{{short description|Swiss writer, director, and businessman}} {{Infobox person | name = Roger Steinmann | image = PAGE corr. Portraet RS 150520 in Cannes-1.jpg | image_upright = | landscape = yes | caption = Steinmann at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|11|6}} | birth_place = Zürich, Switzerland<ref>{{cite web |title=R O G E R S T E I N M A N N |url=http://www.roger-steinmann.com/ |website=roger-steinmann.com |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170121/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/ |archive-date=10 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> | death_date = | death_place = | occupation = {{hlist|Playwriter|Theater Producer|Theater Director|Film Producer|Film Director|Screenwriter|Entrepreneur}} | years_active = 1969–present | notable_works = {{ubl |''Ruthless'' |''Win-Win'' |''Illusion Infinity'' |''PhonY'' |''Die Flutkatastrophe'' (''The Flood Disaster'') |''Die Maschinentiere'' (''The Machine Animals'') |''Die Türe'' (''The Door'')}} | website = {{URL|roger-Steinmann.com}} }} '''Roger Steinmann''' ({{IPA|de-CH|ˈroːɡər ˈʃtaɪnman|lang}}, {{IPA|fr|ʁɔʒe ʃtajnman|lang}}; born November 6, 1961 in Zurich, Switzerland) is a Swiss writer, director, and businessman, known for his work in film and theater.
Most notable is his biopic ''Illusion Infinity'' (aka ''Paradise'', 2004), starring Dee Wallace, Mickey Rooney,<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5WZOvH8VSUC&q=roger+steinmann+page+161&pg=PA161|title=Mickey Rooney: Mickey Rooney: His Films, Television Appearances, Radio Work, Stage Shows, and Recordings|last=Marill|first=Alvin H.|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc.|year=2005|isbn=0-7864-2015-4|location=Jefferson, NC|pages=161}}</ref> Timothy Bottoms, Barbara Carrera, Martin Kove, Theresa Saldana,<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cinestranger.com/2016/06/theresa-saldana.html|title=THERESA SALDANA - ACTERIEUR DI CINEMA|last=Cinestranger|date=June 8, 2016|website=Cinestranger.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102131538/http://www.cinestranger.com/2016/06/theresa-saldana.html|archive-date=January 2, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> and Lilyan Chauvin.<ref name=":41" /><ref name=":42" />
In autumn 2018, the production of the farce feature film ''PhonY'' was interrupted due to the unexpected death of lead actor Burt Reynolds.<ref name=":34">{{Cite news |last=Schlittler |first=Flavia |date=September 14, 2018 |title=Schweizer trauern um Burt Reynolds (†82) |work=Blick (Ringier) |url=https://www.blick.ch/people-tv/kino/traurig-schockiert-und-dankbar-schweizer-trauern-um-burt-reynolds-82-id8827427.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224080619/https://www.blick.ch/people-tv/kino/traurig-schockiert-und-dankbar-schweizer-trauern-um-burt-reynolds-82-id8827427.html |archive-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref> Since then, the fate of the already to 70% shot farce-comedy, with Elke Sommer and Barbara Carrera as its leading ladies, became uncertain.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":16" /><ref name=":20" />
Steinmann turned to the theater and created the two-character farce ''Win=Win'' as writer, director and producer. The premiere was held in Zurich on October 7, 2022. Bodo Krumwiede and Florine Elena Deplazes acted on stage;<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |title=Career Florine Deplazes | website=IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4235230/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 |access-date=2023-01-12}}</ref> off-roles were voiced by Christa Rigozzi, Gilles Tschudi, René Rindlisbacher, Heidi Maria Glössner and Bella Neri.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Zaugg-Graf |first=Hannes |date=October 28, 2020 |title=Von Hollywood in die Schweiz |url=https://archive.org/details/theaterzytig-front-tz-artikel-und-inserat-201028 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |website=WaybackMachine}}</ref>
