The Houseboat (2021) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
I know that Fynn called him
that one night.
FRANZI MULDER
DISASTER MANAGER
And Olli was screaming at him
over the phone.
He cursed and insulted him.
I was just standing there
wondering what's going on.
It got super personal and offensive.
Fynn just hung up at one point.
And I thought, "Who is this psycho
you bought that boat with?"
I've never had so many arguments in such
a short time as with Fynn Kliemann.
This is so-- I wake up angry
and go to bed angry.
That guy is killing me.
He-- He--
A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES
If this was my construction site,
I'd go crazy. Damn, this is my site.
We're moving!
I'm completely done.
I worked like a maniac.
Where is the enemy?
-Over there.
-Hellboy.
You'll meet the devil soon.
I was upset about his bad news.
I knew-- He sends a voice
message-- So he's with Herrlich Media
and has to do something, then he's
shooting another video with Brian
about some mopeds.
And between all of this he barks
into the phone, "We need 20,000!"
That's when I thought: "You asshole,
who do you think you are?"
A "How are you?"
is the least you can expect.
And "Do you have a minute?"
But not "I need 20,000!"
"We need it this week! Today is Thursday,
we need it by tomorrow!"
And it just so happened
that I was offended.
Yeah, I'm the bad guy sometimes.
It just happens.
Catch him flat-footed and you get
whipped cream on your face.
Well-- That day was intense.
I was just asking for money.
And then the alpha male power games began.
"Get back to me." "No, you get back
to me." "You want something, not me."
"I won't call you." This went on forever.
We hadn't talked for days.
So the question was who'd call first.
9 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
The last cut.
That's it! We're done!
Sick.
Now the roof's gone.
It's resting on these pillars.
But we've made it.
Our next step is raising it.
How heavy is it?
Probably three, three and a half tons.
Three and half tons?
-And we want to add 20 inches?
-Yeah.
-This will be exciting.
-Yeah.
Okay, let's crank.
Let's do it.
Further down.
The beams rest on the cross struts.
That's how we pump it up.
The ceiling is secured with these things
and from the top.
It's standing on these things
and is hanging from the roof.
And we'll go from pillar to pillar.
This is how we'll raise the roof.
In a wave-like shape.
Pumping it up in a wave-like shape.
You can tell that we work freely.
Fynn Kliemann is someone
who got famous with DIY videos on YouTube.
Then it turned out this was just
one small portion of his skill set.
He's an incredible singer, too.
He's an advertiser, too.
He owns an advertising agency.
He's also someone who only does
what he's really into.
Is there something?
You go inside and are like,
"My shoes are all clean!
They're like new."
Yeah, I'll dirty up the place.
I don't know how you--
Wow, that's for food!
I'll clean it.
Go!
The total package
is some sort of universal Peter Pan
who's a great musician,
turns amazing ideas into reality
and he's even an inventor,
a guy like Gyro Gearloose.
And he's a daydreamer.
And he's a chav from Bremen.
That's great, too.
Do we start or can I take this?
Hello? Make it quick,
I'm in the middle of an interview.
Is it about the boat? Then it's okay.
I told Olli that we need a company to buy
this thing. He's just like, "Do it."
So I set up company agreements,
set everything up,
put down names,
come up with a logo.
Well, everything that needs to be done.
This is new to me.
Usually, I'm him.
These damn pictures keep on disappearing.
What is this shit?
Usually, I'm the one having wild ideas
and doing whatever I want.
And someone else is doing the paperwork.
But now I have to be someone else.
I have to play the part
that others usually do for me.
This is annoying but it doesn't work
any other way.
Hey, dude.
Hey.
We have to raise that roof.
We'll do that.
-Come on.
-I don't want to.
At some point
Fynn just called Olli
or he picked up when Olli called him.
And Olli apologized.
You have to give him that.
He apologizes after his moments of
madness. Not everyone can do that.
And that probably made Fynn think
that they have to move on somehow.
I think
I knew that Fynn would just
pull this off alone.
I would have thought
that it would be pretty depressing
to quit now after such a long
and rocky road.
And above all, seeing this jerk
basking in being the toast of Harburg.
Harburg's new houseboat mogul.
This is awesome.
Look, the ceiling is floating.
It's great how high it is.
Yeah, really high, 20 inches.
We can do pull-ups.
We raise it by this much.
We can stand on each other's shoulders.
This is awesome.
Slowly, we were back on track.
And Fynn really has the talent
to find the right words.
You're a good talker.
Thanks, man.
In the right moments, you get to me.
We were almost done.
But that was a lie.
-Yeah, it--
-It was--
It sounded good, but it was a lie.
Yeah.
Because the bills just kept on coming.
But at that point I didn't care.
Shrouds have no pockets.
Yeah.
We have to talk about that window.
-Yeah.
-This is the back view of the boat.
-This is down there.
-Yeah.
Down to the floor?
Down to the floor. This is all glass.
If we want to be able to open it,
we need to install windows.
Or do we want just one big glass front?
Just one isn't possible.
-It is.
-One--
Just one window?
I was just-- He showed me in the office.
One glass front
or one thin beam right here.
You'd barely see it from outside.
Just one beam.
One panel here and another one there.
But the whole surface--
One huge front is expensive, right?
The idea was
to be able to change the window.
From the inside against the frame.
That's why we split it up in four pieces.
When it's only 5 feet wide,
it still fits through the door.
Okay.
This is hard to do
once the boat is in the water.
That's why we discussed this
with the manufacturer.
Those windows will be huge.
-Yeah, around 5-by-6 feet.
-Yeah.
-Pretty big.
-That's one divided into four.
-Let's divide them like in the drawing.
-Yeah.
The vision of a houseboat where you can
make music and as creative refuge,
that was our idea from the start.
Definitely.
So you made music here?
One up.
This is where I have made my records
since 2005. Well, not only here,
but also here in the "Transporterraum."
You're about to meet a legend.
He looks like a monk. He cut his hair.
Hello.
I brought Fynn along
because this is right up his alley, too.
And we've found a great counselor
with Moses.
He's been my go-to guy
with anything related to music
for 15 years now.
