Chaos, Schmerz oder Unsicherheit einen Lichtpunkt setzen konnte, macht mich stolz. Und es erinnert mich daran, warum wir Geschichten erzählen: weil sie Menschen erreichen können. Manchmal sanft. Manchmal kraftvoll. Aber immer mit Bedeutung.
the first season on Instagram A young woman from Ukraine wrote to me that Maxton Hall helped her forget the war and all the pain around her for six hours That message moved me deeply. And in that moment, I understood that what we do can be more than just light entertainment
It is easy to underestimate projects like ours or deny them depth, especially in comparison to big, dramatic art films But in the end, it is not only what we tell that
matters, but what it triggers in people. What feelings arise. What moments someone experiences while watching.
If a series can give someone comfort, hope, a smile, or simply a break from a reality that is hard to endure, then that should not be underestimated And that is exactly what was reflected back to us again and again: that people felt lighter for a while, touched, comforted, or inspired.
To know that we have created something that could place a point of light in the midst of chaos, pain, or uncertainty makes me proud. And it reminds me why we tell stories: because they can reach people
Sometimes gently. Sometimes powerfully. But always with meaning.
Viele junge Menschen träumen davon, als Regisseur:in zu arbeiten, wissen aber nicht, wo sie anfangen sollen. Welche Ratschläge würdest du jemandem geben, der in der Regie Fuß fassen will? // Many young people dream of working as a director but don’t know where to begin. What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in directing?
Wenn jemand Regie führen möchte, würde ich als Erstes mitgeben: Schaut Filme Wirklich viele Filme. Jeder Regisseur und jeder Film kann ein Lehrer sein. Und es lohnt sich nicht nur, großartige Filme zu sehen, sondern auch die schlechten Denn oft erkennt man erst an ihnen, warum etwas nicht funktioniert. Gutes Kino fließt manchmal so selbstverständlich, durch einen hindurch, dass man gar nicht merkt, wie viel Handwerk darin steckt Fehler dagegen bleiben hängen – und sie sind oft genauso wertvoll.
Der nächste Schritt ist: machen Drehen Experimentieren Ich habe mit zehn Jahren angefangen. Mit einer Kamera meines Vaters und meinen Actionfiguren habe ich
Stop Motion Filme gedreht. Ich hatte keine Schauspieler, keine Sets, nichts. Aber ich hatte den Drang, Geschichten zu erzählen.
Heute ist es viel einfacher. Jedes Smartphone kann fast kinoreife Bilder aufnehmen. Man kann mit günstiger Software schneiden und vertonen Die Möglichkeiten sind da, man muss sie nur nutzen.
Was ich über die Jahre gelernt habe: Es ist ein steiniger Weg. Man wird scheitern. Man wird kritisiert. Es wird Projekte geben, auf die niemand reagiert, und Momente, in denen man an sich zweifelt. Aber wenn man Geschichten wirklich liebt, bleibt man Man macht weiter. Und irgendwann beginnt sich der Weg zu öffnen.
Die wichtigste Lektion, die ich gelernt habe, lautet: immer einmal mehr aufstehen, als man gefallen ist. Wenn man das schafft, dann schafft man alles andere auch.
If someone wants to become a director, the first thing I would say is: watch films. Really a lot of films Every director and every film can be a teacher And it is not only worth watching great films, but also the bad ones Because often you only recognize why something doesn’t work by seeing them Good cinema sometimes flows through you so naturally that you don’t even notice how much craft is in it Mistakes, on the other hand, stay with you, and they are often just as valuable.
The next step is: do it Shoot Experiment I started when I was ten years old With my father’s camera and my action figures, I made stop-motion films I had no actors, no sets, nothing But I had the urge to tell stories
What I have learned over the years is this: it is a rocky road You will fail You will be criticized There will be projects that no one reacts to, and moments when you doubt
yourself. But if you truly love stories, you stay. You keep going. And at some point, the path begins to open
The most important lesson I have learned is: always get up one more time than you fall If you can do that, you can achieve everything else as well
Zum Abschluss: Gibt es etwas, das du den Leser:innen, oder auch der Maxton-HallCommunity, mitgeben möchtest? Etwas, das dir wichtig ist, zu sagen oder zu teilen? //
Last but Not least, is there anything you’d like to share with the readers or the Maxton Hall community? Something that’s important to you to say or express?
