Rudi the Racing Pig –
The Series

Fernsehserie

Production
Relevant Film GmbH für WDR
2007-2009

Directed by
Rolf Wellingerhof

Format
HD 1080/25P 16:9

Length
19 Folgen x 30 min.

Tech specs
S-16 Arri 416 
Angenieux 7-81mm/2.4
Angenieux 11,5-138mm/2.3
Canon 150-600/5.6  
Zeiss HS 16mm Primes 

From the first to the third (and final) season, I shot a total of 19 episodes of this delightful children’s series, which continued the adventures of “the fastest piglet in the world,” well known in Germany from Uwe Timm’s children’s book and two feature films. The budget didn’t allow for animatronics or computer animation—all scenes featuring the piglet were shot live. To depict Rudi’s “actions,” we had to rely on “old-school” techniques—clever camera angles, smart shot composition and editing, and a great deal of patience. That’s not always easy when you also have child actors in almost every scene, who are subject to very strictly regulated working hours and each 30-minute episode needs to be filmed in six days.

The key to success is good preparation. It’s always advisable to coordinate as much as possible with the director before filming begins, but when children and animals are involved, it’s absolutely essential. Director Rolf Wellingerhof felt the same way, and we were able to take the time during pre-production to plan out every scene in detail—mostly on location—which allowed us to work very efficiently on shooting days. We could coordinate the sequence of setups around the needs of the child actors and animal trainers without worrying about missing a crucial shot or having to give up creative or visual touches due to time constraints.

As a result, the atmosphere on set was very relaxed and harmonious, and I will always remember those three summers in the Bergisches Land with great fondness.

One of the episodes I shot won an “Emil” in 2008—the prestigious “award for “Good Children’s Television” award from TV Spielfilm.

Here is the jury’s statement:
“A grandmother who bakes delicious potato pancakes, a grandfather who always has a solution, and a cheerful father—‘Rennschwein Rudi Rüssel’ offers an almost fairy-tale-like idyll in the German countryside, inviting viewers to sit back and enjoy.

“The scenery is beautifully filmed, and the lovable characters take the audience along on a joyful journey—headed by ten-year-old Fritz, who lives with his father and his beloved piglet Rudi at his grandparents’ house in the countryside. He finds a friend in Ayla, a Turkish girl, with whom he experiences all sorts of adventures. Of course, there are quarrels and misunderstandings, but everything turns out well in the end. This builds trust and helps young viewers forget school stress and other worries for a while.

“In the episode ‘The Big Race,’ Fritz and Ayla organize a competition between all the village pets. Not all the children get along—in fact, there’s a strong sense of rivalry. But after a lively showdown, not only do the world’s fastest piglet and its owner come out on top, but so does friendship. There are no embarrassed losers or arrogant winners. Everything ends in joyful togetherness—subtly conveying values like respect and generosity. This makes ‘Rennschwein Rudi Rüssel’ truly outstanding family television.”