Franz Koch

Born 1898-09-01 · Munich, Germany

Died 1959-04-28

Franz Koch was born on September 1, 1898 in Munich, Germany. He was a cinematographer and actor, known for Lied der Landstraße (1950), Der Schuß im Pavillon (1925) and Gastspiel im Paradies (1938). He died on April 28, 1959 in Munich, Germany. He remained a busy cinematographer in the second half of the 20s. He was able to continue his film career during World War II and he shot "Trenck, der Pandur" (1940), "Carl Peters" (41), "Geheimakte W.B. 1" (1942), "Sieben Jahre Glück" (1942) and "Orient-Express" (1944). Franz Koch became established as a cinematographer from 1920 and he shot numerous silent movies like "Der Verfluchte" (1921), "Der Schrecken des Meeres" (1924) and "Der Schuss im Pavillon" (1925). Besides his activity as a cinematographer he also appeared twice in front of the camera as an actor in "Die Drei um Christine" (1936) and "Jonny rettet Nebrador" (1953). Furthermore he wrote the screenplay and was the director of the short film "Lied der Landstrasse" (50). Thank to his enormous experience Franz Koch became also a demanded cinematographer after World War II and he remained active in his job till his death. In 1920 he made his first film as chief cameraman for the company Emelka. Koch also worked for other film companies in Munich, where he collaborated frequently with the local directors Franz Osten and Franz Seitz. The cinematographer Franz Koch got his first job in the film business at the age of 15 when he joined the production company of Peter Ostermayr. There he soon became interested into the work of a cinematographer and he learnt this job from scratch. Franz Koch was engaged for countless productions during the 30s and he was involved in many popular movies - often with Hans Albers in the leading role. He was the cinematographer for many Ludwig Ganghofer adaptations, film comedies and dramas and was also involved in the propaganda films SA-Mann Brand and Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph des Willens.