#OpenToWork
➥ ABOUT
Mit mehr als drei Jahrzehnten Erfahrung als Production Designer, Creative Director, Art Director, Concept Artist, Kameramann, Set Designer und Beleuchter habe ich an einigen der bekanntesten und erfolgreichsten deutschen Animationsfilmen mitgewirkt. Darunter Heidi, Biene Maja, Mia und Me, Lauras Stern und Lars der kleine Eisbär, die mit zahlreichen internationalen Preisen ausgezeichnet wurden. Darunter der Deutsche Filmpreis, der Grimme-Preis, eine Emmy-Award-Nominierung und der Gold Panda Award.
Nach dem Abitur und dem Studium der Elektrotechnik an der TFH Berlin, galt mein großes Interesse sofort dem Realfilm, wo ich ein Jahrzehnt lang mit großer Freude als Kameraassistent, Requisiteur und Beleuchter für Dokumentarfilme, bekannte deutsche Fernsehserien, Features und Nachrichten arbeitete. Mit all diesen grundlegenden Erfahrungen und meinem 5-jährigen Studium an der Privaten Kunstschule Posin in Berlin, verließ ich vor fast drei Jahrzehnten den Realfilm und widmete meine Leidenschaft und mein Wissen dem Animations-Film.
Seit meinen ersten Realfilm-Projekten als Beleuchter und Kameraassistent gilt meine Leidenschaft dem Licht und der Inszenierung der Sets. Bis heute erschaffe ich am liebsten einzigartige Momente mit ganz speziellem Licht und Schatten.
Als Production Designers war ich meistens gleichzeitig der Art Director. Und so hatte ich das Glück, mit vielen internationalen Künstlern und Teams in Europa, Australien und Asien zusammenzuarbeiten, sie remote oder Vor-Ort zu leiten und mich von ihnen inspirieren zu lassen, um so eine künstlerische Vision vom ersten Entwurf bis zum fertigen Film zu verwirklichen.
Derzeit arbeite ich als Production Designer für Storm Films Norwegen.
Seit 2023 bin ich ernanntes Mitglied der Deutschen Filmakademie und sein 2024 ernanntes Mitglied der VES (Visual Effekts Society).
Außerhalb des Films beschäftige ich mich künstlerisch unter anderem mit Land Art und schaffe temporäre Werke, die meist den Gezeiten ausgesetzt sind und oft schon nach wenigen Stunden wieder verschwinden. So steht der Prozess der Entstehung und Vergänglichkeit im Vordergrund.
➥ Filmography • CGI
2023 - 2024 • FLYING BARK Feature Film Project in development • Art direction, Production Design
2022 - 2023 • Flamingo Flamenco • Feature Film • Art direction, Production Design
2021 - 2023 • Heidi, Die Rettung der Luchse • Feature Film • Art direction, Production Design
2021 • My Freaky Family • Feature Film • Art direction consultant
2021 • Bongo • TV season 1 • Art direction consultant
2021 • Biene Maja 3 • Das Geheime Königreich • Feature Film • Art direction consultant, Production Design
2021 • Tales from outer Suburbia • TV trailer • Matte Painter
2021 • The Canterville Ghost • Feature Film • Art direction consultant
2021 • Lauras Stern • Live Action Feature Film • Set Designer
2019 - 2020 • Mia and Me • TV season 4 • Art direction, Production Design • Art direction, Production Design
2021 • Mona Du • TV Pitch • Concept Artist
2017 - 2022 • Mia and Me, Das Geheimnis von Centopia • Feature Film • Art direction, Production Design
2016 - 2017 • Ganesha • TV season 1 • Art direction
2015 - 2017 • Sherazade, Geschichten aus 1001 Nacht • TV season 1 • Art direction, Production Design
2015 - 2016 • Biene Maja 2, Die Honigspiele • Feature Film • Art direction consultant, Production Design
2009 - 2010 • Lauras Stern und die Traummonster • Feature Film • Kamera/DoP
2007 - 2009 • Lauras Stern und der Geheimnisvolle Drache Nian • Feature Film • Art direction, Production Design, DoP
2005 - 2007 • Kleiner Dodo • Feature Film • Production Design, Set Design Supervisor, Layout Supervisor
2005 - 2007 • Kleiner Dodo • TV season 1 + 2 • Production Design, Set Design Supervisor, Layout Supervisor
2003 - 2004 • Lars, Der Kleine Eisbär • Feature film • Set Designer, Workbook
2002 - 2003 • Lauras Stern • Feature film • Set Designer, Workbook
2002 • Schule der kleinen Vampire • TV season 1 • Set Designer
2000 - 2002 • Es war einmal im Märchenland • Feature Film • Set Designer, Concept Designer
2001 • Moorhuhn Spots • TV spots • Set Designer
2000 • Die Gnarfs • TV season 1 • Set Designer
2000 • Nena • Pitch • Set Designer
2000 • Sherazade • TV Trailer • Set Designer
1999 - 2000 • Die Abrafaxe, Unter Schwarzer Flagge • Feature Film • Set Designer, Workbook
1998 - 1999 • Simsalagrimm • TV season 1 + 2 • Set Designer
1998 • Werner • Volles Rooäää!!! • Feature Film • 2D Layout
➥ Filmography • Realfilm
1995 • Peter Lustig • Mittendrin • season 8 • Beleuchter
1995 • Frech wie Rudi • season 1 + 2 • Bühne/Grip
1994 • Peter Lustig • Mittendrin • season 6 • Requisiteur, Grip
1990 • Schimanski • Tatort • Unter Brüdern • Feature Film • technischer Assistent