We're actually building a proper studio
and it's the first time we're doing it.
I need to ask.
A proper studio?
With a control room and recording room?
MOSES SCHNEIDER
MUSIC PRODUCER
-No, we don't--
-Or rather--
Or like this, everything in one room?
-Yeah.
-All-in-one.
-That's better.
-Well--
So it's not a proper studio
but something special.
-I don't know what it--
-You--
-Not in a classic sense.
-Yeah.
It's not a classic studio.
What's great about it is that
you don't need complicated technology.
-That can be in the way.
-Yes.
We'll have a somewhat special setting.
Let's say there's a band
that doesn't know the ropes yet
when it comes to producing.
Like us, just to be able to do something.
Sure, people can bring their producer,
which might be the case sometimes.
But maybe it's just a band
who wants to try some new songs.
How many bedrooms do you have on the boat?
-Three with--
-Three double beds.
And a large living area
-where--
-So a band could actually
-be housed there?
-Exactly.
That's the plan.
You need to get away for two weeks,
you rent the place.
-Everyone in one room. A drum set.
-Exactly.
-And keyboards.
-Yeah.
We want to host great musicians and
don't want them to think, "What is this?"
We don't want Henning May to turn around
and leave right away.
-We want him to be happy.
-So it can't be clean.
No worries, it's us running that boat.
Moses did the first
AnnenMayKantereit record.
-You did?
-I liked it.
You know them. We want them
to feel as comfortable as possible.
We--
That's our running joke.
"When Henning comes."
When Henning comes?
-Henning--
-It's--
-Henning--
-What's the first thing Henning will say?
-Exactly.
-This is what it's about.
Coming down!
We're moving!
Okay.
If there's one thing to say,
no one pinches money from me
like Fynn Kliemann.
He's like,
"You need to transfer the money tomorrow!"
-Yeah.
-"We need the money! Now!
I need those 10,000 Euros right now!"
-And I--
-Shut up!
I'm-- What I'm good at is--
-Being annoying.
-Yeah.
"We need that money!"
It's rare that business talks
go like this:
"Everything is pretty amazing."
There are always problems and deadlines
or you need an investor.
And it's the same with Olli and me.
However,
we're both maniacs.
So one has to soft-pedal.
One has to step back, be like,
"Okay, let's do it like that,
it will be more expensive."
But in the end
you just move on to the next problem.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
Stop!
It's getting hairy now.
And we're out.
Are we out?
Nice. It's not so hot anymore.
Summer is over, too.
Go!
Awesome escape.
Dude.
Dude.
Look at this!
Look at this!
This is the final painting.
Yeah, right?
Dude.
That thing is unbelievable.
Let's go inside.
In the back, we're done with sandblasting,
they're already painting.
Hey.
-Olli. Hey.
-Hey.
Dude, that room is huge!
This is the cathedral.
Two weeks ago, there was nothing.
No, nothing.
So this is the plan. Equipment.
So what instruments?
What instruments do we need?
Do we need a mixer?
Everything hardware.
And the next big issue
is wiring up the boat.
We want audio jacks in the living area,
so if you have an idea,
you can just record something.
Maybe.
The funny thing about keeping it small,
if you clutter a room with technology,
it doesn't feel good.
-Yeah.
-Everyone will record in the living area.
-Always.
-Because--
-It's more comfy.
-And here--
You want to cram everything in there.
The lining is awesome.
This is awesome, right?
-Inside out.
-Yeah.
You can have it. It's broken.
You can wear that, you're still young.
Everyone will think, "Crazy Fynn again."
For real?
Yeah, but I still need it today.
You can have mine.
This is my jacket, dude.
It used to be.
-So?
-Sorry.
I have a feeling that we'll
freestyle most of it.
But I have one great idea for our toilets.
-Let's install a plugboard for headphones.
-Yeah.
So you can hear what's going on
in the studio while on the shitter.
-Great idea.
-Awesome.
-That's a great idea.
-Okay.
That's awesome.
IT HAS TO BE HOMEY
That's your motto, right?
It has to be homey.
Moses said, it has to be homey.
-This is important.
-He has--
That's a great help for me.
I was afraid not to have enough slots
or if something wouldn't work.
We just need enough slots and we're sweet.
And we just have to make it homey.
Okay, so this will be really easy.
You could have just called Moses.
Just send a text message
saying, "It has to be homey."
Awesome.
That's us.
-That's a drum set.
-Cymbals.
That's us and a huge drum. We need a gong.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
Max, this has to be
your biggest project, too.
-Yeah, sure.
-What's to come after this?
There are not many 24-year-olds
who built--
A thing like this.
-Yeah, a thing like this.
-Put it on your résumé.
Seriously, though.
A challenge is always a good thing.
And you only grow
when you feel like it's just a huge
disaster during the process.
That's how you come out stronger.
STILL IN PROGRESS
We're both kind of alpha.
People always say that about me.
-You're way more alpha than I am.
-What?
I'm better at taking a back seat.
-No way!
-In the group--
-Such--
-I am.
-That's so not true!
-The group.
For me, the group always comes first.
You're the one who surges ahead.
And everyone follows you.
When I realize that everything
is going south
and a leader is needed,
then I'm like,
"Okay, I'll play that part."
-Out of generosity.
-I'm--
-Yeah, right.
-Exactly.
And you enter the conversation
thinking you're the boss.
"I brought beer!"
Or, "Fynn, give me the money." I give it
to and you go, "I got your money!"
-You're overwhelming
-I'm the communist here.
-No.
-I think the whole group--
-I want that sense of unity.
-This is--
If I'm miserable, you're miserable.
Yeah, exactly.
That's the only thing that's true.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
-Have you seen how exhausted Max looks?
-Yeah.
-Have you talked to his mother?
-Of course.
-She was a bit pissed.
-He's only 24.
He's used to life at the shipyard.
Just hook a cable reel
onto the distributor.
Hello.
That's a true worker.
-Okay.
-Let's go inside.
This is a regular houseboat.
This is a regular one.
They have three floors
and you have to walk like this.
Everywhere. Kitchen, bathroom.