Steinmann created the stage play, the 'One-Lady-Trauma' ''Teufelskreis,'' about the fate of Ruth Madoff, the wife of 65-billion dollar Ponzi-fraudster Bernard Madoff. He adapted the play into English as ''[https://www.win-win.productions Ruthless - the tragic Survival of Ruth Madoff]'' and produced the London 3 June 2025 world premiere, with a run through 29 June. [https://msha.ke/emilyswain.com Emily Swain] impersonated the title role under his direction.<ref name=":37">{{Cite web |last=Roslyn |first=Gaby |date=June 8, 2025 |title=BBC Interview, the Gaby-Roslyn-Show |url=https://www.ruthless.theater/ }}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite news |last=Barclay |first=Ian |date=June 4, 2025 |title=Riverside Radio London, Interview |url=https://soundcloud.com/thisisriverside/ruthless-at-arches-lane-theatre?si=64cf40c04f464cdcbd4d50019d979d2f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing }}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite news |date=May 18, 2025 |title=OffWestEnd talks to Roger Steinmann about Ruthless at Arches Lane Theatre. |url=https://offwestend.com/offwestend-talks-to-roger-steinmann-about-ruthless-at-arches-lane-theatre/}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2025 |title=The Peg Review |url=https://thepegreview.com/2025/06/05/%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85save-a-prayer/}}</ref><ref name=":43">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2025 |title=Paul in London Review |url=https://www.paulinlondon.com/2025/06/ruthless-people-ruthless-arches-lane.html }}</ref><ref name=":45">{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2025 |title=Theatre and Tonic Review |url=https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/ruthless-at-arches-lane-theatre-review }}</ref><ref name=":47">{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2025 |title=The Deskbound Dramatic |url=https://thedeskboundramatic.wordpress.com/2025/06/05/ruthless-at-arches-lane-theatre-review/ }}</ref><ref name=":48">{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2025 |title=The Reviews Hub |url=https://www.thereviewshub.com/ruthless-arches-lane-theatre-london/ }}</ref><ref name=":49">{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2025 |title=Everything Theatre |url=https://everything-theatre.co.uk/2025/06/review-ruthless-arches-lane-theatre/ }}</ref><ref name=":50">{{Cite news |date=June 4, 2025 |title=Salterton Arts Review |url=https://saltertonartsreview.com/2025/06/ruthless-arches-lane-theatre-london/ }}</ref>
== Early life == At the age of 8, Steinmann shot his first short film with a Super-8 camera. In the next five years, another 30 films followed. Four of them received awards.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1979-06-12_KREBS!,_Einezwaenzgi-2.JPG,_Einezwaenzgi-2.JPG|title=Flimprojekt: Krebs bedroht Zürich|last=de Viragh|first= Tibor |date=12 June 1979|work=Einezwaenzgi|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>
One of the early award-winning films was ''Die Maschinentiere'' (''The Machine Animals''), a 1977-documentary on large-scale animal husbandry in contrast to classic farming.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_2001-03-28_RS_INTERVIEW,_Schweiz._Jugendfilmtage_2001-2.jpg|title=25. Schweizer Jugendfilmtage 2001|last=Miedaner|first=Eke|date=28 March 2001|work=Pestalozzianum Zuerich|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170208/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_2001-03-28_RS_INTERVIEW,_Schweiz._Jugendfilmtage_2001-2.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
In ''Die Flutkatastrophe'' (''The Flood Disaster'') Steinmann showed the consequences of a broken dam of a nearby reservoir and the flooding of his hometown Zurich. Along an interview, it was aired on Swiss TV in November 1978, the month Steinmann turned 17.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1977-09-13_FLUTKATASTROPHE,_Blick.jpg|title=Roger (15) setzt Zürich unter Wasser|last=Lang|first=Candit|date=13 September 1977|work=Blick|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1977-09-13_FLUTKATASTROPHE,_Blick.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1978-11-04_DIE_FLUTKATASTROPHE_,_Interview_Swiss_TV_DRS.jpg|title=Gespräch: Christian Heeb mit Roger Steinmann Peter Marti|last=Heeb|first=Christian|date=11 November 1987|work=Swiss TV DRS|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1978-11-04_DIE_FLUTKATASTROPHE_,_Interview_Swiss_TV_DRS.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
