James Carman

Collaboration with the DAH

For German and Eastern European immigrants, the train became a necessary means of transport for their journey westward from the mid-19th century. James Carman, an award-winning US cameraman, filmed a train journey from New York to Chicago non-stop for the Deutsches Auswandererhaus. He traveled the so-called Lake Shore Line, the route that has connected New York to Chicago via Buffalo and Cleveland since 1852. He discusses the challenges of the shoot in an interview with Magdalena Gerwien and Melanie Holz.

Mr. Carman, the Deutsches Auswandererhaus welcomes people of various nationalities daily in a city shaped by emigration and immigration. What significance does it hold for you that your film will be viewed in this award-winning migration museum?

I am very excited that so many people will get to see this exciting film. I am very convinced of the museum’s concept of showcasing emigration and immigration. After all, that is the story of humanity. People have always been on the move; it’s characteristic of humans as living beings.

Movement is a great keyword – how did you perceive the changing landscape during the train journey?

The train route is called ‘Lake Shore Limited,’ as it travels along the southern outlines of various lakes. When I arrived in Chicago, I was very overwhelmed by the architectural design. It’s a vibrant city where the entire city meets at Lake Michigan and engages in various activities. I really enjoyed that.

Nevertheless, you couldn’t enjoy the landscape like other train travelers since you were continuously filming throughout the journey? A one-shot, so to speak.

Exactly. The journey lasted a total of 19 hours, and we filmed non-stop for 18 hours. I had to stay awake the entire trip, which was quite exhausting. Even when we arrived at the hotel in Chicago, we couldn’t sleep; we first had to create a backup. And then it was already time for the flight back to New York.

Were you able to prepare for this exhausting journey before the train ride to ensure the filming went smoothly?

Yes, the filming was quite challenging – you don’t just hold a phone out of the window and the work is done. My assistant and I carefully planned beforehand how to attach the camera to the window to get a suitable shot. Additionally, we had to obtain a filming permit from AMTRAK beforehand – the staff there were very nice. With our equipment of cameras, battery backups, hard drives, and suction cups for mounting, we headed to the train, and I was very glad not to be filming alone – without my assistant, none of this would have been possible.

What were the battery backups for? Did you not have a power outlet on the train?

There was one, but the power was not consistently available. I originally brought the batteries as a backup, but in the end, I had to use them the entire time. To even be able to film during the ride, we had to rig a battery system in between.

So the filming was much more difficult than expected: What challenges did you face during the journey?

For the train journey, I specifically chose a full moon night, thinking it would be beautiful to see the moonlight on the landscape. However, at night the light did not shine very bright; it was very dark. I decided to use another camera that was very sensitive to light, but the shots remained dark. After I increased the ISO significantly, I finally got beautiful pictures. When I looked out the window, everything appeared black to me, but the camera was able to capture the beautiful landscapes. A ghostly atmosphere, which I really liked.

Even the 7.2 million people who emigrated from Bremerhaven to overseas faced some difficulties. What is it like to live in such a “classic” immigration country like the USA?

Here in New York, people of various backgrounds live, all speaking different languages. I myself speak Spanish with my neighbors, and even an Italian friend was able to communicate here in Spanish everywhere. That’s exactly why New York has always been an immigrant city.

Does this diversity of New York shape the character of the place?

Yes, it is a winning point for New York. It is the history of New York. This openness toward immigrants is important. Many people think about this topic: “Immigrants only drain our resources.”

“They only complain, but don’t see that immigrants enrich our city.”

Because the USA is also built from what various people of different cultures have brought here.

Does the topic of migration also have a place in your family history?

My mother’s family comes from Slovakia, so I spoke Slovak in my childhood. Although I no longer speak the language, it has still influenced me greatly. It’s a part of my life. I believe that one cannot separate from the influence of immigration.

In the new section of the German Emigration Center, which will open on June 26, 2021, it’s also very much about the people who have come to Germany. You spent several years of your life in Berlin as well. How did you experience your time there?

Exactly, I was a guest filmmaker at the German Film and Television Academy in the mid-eighties, so I experienced Berlin as a divided city during the time of the Wall. For me, it was easy there, but also difficult. Because at first, I didn’t have a work permit and had to work illegally a lot – that time was very stressful. Thank goodness Berlin wasn’t very expensive, so I managed to get by.

Then you can surely empathize with immigrants who have to find their way in a new,foreign country?

Yes, of course. In the USA, for example, it is very difficult for refugees from Mexico. I once had an interview with a young man who lives with his family in a small apartment and earns no more than $10 an hour. For them, it is really difficult to make ends meet while still being happy. And yes, of course, I have a lot of sympathy for such people.

Were you able to enjoy your time in Berlin despite your lack of a work permit?

Yes, after a while I finally received a work permit and a residence permit. Then, after the fall of the Wall, it was very exciting to be part of this new beginning for Germany and to experience Berlin as an open city. I received a lot of support and love there, making my time in Berlin wonderful. My friends from that time are still good friends, and I value that greatly. My time in Berlin is a significant part of my life.

James Carman lives in New York. He studied film in San Francisco and has been working as a cameraman and photographer since 1989. In addition to reporting and documentaries, he filmed various commercials for well-known companies, such as Siemens. His documentary, ‘The Hidden Hand,’ received five awards. James Carman also worked as a cameraman on the German Netflix series ‘Unorthodox.’jamescarman.net