And this is a regular houseboat.
-Yeah, you're right.
-A boat.
If we have a fight,
we just cut it here in the middle.
I'm good here.
Okay. Shake on it.
-No, I just said that for the camera.
-No.
Stop it. Take your hands away.
-Look at this.
-This is a living hell.
Sandblasting is a crappy job.
At least like this.
This is fine sand, right?
This feels amazing, like on the moon.
Yeah, but it's--
It's full of particles.
Yeah, rust, all sorts of paint.
That orange color surely contained lead.
We have to get three tons of sand
out of here.
Sandblasting is a logistical disaster.
-Exactly.
-You know how much diesel we used?
For 1,000 Euros.
The compressor--
Diesel for 1,000 Euros?
-Another 5,000 Euros rent for the machine.
-Gnarly.
The sand was 300 Euros
and we had to get more.
Plus how many guys for one week?
-So sandblasting was 15,000 Euros.
-Yeah.
-For this. Just to get rid of the rust.
-Yeah.
That's why no one does this.
When we realized that we bought
a huge piece of trash--
So we asked ourselves
if there's anything at all
that we can keep. It's as if someone
pries something away from you
and you're holding on to a tiny bit
with the last of your strength.
Just to keep it.
And it's exactly like this.
They took the whole boat from us.
And we just held on to something
before everything was gone.
So I was asking about the ceiling.
They said that we could keep it.
It would be stupid and more expensive,
but you could keep it.
So we kept it.
Yeah.
Let's just haul her to a gas station
and use their vacuum cleaner.
-That's what I said.
-Yeah.
And when the cleaner is done,
they get us a new one.
But we could do it like that, right?
Just not into a collection bag
but open it up.
Not enough pressure, right?
You know what I mean?
Just straight into another container.
So we don't need to do this with a shovel.
With the right equipment, sure.
But if you got one at Home Depot,
you need to shovel.
We got to get this out somehow.
Let's ask Klaus.
-Did you talk to him?
-No.
You're good with him.
We can use shovels and the cleaner for
the rest. Now you want to be effective?
That's exactly the kind of advice
I need right now.
Can we just take a tube out of there
to pump out all the sand?
-All in one go.
-I don't know.
Our cleaner's capacity is much too low.
-What?
-Yeah.
No need to invent a new gadget.
We just use shovels,
carry it out in buckets
and clean the rest out.
-Don't reinvent the wheel.
-That takes long.
There are five people
waiting to get going.
We don't want to reinvent the wheel.
But there are--
-Those cleaners--
-Yeah.
-Then go get one.
-That's why we discuss this.
Easy.
Yeah, easy.
Or pour water over it.
Great idea.
It'll be rusting away immediately.
Yeah.
Please, don't start now
after three weeks--
I'm completely done.
I worked like a maniac.
Don't tell me now you know it better.
-No.
-There's one system.
We do it like this and that's it.
Max, it's okay, we do it like that,
but sometimes it worth it to reconsider.
Yeah, you're right.
Come on, we help, too.
Can we do that today?
That's why everyone's here.
-Great.
-Great.
Come on.
Plug it in, get going.
We don't have anything to say here.
Fynn.
If you get to do the dirty work
all the time
and there is rarely
or no appreciation at all
because they're not around and don't
understand the mechanisms.
And then more or less on the last day
they want to tell me
how it's done when they've been
remaining on the sidelines up until then.
I was in a bad mood all day anyway
and just waiting
for something like that.
I needed to get it out of my system.
Olli just said we created a monster.
But it's great. He feels responsible,
I mean, he actually is,
he built this thing.
He has his boys here
and we listen to what he says.
Life on a boat is hard.
I have a feeling Max needs some days off
to get back on his feet.
The guys down there
need someone to lead them.
I can't stand it
if someone works extra slow.
If someone makes a detour
just to empty out his bucket.
If someone walks creepily slow,
I just can't stand it.
I look at it and think,
"If this was my construction site,
I'd go crazy. Damn, this is my site."
And then I want to say something,
but we're not around often.
It might be arrogant, but I feel like
if I was here, everything would go faster.
Max is someone who works
super-fast and precise. Ole too.
But they're just exhausted.
So no one is paying attention anymore
and everyone does what they want.
And that's dangerous.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Up there.
-Can you?
Elegant like a penguin.
Max doesn't really understand
these past four months of his life.
-It'll change.
-I've been living like that for ten years.
For him, it's four months.
For me, ten years.
But you don't work
on one project for four months.
-You pick them.
-So what?
Sure, but working here every day
from morning till evening is different
than building a helicopter out of a bike.
-That's different.
-That's the problem, you don't see it.
No.
-No one sees that.
-No one, because you don't share anything.
You're right. Just hard work.
No, seriously.
You're a creative guy, I don't deny that.
But working on a construction site like
this is something completely different
than doing that awesome stuff
at your place.
It's just different
than a construction site--
No, it's not. All the stuff I don't film
is just the same backbreaking work.
-We work until 4 a.m.
-Film it.
-Film it.
-That's boring.
Everyone thinks they work the most.
-No. They do more than me.
-Everyone does.
I work a lot but not that much.
Exactly. And I say with confidence
that I work more than everybody else here.
It's just the way it is. And on top of
that I'm being told that I'm not around
for three weeks.
I always try to be here.
What I saw is that you spent
the last four days surfing in Portugal.
Well--
-That's what I saw.
-You're right, yeah.
That's the thing. I haven't been
on a vacation in two years.
Now I go to Portugal for four days
and I'm lazy.
-You know what I mean?
-Well, you--
Honestly? I believe that you work a lot.
-And you choose work that you're into.
-Sure.
But spending a week sandblasting--
-That's--
-No, I--
I have major respect for them.
But there's one thing I can't stand.
-Being criticized for--
-Who's criticizing you?
I realize how they look at me.
-You know what I mean.
-I do.
I just don't want to have
these discussions--
I'm not saying anything!
-I didn't criticize you!
-But you--
Where is the enemy?
Where is the evil
you're trying to put into words?
There it is.
With horns left and right.
-Hellboy.
-You'll meet the devil soon enough.