== Career == Still in his teens, Steinmann aimed to execute larger scale feature-projects based on his original screenplays. In 1978/79, he developed the conception ''Krebs!'' (''Cancer!'') about the life-threatening virus in a woman's organism, visualized by a simultaneous life-threat of the organism of an entire city by a Godzilla-like monster-crab. In German language the title "''Krebs!''" bears the double meaning of Cancer and Crab.<ref name=":0" />
=== Theater === Steinmann turned to theater as well; notable are:
1982: ''Beschti Referenze'' (aka ''Buchhalter Noetzli /'' ''Bookkeeper Noetzli''), Steinmann in his function as producer and director was the first to bring this play by Hans Schubert to the Swiss stage. Four years later, the same play served the popular Swiss folk actor Walter Roderer as was his probably greatest success, on stage as well as in film.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1982-06-04_Beschti_Referenze_Flyer-1.jpg|title=Beschti Referenze|last=Die Theatergruppe|work=Official Flyer page 1|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112145400/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1982-06-04_Beschti_Referenze_Flyer-1.jpg|archive-date=12 January 2020}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1982-06-04_Beschti_Referenze_Flyer-2.jpg|title=Beschti Referenze|last=Die Theatergruppe|work=Official Flyer page 2|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112145355/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1982-06-04_Beschti_Referenze_Flyer-2.jpg|archive-date=12 January 2020}}</ref>
1986: ''Achtung-Fertig-Los!'' (aka ''Nume Theater mit em Sunntigsbsuech / Ready-Steady-Go!)'', Steinmann producing and writing this unique farce-comedy concepting disguised actors among the real audience. His friend Markus Imthurn was directing, becoming Steinmann's closest artistic collaborator to date.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-06-18_ACHTUNG-FERTIG-LOS_Aargauer_Zeitung.jpg|title=Aargauer Kantonshauptstadt im Zeichen des Volkstheaters|last=Buerki|first=Heinz|date=18 June 1987|work=Aargauer Tagblatt|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-06-18_ACHTUNG-FERTIG-LOS_Aargauer_Zeitung.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-04-10_ACHTUNG-FERTIG-LOS!,_Tagblatt_Zuerich.jpg|title=<<Achtung-Fertig-Los!>>|date=10 April 1987|work=Tagblatt der Stadt Zürich|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-04-10_ACHTUNG-FERTIG-LOS!,_Tagblatt_Zuerich.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
1988: ''Schelmereie'' (S''weet Cheating'') at the theater in Oberentfelden, Switzerland: Steinmann directing.<ref name=":15">{{Cite news|url=http://roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-12-21_RS_Interview_about_SCHELMEREIE,_Aargauer_Zeitung.jpg|title=Theatergesellschaft arbeitet mit jungem Regisseur|last=Buerki|first=Heinz|date=21 December 1987|work=Aargauer Tagblatt|access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_1987-12-21_RS_Interview_about_SCHELMEREIE,_Aargauer_Zeitung.jpg|archive-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
=== Hollywood === From 1991, Steinmann lived alternatively in Los Angeles. There, he wrote several screenplays on spec, alone but mostly in association, e.g. ''Bum and the Kid'' with Scott Steindorff,<ref name=":22">Writers Guild of America (December 3, 1993). "[http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1992-12-03_BUM_AND_THE_KID,_WGA.JPG WGA-registration Story & Screenplay 'Bum and the Kid'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1992-12-03_BUM_AND_THE_KID,_WGA.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web|url=http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmographie.html|title=Bum and the Kid|last=Steinmann|first=Roger|date=2016|website=ROGER STEINMANN - Filmography|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107161300/http://roger-steinmann.com/filmographie.html|archive-date=January 7, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref> outlines, e.g. ''Love of my Life'' with Don Mankiewicz, rewrites, e.g. ''Project: Metalbeast''.