Uns ist es sehr wichtig, dass unsere Zuschauer verstehen, wie viel uns diese Geschichte bedeutet. Wenn wir Anpassungen vornehmen oder kleine Veränderungen einbauen, die nicht exakt so im Buch stehen, dann geschieht das nie leichtfertig. Wir übersetzen eine geliebte Vorlage in ein anderes Medium, in dem andere Regeln gelten, andere Möglichkeiten, aber manchmal auch andere Grenzen. Und jede Entscheidung treffen wir mit großem Respekt vor der Geschichte und immer mit den Fans im Herzen
Denn am Ende geht es uns darum, die Welt von Ruby und James so zu erzählen, dass sie auf dem Bildschirm genauso lebendig, intensiv und berührend ist, wie sie in den Köpfen der Lesenden existiert. Wir arbeiten mit großer Hingabe daran, die Reise dieser beiden Figuren zu einem Abschluss zu führen, der ihrer Bedeutung gerecht wird.
Und jetzt kommt der wichtigste Teil:
Wir sind unendlich dankbar Wirklich dankbar.
Diese Welle an Liebe, Unterstützung und Begeisterung, die uns seit der ersten Sekunde begleitet, hat uns getragen, durch lange Drehtage, schwierige Entscheidungen und all die emotionalen Momente hinter der Kamera. Wir alle werden das niemals vergessen.
Diese Community, die Nachrichten, die Edits, die Reaktionen, all die Wärme, die ihr uns schenkt. Das ist es, was Maxton Hall zu etwas Besonderem macht.
Danke, von ganzem Herzen.
Für euer Vertrauen.
Für eure Geduld.
Für eure Liebe
It is very important to us that our audience understands how much this story means to us When we make adjustments or introduce small changes that are not exactly as they are in the book, it is never done lightly. We are translating a beloved source into another medium, one with different rules, different possibilities, but sometimes also different limitations And every decision we make is taken with great respect for the story and always with the fans in our hearts
In the end, what matters most to us is to tell the world of Ruby and James in a way that is just as vivid, intense, and moving on screen as it exists in the readers’ minds We work with great dedication to bring the journey of these two characters to a conclusion that does justice to their meaning
And now comes the most important part:
We are endlessly grateful Truly grateful
This wave of love, support, and enthusiasm that has accompanied us from the very first second has carried us through long shooting days, difficult decisions, and all the emotional moments behind the camera
None of us will ever forget that.
This community, the messages, the edits, the reactions, all the warmth you give us. That is what makes Maxton Hall something special
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts
For your trust.
For your patience. For your love
ELISE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DAVISHA/DC
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST
JANINAFEATURES EDITOR & INTERVIEW COORDINATOR
JANA COMMUNITY MANAGER & INTERVIEW CORRESPONDENT)
ELVIRA RESIDENT ARTIST
ThankYou! ThankYou!
Asweclosethisissue,wewanttoextendourdeepestgratitudetothepeoplewho madeitasspecialasMaxtonHallitself
ToMartinSchreier-thankyouforyourtime,youropenness,andtheincredible insightyousharedwithus YourworkasthedirectorofMaxtonHallcontinuesto setastandardofstorytellingthatisbothemotionallygroundedandvisually unforgettable Yourdedicationtothisworldanditscharactersinspiresusmore thanyouknow,andhavingyourvoiceinthesepagesisanhonor.
ToPrimeVideo,thankyouforgiftingusaphenomenalsecondseasonandashow thatkeepsevolvinginwaysthatchallengeandexciteitsaudience MaxtonHallisa storythatstayswithpeople,andwearegratefulforthecontinuedsupportand passionthatbringittolife
ToElvira,yourbeautifulbackcoverartaddsafinalnoteofmagictothisissue.Your talentspeaksforitself,andwe’resogratefultohaveyourworkclosingoutthese pageswithsuchgrace.
Andmostimportantly,toourreaders-thankyouforstayingwithus,supportingus, anddivingintoeveryissuewiththesameenthusiasmwefeelwhilecreatingit. Thismagazineexistsbecauseofyou YourloveforMaxtonHallfuelseveryidea, everypage,andeverylate-nightedit Weareendlesslygratefulforthiscommunity