He can't take a joke anymore.
He'll punch us both after this.
I heard you can defend yourself.
You'll have to defend me, too.
He's strong. He's small and wiry.
Let's go back to the boat.
Everything's fine on my end.
Same here.
I have to pee.
I'll go up to see the others.
Others? Everyone's on the boat.
There might be some.
-Okay.
-I'm getting a beer. Want one?
The beer's on the boat.
I'll go pee and join you.
I won't see him again.
No, I'm coming.
My back, though.
Pull a little more.
If I let go, the stern will slip off.
No, you need to keep holding that.
This can tear you in two pieces.
You need new shoes, boy.
My shoes mirror my physical state.
What size are you?
-I'm a 12.5.
-Really?
No.
-This is not a 12.5.
-You want me to show you the label?
There is no label anymore.
-You're a 12.5 as well?
-Yeah.
You can wear all of my shoes.
I'll bring you some.
-Gladly.
-So you do the boat!
My vision is,
once the steel construction is done,
with a bunch of highly motivated craftsmen
to do the interior fittings in Harburg.
I hope I'll be able
to organize a nice place
and to bring this project to a nice end.
13 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
So now we have to--
-Make holes.
-Portholes.
Exactly. They're already outlined.
It's easier to make the holes
from outside.
So we don't have
to arrange anything in here.
Three!
Two!
One!
And
-Dude!
-There's the hole!
Thanks, guys!
Yeah, Olli and I did it together.
Okay.
Make sure it fits at the sides.
I have to fix it at zero at the bottom,
like it's now.
I got it.
-Did it hurt?
-Sorry.
-No worries.
-All good?
Yeah, a little--
-We have to--
-I had it.
Wait, this isn't on the edge.
Do you have it grounded?
-Apparently.
-Yeah, apparently.
Fits like a glove.
You know the pull welding seam, right?
Turning it on and off, that's important.
Like playing paintball.
We'll have to do some sanding.
It is what it is.
We were broke
and the boat wasn't done yet.
And this situation made it necessary
to think about
bringing someone in with money.
All that annex was a bedroom.
We removed it completely.
There were just semen stains.
Yeah. We built that up--
We've been talking about Tim for a while.
He's from Hamburg,
he's an expert when it comes to food.
And sometimes we need food on the boat.
So we thought, "Maybe he's keen."
Also, he knows a thing or two
about running a business
and has creative solutions
for certain problems.
And it's not a problem for him
to buy into the company.
And he'd be
a great new member for us.
-This looks all right.
-Sure.
We move in next week.
Next week we'll live here.
Show him the--
This is the kitchen area.
He wants to--
-There's a window, too.
-I also have other interests in my life.
-No.
-No.
You could do cooking shows here.
Anything is possible.
You can cook away and look out the window.
Or you can film through the window
for a front view.
-Plaice, too?
-Sure.
Jan.
-We're having a look at the houseboat.
-Hey there.
Hey.
I need 15 minutes. Is that okay?
You seem to be comfortable.
Great cappuccino.
See how everything looks, Jan.
You don't get my money.
Getting money was never the issue.
It was rather choosing someone
who wouldn't bother us.
Or someone who would destroy our idea.
Or someone who'd change the design
or doesn't share our vision.
The whole boat is wired.
You can record everywhere.
Our primary focus are bands and artists.
-Awesome.
-Where is the sun deck?
-Up.
-Let's go up.
Let's go up.
-You're all right?
-Sure.
This is the sun deck.
Those are our solar panels.
There'll be a stage
and a Jacuzzi in the corner.
And a little bar on the left.
So there'll be room for 100 people,
maybe 120.
Do you do this for financial reasons or--?
-We have to--
-We have to generate money.
The problem is, we invested at least
half a million in this thing.
And we have to refinance it
at least to some extent.
In terms of economic efficiency
it's important to know
if the bands need to stay overnight
or if you're financially more flexible.
Is music your main target or--?
No, you can also write a book here.
Writing a book, weddings, yeah.
-Everything's possible.
-Yeah, sure.
-Weddings.
-Weddings bring money.
Or a reading at night in summer.
-That stuff.
-But that doesn't make you money.
-Yeah--
-But--
I'd completely separate it.
Keep that creative part,
that's part of the boat's history.
And the rest makes us money.
Exactly.
Don't think romantically
about the financial aspect.
You can be romantic when it comes to
content. I'm touched, too, standing here.
-Imagine it in summer.
-Harburg works, too.
You know how arrogant
people in Hamburg are.
Harburg is another city for them.
We'll teach them
when we invest in this boat.
Again, this is smart
and you put your hearts into this--
-He's in.
-Easy.
That--
Take it easy.
Bye, I need to run.
-Jan Böhmermann is calling me.
-Yeah.
-He--
-He wants to warn me.
This is really cool.
You can be proud of yourselves.
-We are.
-Good--
You didn't know
what you were getting into.
No.
There were moments--
Sometimes Fynn can really corner me.
I sent him rambling messages.
I didn't corner you.
But we're getting along.
He can corner me-- Those messages--
-Half a million?
-Do I have them?
Damn.
I'm coming. I'm on my way to the car.
We're still on the boat.
I'm busy, too.
It's not always only about you.
I'm checking out boat slips with Tim,
Olli is recording a podcast in my car.
Physically, I'm at the port of Harburg
at our houseboat.
Fynn and I are preparing our next steps.
Tim Mälzer is visiting us.
He's next to the car
and Fynn is filming me right now.
They're joking around
because I'm sitting in the car
and recording this podcast with you.
Can we make a third podcast
this week? I need money. What about you?
You want to become the maritime type?
I need to run, my soup is ready.
You only want my money.
My new record will release in January.
I'm a nervous wreck.
The boat will be done in summer,
"Kliemannsland" expires in August.
Everything's over.
I'll just hang around with my dog,
buy a dinghy, cruise around our boat
and listen to music.
Yeah, you'll surely pull out
from one day to the next.
-Wait and see.
-Because--
I'll do it.
I need a break in my life. For real.
-Yeah?
-Or I'll have a nervous breakdown.