<ref name=":19">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Co5XDwAAQBAJ&q=metalbeast+roger+steinmann&pg=PT1065|title=Spinegrinder: The Movies Most Critics Won't Write About|last=Davies|first=Clive|publisher=Headpress|year=2013|isbn=978-1-909394-27-8|location=Truro, TR4 8UN, United Kingdom|pages=Project: Metalbeast (1995), page number missing in google Books}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{Cite web|url=http://www.quicklookfilms.com/movie/216034/Project-Metalbeast-Trailer-and-Info|title=Project: Metalbeast Trailer and Info|last=QUICKLOOKFILMS|date=2020|website=QUICKLOOKFILMS.com|access-date=January 16, 2020}}</ref>
=== ''Illusion Infinity'' (aka ''Paradise'', 2004) === [[File:Roger Steinmann with Mickey Rooney.jpg|thumb|Roger Steinmann (right) directs Mickey Rooney in Illusion Infinity, Los Angeles, November 2002|alt=]]Among Steinmann´s several projects, ''Illusion Infinity'' (aka ''Paradise'', 2004) caught the eye of casting director Gerald I. Wolff. He was able to engage seven well known Hollywood actors: Dee Wallace, Mickey Rooney,<ref name=":2" /> Timothy Bottoms, Barbara Carrera, Martin Kove, Theresa Saldana,<ref name=":17" /> and Lilyan Chauvin.
''Illusion Infinity'' was labeled as a biopic; however, it was an original screenplay by Steinmann about the supposed real Las Vegas singer Patricia Paradise (played by Dee Wallace) and her life-long search for a genuine soul-mate, and a home she calls Shangri-La.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":41">{{Cite web|url=https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/7778831|title=Illusion Infinity|last=Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305|website=Stanford Libraries|access-date=January 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite book|title=Illusion Infinity|last=WorldCat.org|date=January 16, 2020|oclc=269190118}}</ref>
=== ''The PartyKillers'' and ''Ladies First'' === In 2014, Thai film star Mike Angelo became interested to star in ‘''The PartyKillers''’,<ref name=":26">Mike D.Angelo born Pirat Nitipaisalkul (September 10, 2014). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2014-09-10_PARTYKILLERS,_LOI_Mike_Angelo.jpg "Letter of commitment 'The PartyKillers'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2014-09-10_PARTYKILLERS,_LOI_Mike_Angelo.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref> a screwball-comedy about a humble inventor of a magical teddy-bear crashing the engagement party of a toy manufacturer. This screenplay Steinmann wrote back in 1995/98 in collaboration with Rodney Heeringa.<ref name=":27">Imthurn Audiovisuals, Roger Steinmann, Creative Road Corp. and Rodney Heeringa (April 30, 1995). Writer employment agreement 'The PartyKillers' [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1995-04-30_PARTYKILLERS,_Heeringa-1.jpg "page 1"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1995-04-30_PARTYKILLERS,_Heeringa-1.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }} and [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1995-04-30_PARTYKILLERS,_Heeringa-2.jpg "page 2"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1995-04-30_PARTYKILLERS,_Heeringa-2.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref>
But another concept of a screwball comedy fit Angelo's talent even better: A male singer gaining success only when performing as a woman, attracting both a father and his daughter. After Angelo agreed to star in this dual role, Steinmann originated the 2015-screenplay ‘''Ladies First''’. Swiss actors Beat Schlatter and Pascal Ulli confirmed their interest to participate, the latter also as co-produce.<ref name=":29">Studio Ari Co., Ltd.(February 5, 2016). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2016-02-05_PHONY,_Studio_Ari.JPG "Confirmation 'Ladies First'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2016-02-05_PHONY,_Studio_Ari.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":30">Register of Copyright, USA (August 5, 2015).[http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-08-05_PHONY,_US_Copyright.JPG "Certificate of Registration 'Ladies First'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-08-05_PHONY,_US_Copyright.