1989 - 1998 • SFB Berlin • Feature Film • Documentary • News • technischer Assistent, Beleuchter, Kamera Assistent
➥ Empfehlungen via LinkedIn
nur im englischen Originaltext
Annika Hirsch via LinkedIn 08.01.2024
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ralph for the past decade on various international projects, including renowned animation features such as ‘Maya the Bee’, ‘Mia and me’, and ‘Heidi’.
As a Production Designer and Art Director, Ralph's creativity combined with his professional approach and dedication have consistently impressed me throughout our professional journey.
Ralph's outstanding expertise in the intricate world of animation is truly remarkable.
His ability to seamlessly blend his artistic vision with technical know-how is proof to his proficiency in the field. Whether it's crafting visually stunning concepts, developing style guides or thoroughly designing elaborate sets, Ralph approaches each project with unwavering passion and tremendous attention to detail, artistically as well as always keeping in mind the follow-up decisions regarding other departments.
One of Ralph's outstanding qualities is his ability to envision a story from the
beginning of the design phase to the final grading and to lead at all stages. In our years of collaboration, I've witnessed his ability to creatively lead diverse teams, fostering a highly focused and effective working environment. His communication skills and willingness to train his team members make him a valuable leader as well as a joy to work alongside.
His contributions to every project he was involved in have undeniably elevated the
visual storytelling and overall aesthetic appeal to the highest level. Ralph's dedication to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the essence of each project is truly inspiring.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend Ralph for any role in the realm of Production Design for Animation Films, Art Direction, Concept Artistry, or Set Design.
His wealth of experience, artistic flair, and collaborative approach make him an invaluable asset to any creative team.
As a Production Designer and Art Director, Ralph's creativity combined with his professional approach and dedication have consistently impressed me throughout our professional journey.
Ralph's outstanding expertise in the intricate world of animation is truly remarkable.
His ability to seamlessly blend his artistic vision with technical know-how is proof to his proficiency in the field. Whether it's crafting visually stunning concepts, developing style guides or thoroughly designing elaborate sets, Ralph approaches each project with unwavering passion and tremendous attention to detail, artistically as well as always keeping in mind the follow-up decisions regarding other departments.
One of Ralph's outstanding qualities is his ability to envision a story from the
beginning of the design phase to the final grading and to lead at all stages. In our years of collaboration, I've witnessed his ability to creatively lead diverse teams, fostering a highly focused and effective working environment. His communication skills and willingness to train his team members make him a valuable leader as well as a joy to work alongside.
His contributions to every project he was involved in have undeniably elevated the
visual storytelling and overall aesthetic appeal to the highest level. Ralph's dedication to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the essence of each project is truly inspiring.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend Ralph for any role in the realm of Production Design for Animation Films, Art Direction, Concept Artistry, or Set Design.
His wealth of experience, artistic flair, and collaborative approach make him an invaluable asset to any creative team.
Gerhard Hahn via LinkedIn 21.03.2021
I am very happy about all productions like "Mia And Me" season 3 and 4, "Sherazade", "Mystery Museum" or "Die Sorgenfresser", which Ralph has realised magnificently in my company Hahn Film with the greatest personal responsibility and artistic competence as Senior Art Director and Senior Production Designer from the first concepts to the final grading. Especially his feeling for light is very unique. Both in his work as a production designer and as a photographer.
Ralph has led the productions of the last six years to great success through the rare combination of incredible artistic creativity and the most comprehensive technical understanding, his very good decision-making ability with a clear eye for the balance between budget and the highest artistic standards and his very good ability to lead, inspire and accompany small and large international teams, as well as his patience and perseverance.