Subtitle translation by Marcel Zriki
that one night.
FRANZI MULDER
DISASTER MANAGER
And Olli was screaming at him
over the phone.
He cursed and insulted him.
I was just standing there
wondering what's going on.
It got super personal and offensive.
Fynn just hung up at one point.
And I thought, "Who is this psycho
you bought that boat with?"
I've never had so many arguments in such
a short time as with Fynn Kliemann.
This is so-- I wake up angry
and go to bed angry.
That guy is killing me.
He-- He--
A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES
If this was my construction site,
I'd go crazy. Damn, this is my site.
We're moving!
I'm completely done.
I worked like a maniac.
Where is the enemy?
-Over there.
-Hellboy.
You'll meet the devil soon.
I was upset about his bad news.
I knew-- He sends a voice
message-- So he's with Herrlich Media
and has to do something, then he's
shooting another video with Brian
about some mopeds.
And between all of this he barks
into the phone, "We need 20,000!"
That's when I thought: "You asshole,
who do you think you are?"
A "How are you?"
is the least you can expect.
And "Do you have a minute?"
But not "I need 20,000!"
"We need it this week! Today is Thursday,
we need it by tomorrow!"
And it just so happened
that I was offended.
Yeah, I'm the bad guy sometimes.
It just happens.
Catch him flat-footed and you get
whipped cream on your face.
Well-- That day was intense.
I was just asking for money.
And then the alpha male power games began.
"Get back to me." "No, you get back
to me." "You want something, not me."
"I won't call you." This went on forever.
We hadn't talked for days.
So the question was who'd call first.
9 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
The last cut.
That's it! We're done!
Sick.
Now the roof's gone.
It's resting on these pillars.
But we've made it.
Our next step is raising it.
How heavy is it?
Probably three, three and a half tons.
Three and half tons?
-And we want to add 20 inches?
-Yeah.
-This will be exciting.
-Yeah.
Okay, let's crank.
Let's do it.
Further down.
The beams rest on the cross struts.
That's how we pump it up.
The ceiling is secured with these things
and from the top.
It's standing on these things
and is hanging from the roof.
And we'll go from pillar to pillar.
This is how we'll raise the roof.
In a wave-like shape.
Pumping it up in a wave-like shape.
You can tell that we work freely.
Fynn Kliemann is someone
who got famous with DIY videos on YouTube.
Then it turned out this was just
one small portion of his skill set.
He's an incredible singer, too.
He's an advertiser, too.
He owns an advertising agency.
He's also someone who only does
what he's really into.
Is there something?
You go inside and are like,
"My shoes are all clean!
They're like new."
Yeah, I'll dirty up the place.
I don't know how you--
Wow, that's for food!
I'll clean it.
Go!
The total package
is some sort of universal Peter Pan
who's a great musician,
turns amazing ideas into reality
and he's even an inventor,
a guy like Gyro Gearloose.
And he's a daydreamer.
And he's a chav from Bremen.
That's great, too.
Do we start or can I take this?
Hello? Make it quick,
I'm in the middle of an interview.
Is it about the boat? Then it's okay.
I told Olli that we need a company to buy
this thing. He's just like, "Do it."
So I set up company agreements,
set everything up,
put down names,
come up with a logo.
Well, everything that needs to be done.
This is new to me.
Usually, I'm him.
These damn pictures keep on disappearing.
What is this shit?
Usually, I'm the one having wild ideas
and doing whatever I want.
And someone else is doing the paperwork.
But now I have to be someone else.
I have to play the part
that others usually do for me.
This is annoying but it doesn't work
any other way.
Hey, dude.
Hey.
We have to raise that roof.
We'll do that.
-Come on.
-I don't want to.
At some point
Fynn just called Olli
or he picked up when Olli called him.
And Olli apologized.
You have to give him that.
He apologizes after his moments of
madness. Not everyone can do that.
And that probably made Fynn think
that they have to move on somehow.
I think
I knew that Fynn would just
pull this off alone.
I would have thought
that it would be pretty depressing
to quit now after such a long
and rocky road.
And above all, seeing this jerk
basking in being the toast of Harburg.
Harburg's new houseboat mogul.
This is awesome.
Look, the ceiling is floating.
It's great how high it is.
Yeah, really high, 20 inches.
We can do pull-ups.
We raise it by this much.
We can stand on each other's shoulders.
This is awesome.
Slowly, we were back on track.
And Fynn really has the talent
to find the right words.
You're a good talker.
Thanks, man.
In the right moments, you get to me.
We were almost done.
But that was a lie.
-Yeah, it--
-It was--
It sounded good, but it was a lie.
Yeah.
Because the bills just kept on coming.
But at that point I didn't care.
Shrouds have no pockets.
Yeah.
We have to talk about that window.
-Yeah.
-This is the back view of the boat.
-This is down there.
-Yeah.
Down to the floor?
Down to the floor. This is all glass.
If we want to be able to open it,
we need to install windows.
Or do we want just one big glass front?
Just one isn't possible.
-It is.
-One--
Just one window?
I was just-- He showed me in the office.
One glass front
or one thin beam right here.
You'd barely see it from outside.
Just one beam.
One panel here and another one there.
But the whole surface--
One huge front is expensive, right?
The idea was
to be able to change the window.
From the inside against the frame.
That's why we split it up in four pieces.
When it's only 5 feet wide,
it still fits through the door.
Okay.
This is hard to do
once the boat is in the water.
That's why we discussed this
with the manufacturer.
Those windows will be huge.
-Yeah, around 5-by-6 feet.
-Yeah.
-Pretty big.
-That's one divided into four.
-Let's divide them like in the drawing.
-Yeah.
The vision of a houseboat where you can
make music and as creative refuge,
that was our idea from the start.
Definitely.
So you made music here?
One up.
This is where I have made my records
since 2005. Well, not only here,
but also here in the "Transporterraum."
You're about to meet a legend.
He looks like a monk. He cut his hair.
Hello.
I brought Fynn along
because this is right up his alley, too.
And we've found a great counselor
with Moses.
He's been my go-to guy
with anything related to music
for 15 years now.