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":31">Panali Co. Ltd. (November 23, 2015). Cooperation MoU 'Ladies First' [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-11-23_LADIES_FIRST,_Burasari-1.jpg "page 1"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-11-23_LADIES_FIRST,_Burasari-1.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }} & [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-11-23_LADIES_FIRST,_Burasari-2.jpg "page 2"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-11-23_LADIES_FIRST,_Burasari-2.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":32">Beat Schlatter (April 9, 2015). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-04-09_LADIES_FIRST,_LOI_Schlatter.jpg "Letter of Intent 'Ladies First'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2015-04-09_LADIES_FIRST,_LOI_Schlatter.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref>
===''PhonY'' === thumb|Roger Steinmann (left) on the set of 'PhonY' in Phuket/Thailand|alt= The 2016/2018 screenplay PhonY explores what might happen if all cells and computers became unusable. It has a unique interactivity between segments based in Los Angeles, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand and Canada.<ref name=":7">Writers Guild of America (November 2, 2016). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2016-11-02_PHONY,_WGA.JPG "WGA-registration Synopsis 'PHONY'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2016-11-02_PHONY,_WGA.JPG|date=2020-01-10}}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN - Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html|date=2020-01-10}}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":8">Writers Guild of America (July 1, 2019). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2019-07-17_PHONY,_WGA.JPG "WGA-registration Screenplay 'PhonY'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_2019-07-17_PHONY,_WGA.JPG|date=2020-01-10}}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html|date=2020-01-10}}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web|url=https://www.phony.film/timeline-production-plan|title=TIMELINE & PRODUCTION PLAN|last=Steinmann|first=Roger|date=2016|website=PhonY.film|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224080624/https://www.phony.film/timeline-production-plan|archive-date=December 24, 2019|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref>
In spring 2018, the filming commenced in Switzerland with [https://www.pascalulli.ch/kopie-von-resume Pascal Ulli] and Gilles Tschudi; it was followed by the Thai segment with a local cast. The remaining segments with Burt Reynolds, Talia Shire and Barbara Carrera were scheduled in Los Angeles for October 2018.<ref name=":34"/><ref name=":16">Dennis J. Holahan attorney of Barbara Carrera (September 23, 2016). Barbara Carrera Agreement 'PhonY' [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_PhonY.Film_Barbara_Carrera_Acting_Agreement_2016-09-24,_p_1.jpg "page 1"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_PhonY.Film_Barbara_Carrera_Acting_Agreement_2016-09-24,_p_1.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }} and [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_PhonY.Film_Barbara_Carrera_Acting_Agreement_2016-09-24,_p.2.jpg "page 2"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_PhonY.Film_Barbara_Carrera_Acting_Agreement_2016-09-24,_p.2.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref> Though, a mere month before, Reynolds untimely died, and the production stalled.<ref name=":34"/><ref name=":36" /> Golden Globe Award winners Arnold Schwarzenegger and Elke Sommer<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Sommer |first=Elke |date=December 3, 2019 |title=Letter of Interest |url=http://roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112153734/http://roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |archive-date=January 12, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2020 |website=ROGER STEINMANN - Film Documents}}</ref> were set for the reshoot, with Shire still on board. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions once again ruined the shooting scheduled of April 2020. Since then, the fate of the feature film, shot to 70%, has become uncertain.