Direct and close contacts were established with international studios in China and India through Ralph, enabling efficient workflows with the highest artistic output.
Existing brands such as "Mia und Me" or „Die Sorgenfresser" were visually elevated to a new, higher level and could thus be successfully further marketed internationally. New productions such as "Sherazade - Untold stories" were very successfully placed internationally.
I can unreservedly recommend Ralph as Senior Creative Director, Senior Art Director and Senior Production Designer. He has my full confidence and it has been a great honour to work with him over the past years. And I look forward to many more productions to continue working with him as quickly and often as possible.
Ralph has led the productions of the last six years to great success through the rare combination of incredible artistic creativity and the most comprehensive technical understanding, his very good decision-making ability with a clear eye for the balance between budget and the highest artistic standards and his very good ability to lead, inspire and accompany small and large international teams, as well as his patience and perseverance.
Direct and close contacts were established with international studios in China and India through Ralph, enabling efficient workflows with the highest artistic output.
Existing brands such as "Mia und Me" or „Die Sorgenfresser" were visually elevated to a new, higher level and could thus be successfully further marketed internationally. New productions such as "Sherazade - Untold stories" were very successfully placed internationally.
I can unreservedly recommend Ralph as Senior Creative Director, Senior Art Director and Senior Production Designer. He has my full confidence and it has been a great honour to work with him over the past years. And I look forward to many more productions to continue working with him as quickly and often as possible.
Maya Rothkirch via LinkedIn 22.09.2020
Ralph Niemeyer worked for our studio as Art Director and Production Designer over several years. His creative contribution were vital to the success for several of our productions such as “Laura’s Stern”, “Der kleine Eisbär und die geheimnisvolle Insel”, “Kleiner Dodo” and our latest CGI movie ”Keinohrhase und Zweiohrküken”
Ralph Niemeyer was a reliable and valuable member of our team who always showed great sense of commitment for any of the projects he was working on. He was always motivated beyond his call of duty and was looking for innovative solutions within our working process. Co-workers as well as directors appreciated working with him. His artistic input, and his ideas have significantly influenced the productions.
We are looking forward working with him again on future projects.
Ralph Niemeyer was a reliable and valuable member of our team who always showed great sense of commitment for any of the projects he was working on. He was always motivated beyond his call of duty and was looking for innovative solutions within our working process. Co-workers as well as directors appreciated working with him. His artistic input, and his ideas have significantly influenced the productions.
We are looking forward working with him again on future projects.
Sandra Salvador via LinkedIn 02.09.2020
Ralph is the most talented Art Director I had the pleasure of working on the production of Sorgenfresser, Mia and Me (season 4) and Mystery Museum at Hahn Film.
Ralph brings the Art Direction to a very high level quality. He is exceptional at creating a unique final look for every project.
Ralph has a long experience in the Animation industry with a deep knowledge of all the production stages involved to achieve the best quality of the Art Direction.
I highly recommend him as a Senior Art Director.
Sandra Salvador
Head of Production at Hahn Film AG
Ralph brings the Art Direction to a very high level quality. He is exceptional at creating a unique final look for every project.
Ralph has a long experience in the Animation industry with a deep knowledge of all the production stages involved to achieve the best quality of the Art Direction.
I highly recommend him as a Senior Art Director.
Sandra Salvador
Head of Production at Hahn Film AG
Alexander Erkens via LinkedIn 08.03.2019
I have the privilege to work with Ralph for meanwhile four years. I am consistently impressed by both Ralph's attitude towards his fellow combatants and his performance on the job.
His interpersonal and communication skills have allowed him to develop productive working relationships with partners and colleagues and have just proven his abilities to artistically lead bigger and international teams.
Ralph possesses solid knowledge of the animation industry, a good eye for quality and a well trained hand that allows him to transfer his unlimited pool of creativety onto the digital paper. His ability to remain unflustered during frenzied periods proves his ability to work well under tight deadlines.
I highly recommend him as a senior art director and concept artist without reservation.
His interpersonal and communication skills have allowed him to develop productive working relationships with partners and colleagues and have just proven his abilities to artistically lead bigger and international teams.
Ralph possesses solid knowledge of the animation industry, a good eye for quality and a well trained hand that allows him to transfer his unlimited pool of creativety onto the digital paper. His ability to remain unflustered during frenzied periods proves his ability to work well under tight deadlines.
I highly recommend him as a senior art director and concept artist without reservation.