We're actually building a proper studio
and it's the first time we're doing it.
I need to ask.
A proper studio?
With a control room and recording room?
MOSES SCHNEIDER
MUSIC PRODUCER
-No, we don't--
-Or rather--
Or like this, everything in one room?
-Yeah.
-All-in-one.
-That's better.
-Well--
So it's not a proper studio
but something special.
-I don't know what it--
-You--
-Not in a classic sense.
-Yeah.
It's not a classic studio.
What's great about it is that
you don't need complicated technology.
-That can be in the way.
-Yes.
We'll have a somewhat special setting.
Let's say there's a band
that doesn't know the ropes yet
when it comes to producing.
Like us, just to be able to do something.
Sure, people can bring their producer,
which might be the case sometimes.
But maybe it's just a band
who wants to try some new songs.
How many bedrooms do you have on the boat?
-Three with--
-Three double beds.
And a large living area
-where--
-So a band could actually
-be housed there?
-Exactly.
That's the plan.
You need to get away for two weeks,
you rent the place.
-Everyone in one room. A drum set.
-Exactly.
-And keyboards.
-Yeah.
We want to host great musicians and
don't want them to think, "What is this?"
We don't want Henning May to turn around
and leave right away.
-We want him to be happy.
-So it can't be clean.
No worries, it's us running that boat.
Moses did the first
AnnenMayKantereit record.
-You did?
-I liked it.
You know them. We want them
to feel as comfortable as possible.
We--
That's our running joke.
"When Henning comes."
When Henning comes?
-Henning--
-It's--
-Henning--
-What's the first thing Henning will say?
-Exactly.
-This is what it's about.
Coming down!
We're moving!
Okay.
If there's one thing to say,
no one pinches money from me
like Fynn Kliemann.
He's like,
"You need to transfer the money tomorrow!"
-Yeah.
-"We need the money! Now!
I need those 10,000 Euros right now!"
-And I--
-Shut up!
I'm-- What I'm good at is--
-Being annoying.
-Yeah.
"We need that money!"
It's rare that business talks
go like this:
"Everything is pretty amazing."
There are always problems and deadlines
or you need an investor.
And it's the same with Olli and me.
However,
we're both maniacs.
So one has to soft-pedal.
One has to step back, be like,
"Okay, let's do it like that,
it will be more expensive."
But in the end
you just move on to the next problem.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
Stop!
It's getting hairy now.
And we're out.
Are we out?
Nice. It's not so hot anymore.
Summer is over, too.
Go!
Awesome escape.
Dude.
Dude.
Look at this!
Look at this!
This is the final painting.
Yeah, right?
Dude.
That thing is unbelievable.
Let's go inside.
In the back, we're done with sandblasting,
they're already painting.
Hey.
-Olli. Hey.
-Hey.
Dude, that room is huge!
This is the cathedral.
Two weeks ago, there was nothing.
No, nothing.
So this is the plan. Equipment.
So what instruments?
What instruments do we need?
Do we need a mixer?
Everything hardware.
And the next big issue
is wiring up the boat.
We want audio jacks in the living area,
so if you have an idea,
you can just record something.
Maybe.
The funny thing about keeping it small,
if you clutter a room with technology,
it doesn't feel good.
-Yeah.
-Everyone will record in the living area.
-Always.
-Because--
-It's more comfy.
-And here--
You want to cram everything in there.
The lining is awesome.
This is awesome, right?
-Inside out.
-Yeah.
You can have it. It's broken.
You can wear that, you're still young.
Everyone will think, "Crazy Fynn again."
For real?
Yeah, but I still need it today.
You can have mine.
This is my jacket, dude.
It used to be.
-So?
-Sorry.
I have a feeling that we'll
freestyle most of it.
But I have one great idea for our toilets.
-Let's install a plugboard for headphones.
-Yeah.
So you can hear what's going on
in the studio while on the shitter.
-Great idea.
-Awesome.
-That's a great idea.
-Okay.
That's awesome.
IT HAS TO BE HOMEY
That's your motto, right?
It has to be homey.
Moses said, it has to be homey.
-This is important.
-He has--
That's a great help for me.
I was afraid not to have enough slots
or if something wouldn't work.
We just need enough slots and we're sweet.
And we just have to make it homey.
Okay, so this will be really easy.
You could have just called Moses.
Just send a text message
saying, "It has to be homey."
Awesome.
That's us.
-That's a drum set.
-Cymbals.
That's us and a huge drum. We need a gong.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
Max, this has to be
your biggest project, too.
-Yeah, sure.
-What's to come after this?
There are not many 24-year-olds
who built--
A thing like this.
-Yeah, a thing like this.
-Put it on your résumé.
Seriously, though.
A challenge is always a good thing.
And you only grow
when you feel like it's just a huge
disaster during the process.
That's how you come out stronger.
STILL IN PROGRESS
We're both kind of alpha.
People always say that about me.
-You're way more alpha than I am.
-What?
I'm better at taking a back seat.
-No way!
-In the group--
-Such--
-I am.
-That's so not true!
-The group.
For me, the group always comes first.
You're the one who surges ahead.
And everyone follows you.
When I realize that everything
is going south
and a leader is needed,
then I'm like,
"Okay, I'll play that part."
-Out of generosity.
-I'm--
-Yeah, right.
-Exactly.
And you enter the conversation
thinking you're the boss.
"I brought beer!"
Or, "Fynn, give me the money." I give it
to and you go, "I got your money!"
-You're overwhelming
-I'm the communist here.
-No.
-I think the whole group--
-I want that sense of unity.
-This is--
If I'm miserable, you're miserable.
Yeah, exactly.
That's the only thing that's true.
10 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
-Have you seen how exhausted Max looks?
-Yeah.
-Have you talked to his mother?
-Of course.
-She was a bit pissed.
-He's only 24.
He's used to life at the shipyard.
Just hook a cable reel
onto the distributor.
Hello.
That's a true worker.
-Okay.
-Let's go inside.
This is a regular houseboat.
This is a regular one.
They have three floors
and you have to walk like this.
Everywhere. Kitchen, bathroom.
And this is a regular houseboat.
