According to a report in Bild (paywalled), schlager singer Heino has forced a renaming of a new entertainment series. The show, which was to star Julian F. M. Stoeckel in the lead, was originally to be titled “The Female Lifeguards of Lake Wörthersee” — but after intervention by the 87-year-old Heino, it is now set to air under the title “The Lifeguards of Lake Wörthersee.”
Heino had already threatened to halt filming during the pilot shoot in Velden in the summer when he saw the working title with a gender-colon in the script (TheColu.mn reported). Producer Stefanie Mayer had previously changed the title, which had been written in a generic masculine form, because the film also features women and queer people.
Heino hired an attorney
On set, she apparently managed to calm him, but she initially did not want to revert to the gender-neutral title — until Heino brought in his lawyer. In a letter from the attorney, the Schlager singer known for “Schwarzbraun ist die Haselnuss” stated: “We hereby prohibit you from exploiting, publishing, distributing or otherwise using any material concerning our client in word and image within the scope of the disputed production.”
In response, Mayer changed the title so that she would not have to cut Heino out of the series. She told Bild: “I decided as producer and director to change the working title of our film to ‘The Lifeguards from Lake Wörthersee.’ At the same time I want to make clear that I continue to stand for gender-inclusive language and for my personal beliefs. But for me, the success of the film project comes first.”
Heino: Gender-Inclusive Language Is “From Yesterday”
Heino expressed satisfaction with the outcome — and added: “You have to stand up for your beliefs. Gendering is not for me! It’s long past, outdated, and really from yesterday.” He emphasized that “he lives very much in the present.”
The “Lifeguards from Lake Wörthersee” is an Austrian mockumentary and workplace comedy series that chronicles the chaotic daily life at a water-rescue station on Lake Wörthersee in a pseudo-documentary style. It is a spoof and homage to RTL’s 34-episode series “Ein Schloss am Wörthersee” with Roy Black and Uschi Glas (1990-1993). So far, it has not been disclosed on which network or streaming platform the series will air. Lead actor Stoeckel spoke to ORF about his role, explaining: “I’m basically the gay version of Roy Black.” (dk)