=== ''WIN=WIN'' === thumb|Roger Steinmann at the premiere of ''Win=Win'', Zurich, October 7, 2022 Due to the cinematic inactivity in spring 2020, Steinmann turned after a hiatus of more than 30 years once again to the theater and created ''Win=Win,'' a two-person farce about the 'panic-stricken' distancing - aka 'social distancing' - of two very different neighbors. The stage is set up two-parted, thus the two protagonists' actions is viewed simultaneously.
Casting with Bodo Krumwiede and Florine Elena Deplazes<ref name=":18" /> were completed by the end of April 2022, rehearsal began at the end of June and the world premiere of ''Win=Win'' took place October 7, 2022, in Zurich.<ref name=":3" />
In addition to the Swiss production, international actors such as Didi Hallervorden, and, shortly before his death<ref>{{Cite news |last=Imhof |first=Michel |date=2020-11-24 |title=Karl Dall's Tod |work=BLICK |url=https://www.blick.ch/people-tv/international/komikerlegende-karl-dall-79-darum-wollte-er-nie-mehr-in-die-schweiz-kommen-id16210978.html |access-date=2023-01-13}}</ref> Karl Dall along, for the English adaption, Timothy Bottoms, were interested in a respective national premiere<ref>{{Cite web |title=Confirmation of actor's interests |url=https://winwin.theater/home1 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=WIN=WIN}}</ref>
=== ''RUTHLESS - the tragic Survival of Ruth Madoff'' === Since 2021, Steinmann was in the works of the semi-biographical 'One-Lada-Trauma' about Ruth Madoff, the wife of 62 years of Bernie Madoff, the infamous USD 65 billion Wall Street ponzi fraudster. Her husband in jail for life, and her sons Mark and Andrew having died, one by suicide, the other by accelerated cancer - Ruth's is now all alone and destitute, as gone is her glamorous New York jet-set life. Is Ruth Madoff innocent - or guilty as complicit? Steinmann adapted the German original ''Teufelskreis'' into English as ''[https://www.win-win.productions/ Ruthless]''; he produced and directed it with Emily Swain to the London world premiere on June 3, 2025, with a run through 29 June.<ref name=":37" /><ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":40" /><ref name=":43" /><ref name=":45" /><ref name=":47" /><ref name=":48" /><ref name=":49" /><ref name=":50" />
=== Further theater activities === In 2020/21, Steinmann actualized his 1986-stage play ''Achtung-Fertig-Los!'' anew in Swiss-German as ''Nume Theater mit em Sunnigsbsuech'', and in high German as ''Nur Theater mit dem Sonntagsbesuch''. Notably, he created an entire new development within the second act leading to a new ending of this eleven-character farce-comedy.<ref name=":3" />
Since 2023, Steinmann authored ''Wenn der Drilling mit der Zwilling'', a humorous, Agatha Christie-Witness for the Prosecution-styled crime-comedy, and as well the 'one-man satire' ''w. w. Steinzeit,'' and its English adaption ''w. w. Stone Age,'' about the near dystopian future of our digitized world.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" />
== Other activities== 1981: Steinmann concluded his education at the Swiss Business School in Zurich.
