VARUS by Svenja Trierscheidt

Marie Zechiel joined director Svenja Treierscheid as Movement Director for the film VARUS, shaping the physical performance of the cast with precision and intent. This project posed unique challenges that extended beyond traditional choreography — it demanded a seamless coordination between body and camera movement. A key element was the use of the BOLT Motion Control camera robot, which required meticulously timed, repeatable movement sequences. Zechiel developed physical routines that aligned perfectly with the robots path, turning camera and cast into a unified choreographic system. Her direction ensured that every gesture and position could be reproduced with exactitude, enabling dynamic shots that relied on flawless synchronicity. The project also incorporated drone cinematography, introducing another layer of complexity. Zechiel prepared the cast for this aerial perspective, focusing on how movement reads from above and adapting physicality to the drone’s eye. On set, she continuously refined the performers’ spatial awareness to maintain coherence between ground and air. Her ability to guide performers not just in expression, but in technical precision, was central to the films visual language. Through her movement direction, VARUS achieves a striking interplay between human motion and camera mechanics — a testament to Zechiels expertise at the intersection of art and technology.