-Yeah, you're right.
-A boat.
If we have a fight,
we just cut it here in the middle.
I'm good here.
Okay. Shake on it.
-No, I just said that for the camera.
-No.
Stop it. Take your hands away.
-Look at this.
-This is a living hell.
Sandblasting is a crappy job.
At least like this.
This is fine sand, right?
This feels amazing, like on the moon.
Yeah, but it's--
It's full of particles.
Yeah, rust, all sorts of paint.
That orange color surely contained lead.
We have to get three tons of sand
out of here.
Sandblasting is a logistical disaster.
-Exactly.
-You know how much diesel we used?
For 1,000 Euros.
The compressor--
Diesel for 1,000 Euros?
-Another 5,000 Euros rent for the machine.
-Gnarly.
The sand was 300 Euros
and we had to get more.
Plus how many guys for one week?
-So sandblasting was 15,000 Euros.
-Yeah.
-For this. Just to get rid of the rust.
-Yeah.
That's why no one does this.
When we realized that we bought
a huge piece of trash--
So we asked ourselves
if there's anything at all
that we can keep. It's as if someone
pries something away from you
and you're holding on to a tiny bit
with the last of your strength.
Just to keep it.
And it's exactly like this.
They took the whole boat from us.
And we just held on to something
before everything was gone.
So I was asking about the ceiling.
They said that we could keep it.
It would be stupid and more expensive,
but you could keep it.
So we kept it.
Yeah.
Let's just haul her to a gas station
and use their vacuum cleaner.
-That's what I said.
-Yeah.
And when the cleaner is done,
they get us a new one.
But we could do it like that, right?
Just not into a collection bag
but open it up.
Not enough pressure, right?
You know what I mean?
Just straight into another container.
So we don't need to do this with a shovel.
With the right equipment, sure.
But if you got one at Home Depot,
you need to shovel.
We got to get this out somehow.
Let's ask Klaus.
-Did you talk to him?
-No.
You're good with him.
We can use shovels and the cleaner for
the rest. Now you want to be effective?
That's exactly the kind of advice
I need right now.
Can we just take a tube out of there
to pump out all the sand?
-All in one go.
-I don't know.
Our cleaner's capacity is much too low.
-What?
-Yeah.
No need to invent a new gadget.
We just use shovels,
carry it out in buckets
and clean the rest out.
-Don't reinvent the wheel.
-That takes long.
There are five people
waiting to get going.
We don't want to reinvent the wheel.
But there are--
-Those cleaners--
-Yeah.
-Then go get one.
-That's why we discuss this.
Easy.
Yeah, easy.
Or pour water over it.
Great idea.
It'll be rusting away immediately.
Yeah.
Please, don't start now
after three weeks--
I'm completely done.
I worked like a maniac.
Don't tell me now you know it better.
-No.
-There's one system.
We do it like this and that's it.
Max, it's okay, we do it like that,
but sometimes it worth it to reconsider.
Yeah, you're right.
Come on, we help, too.
Can we do that today?
That's why everyone's here.
-Great.
-Great.
Come on.
Plug it in, get going.
We don't have anything to say here.
Fynn.
If you get to do the dirty work
all the time
and there is rarely
or no appreciation at all
because they're not around and don't
understand the mechanisms.
And then more or less on the last day
they want to tell me
how it's done when they've been
remaining on the sidelines up until then.
I was in a bad mood all day anyway
and just waiting
for something like that.
I needed to get it out of my system.
Olli just said we created a monster.
But it's great. He feels responsible,
I mean, he actually is,
he built this thing.
He has his boys here
and we listen to what he says.
Life on a boat is hard.
I have a feeling Max needs some days off
to get back on his feet.
The guys down there
need someone to lead them.
I can't stand it
if someone works extra slow.
If someone makes a detour
just to empty out his bucket.
If someone walks creepily slow,
I just can't stand it.
I look at it and think,
"If this was my construction site,
I'd go crazy. Damn, this is my site."
And then I want to say something,
but we're not around often.
It might be arrogant, but I feel like
if I was here, everything would go faster.
Max is someone who works
super-fast and precise. Ole too.
But they're just exhausted.
So no one is paying attention anymore
and everyone does what they want.
And that's dangerous.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Up there.
-Can you?
Elegant like a penguin.
Max doesn't really understand
these past four months of his life.
-It'll change.
-I've been living like that for ten years.
For him, it's four months.
For me, ten years.
But you don't work
on one project for four months.
-You pick them.
-So what?
Sure, but working here every day
from morning till evening is different
than building a helicopter out of a bike.
-That's different.
-That's the problem, you don't see it.
No.
-No one sees that.
-No one, because you don't share anything.
You're right. Just hard work.
No, seriously.
You're a creative guy, I don't deny that.
But working on a construction site like
this is something completely different
than doing that awesome stuff
at your place.
It's just different
than a construction site--
No, it's not. All the stuff I don't film
is just the same backbreaking work.
-We work until 4 a.m.
-Film it.
-Film it.
-That's boring.
Everyone thinks they work the most.
-No. They do more than me.
-Everyone does.
I work a lot but not that much.
Exactly. And I say with confidence
that I work more than everybody else here.
It's just the way it is. And on top of
that I'm being told that I'm not around
for three weeks.
I always try to be here.
What I saw is that you spent
the last four days surfing in Portugal.
Well--
-That's what I saw.
-You're right, yeah.
That's the thing. I haven't been
on a vacation in two years.
Now I go to Portugal for four days
and I'm lazy.
-You know what I mean?
-Well, you--
Honestly? I believe that you work a lot.
-And you choose work that you're into.
-Sure.
But spending a week sandblasting--
-That's--
-No, I--
I have major respect for them.
But there's one thing I can't stand.
-Being criticized for--
-Who's criticizing you?
I realize how they look at me.
-You know what I mean.
-I do.
I just don't want to have
these discussions--
I'm not saying anything!
-I didn't criticize you!
-But you--
Where is the enemy?
Where is the evil
you're trying to put into words?
There it is.
With horns left and right.
-Hellboy.
-You'll meet the devil soon enough.
He can't take a joke anymore.
He'll punch us both after this.
I heard you can defend yourself.
You'll have to defend me, too.
He's strong. He's small and wiry.
Let's go back to the boat.
Everything's fine on my end.
Same here.
I have to pee.
I'll go up to see the others.
Others? Everyone's on the boat.
There might be some.
-Okay.
-I'm getting a beer. Want one?
The beer's on the boat.
I'll go pee and join you.
I won't see him again.
No, I'm coming.
My back, though.
Pull a little more.
If I let go, the stern will slip off.
No, you need to keep holding that.
This can tear you in two pieces.
You need new shoes, boy.
My shoes mirror my physical state.
What size are you?
-I'm a 12.5.
-Really?
No.
-This is not a 12.5.
-You want me to show you the label?
There is no label anymore.
-You're a 12.5 as well?
-Yeah.
You can wear all of my shoes.
I'll bring you some.
-Gladly.
-So you do the boat!
My vision is,
once the steel construction is done,
with a bunch of highly motivated craftsmen
to do the interior fittings in Harburg.
I hope I'll be able
to organize a nice place
and to bring this project to a nice end.
13 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE
So now we have to--
-Make holes.
-Portholes.
Exactly. They're already outlined.
It's easier to make the holes
from outside.
So we don't have
to arrange anything in here.
Three!
Two!
One!
And
-Dude!
-There's the hole!
Thanks, guys!
Yeah, Olli and I did it together.
Okay.
Make sure it fits at the sides.
I have to fix it at zero at the bottom,
like it's now.
I got it.
-Did it hurt?
-Sorry.
-No worries.
-All good?
Yeah, a little--
-We have to--
-I had it.
Wait, this isn't on the edge.
Do you have it grounded?
-Apparently.
-Yeah, apparently.
Fits like a glove.
You know the pull welding seam, right?
Turning it on and off, that's important.
Like playing paintball.
We'll have to do some sanding.
It is what it is.
We were broke
and the boat wasn't done yet.
And this situation made it necessary
to think about
bringing someone in with money.
All that annex was a bedroom.
We removed it completely.
There were just semen stains.
Yeah. We built that up--
We've been talking about Tim for a while.
He's from Hamburg,
he's an expert when it comes to food.
And sometimes we need food on the boat.
So we thought, "Maybe he's keen."
Also, he knows a thing or two
about running a business
and has creative solutions
for certain problems.
And it's not a problem for him
to buy into the company.
And he'd be
a great new member for us.
-This looks all right.
-Sure.
We move in next week.
Next week we'll live here.
Show him the--
This is the kitchen area.
He wants to--
-There's a window, too.
-I also have other interests in my life.
-No.
-No.
You could do cooking shows here.
Anything is possible.
You can cook away and look out the window.
Or you can film through the window
for a front view.
-Plaice, too?
-Sure.
Jan.
-We're having a look at the houseboat.
-Hey there.
Hey.
I need 15 minutes. Is that okay?
You seem to be comfortable.
Great cappuccino.
See how everything looks, Jan.
You don't get my money.
Getting money was never the issue.
It was rather choosing someone
who wouldn't bother us.
Or someone who would destroy our idea.
Or someone who'd change the design
or doesn't share our vision.
The whole boat is wired.
You can record everywhere.
Our primary focus are bands and artists.
-Awesome.
-Where is the sun deck?
-Up.
-Let's go up.
Let's go up.
-You're all right?
-Sure.
This is the sun deck.
Those are our solar panels.
There'll be a stage
and a Jacuzzi in the corner.
And a little bar on the left.
So there'll be room for 100 people,
maybe 120.
Do you do this for financial reasons or--?
-We have to--
-We have to generate money.
The problem is, we invested at least
half a million in this thing.
And we have to refinance it
at least to some extent.
In terms of economic efficiency
it's important to know
if the bands need to stay overnight
or if you're financially more flexible.
Is music your main target or--?
No, you can also write a book here.
Writing a book, weddings, yeah.
-Everything's possible.
-Yeah, sure.
-Weddings.
-Weddings bring money.
Or a reading at night in summer.
-That stuff.
-But that doesn't make you money.
-Yeah--
-But--
I'd completely separate it.
Keep that creative part,
that's part of the boat's history.
And the rest makes us money.
Exactly.
Don't think romantically
about the financial aspect.
You can be romantic when it comes to
content. I'm touched, too, standing here.
-Imagine it in summer.
-Harburg works, too.
You know how arrogant
people in Hamburg are.
Harburg is another city for them.
We'll teach them
when we invest in this boat.
Again, this is smart
and you put your hearts into this--
-He's in.
-Easy.
That--
Take it easy.
Bye, I need to run.
-Jan Böhmermann is calling me.
-Yeah.
-He--
-He wants to warn me.
This is really cool.
You can be proud of yourselves.
-We are.
-Good--
You didn't know
what you were getting into.
No.
There were moments--
Sometimes Fynn can really corner me.
I sent him rambling messages.
I didn't corner you.
But we're getting along.
He can corner me-- Those messages--
-Half a million?
-Do I have them?
Damn.
I'm coming. I'm on my way to the car.
We're still on the boat.
I'm busy, too.
It's not always only about you.
I'm checking out boat slips with Tim,
Olli is recording a podcast in my car.
Physically, I'm at the port of Harburg
at our houseboat.
Fynn and I are preparing our next steps.
Tim Mälzer is visiting us.
He's next to the car
and Fynn is filming me right now.
They're joking around
because I'm sitting in the car
and recording this podcast with you.
Can we make a third podcast
this week? I need money. What about you?
You want to become the maritime type?
I need to run, my soup is ready.
You only want my money.
My new record will release in January.
I'm a nervous wreck.
The boat will be done in summer,
"Kliemannsland" expires in August.
Everything's over.
I'll just hang around with my dog,
buy a dinghy, cruise around our boat
and listen to music.
Yeah, you'll surely pull out
from one day to the next.
-Wait and see.
-Because--
I'll do it.
I need a break in my life. For real.
-Yeah?
-Or I'll have a nervous breakdown.
Subtitle translation by Marcel Zriki