1983: Steinmann invented an automatic bottle stopper; patented in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/be/ab/bd/d392c8f66e2787/WO1985001491A1.pdf|title=Patent Bottle closure|last=Kruydenberg|first=G.L.M.|date=January 31, 1985|website=Google Patents|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102131538/https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/be/ab/bd/d392c8f66e2787/WO1985001491A1.pdf|archive-date=January 2, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>Schweizerischer Erfindermesse für Jugendliche (1985). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/288_Aw_1985,_2nd_rank_at_Schweizerischer_Erfindermesse.JPG "Award for Bottle Stopper 'ROTSCH'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170137/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/288_Aw_1985,_2nd_rank_at_Schweizerischer_Erfindermesse.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Awards''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref>
1983: Steinmann prevailed in the German TV-quiz show ‘''Alles oder Nichts''’, winning 10'000.<ref>Benita Cantieni, Schweizer Illustriert (July 25, 1983).[http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/555_1983-07-25_TV_QUIZSHOW,_Schweizer_Illustrierte.JPG "Glück mit Marilyn"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/555_1983-07-25_TV_QUIZSHOW,_Schweizer_Illustrierte.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/newspaperclips.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Newspaper Clips''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107161340/http://roger-steinmann.com/newspaperclips.html |date=2020-01-07 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref><ref name=":25">German Television ARD (August 2, 1983). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_German_TV_Quizshow_ARD_Alles_oder_Nichts_with_a_live_audience_of_15_mio_1983,_Aug._02._Roger_prevailed_over_73_candidates_and_won_DM_10_000._.jpg "TV Quizshow 'Alles oder Nichts'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170209/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_German_TV_Quizshow_ARD_Alles_oder_Nichts_with_a_live_audience_of_15_mio_1983,_Aug._02._Roger_prevailed_over_73_candidates_and_won_DM_10_000._.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/newspaperclips.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Newspaper Clips''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107161340/http://roger-steinmann.com/newspaperclips.html |date=2020-01-07 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref>
1984: Steinmann founded the ''Rotsch AG'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zh.chregister.ch/cr-portal/auszug/auszug.xhtml?uid=CHE-100.163.720&amt=ZH&loeschung=20030528|title=Commercial register of Rotsch AG|last=Commercial register of canton Zurich|date=May 28, 2003|website=Commercial register of canton Zurich|others=Print page to see executives|access-date=January 3, 2020}}</ref> a joint-stock company, to market his invention. At that time, he was 22 years old and became the youngest president ever of such an entity in Switzerland. He sold that entity in 1996.
1986: Steinmann started distributing greeting cards, partly of own designing, in Switzerland but as well in Europe and throughout the world. His products were among the most luxurious on the market.
1995: Steinmann founded the film production company ''SUNSET International AG'', a joint-stock film production company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zefix.ch/en/search/entity/list/firm/1189225?name=SUNSET%20INTERNATIONAL%20AG&searchType=exact|title=SUNSET INTERNATIONAL AG|last=Handelsregister Amt Schweiz|date=August 26, 2019|website=Zefix – Central Business Name Index|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102131538/https://www.zefix.ch/en/search/entity/list/firm/1189225%3Fname%3DSUNSET%2520INTERNATIONAL%2520AG%26searchType%3Dexact|archive-date=January 2, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020}}</ref>
2009: At his home of choice in Phuket, Steinmann opened the four star boutique hotel [https://www.oasis-villa.com ''Oasis Villa''] what he manages at the side.
2022: Steinmann founded the theater production company ''WIN WIN Productions AG''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Handelsregister Schweiz, Zentraler Firmenindex |url=https://www.zefix.ch/de/search/entity/list/firm/1552893 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |website=Handelsregister Schweiz, Zentraler Firmenindex}}</ref>
2022: Steinmann's every day life in Phuket was aired in Europe's largest TV-station RTL in three installments within the popular German docu-series ''Die Alltagskämpfer''.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Balster |first=Judith |date=2022-09-05 |title=Die Alltagskaempfer |url=https://winwin.theater/medienspiegel1 |access-date=2023-01-12}}</ref>
Steinmann speaks eight languages: his original Swiss-German, German, French, English and Spanish, and has basic knowledge in Portuguese, Italian, and Thai.<ref name=":23" />
== Filmography (selection)==
=== Film === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" width="65" |Director ! scope="col" width="65" |Writer ! scope="col" width="65" |Producer ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" | 1969 |''Zürich'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | First film; Short Documentary | style="text-align: center;" | |- ! scope="row" | 1976 |''Die Türe'' |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |Short film; won TV-Competition, aired on Swiss TV | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":5">Paul Weber (January 19, 1976). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-01-19_DIE_TUERE_-_Award_Achtung_Aufnahme.JPG "Confirmation of Award 'Achtung, Aufnahme' 'Die Türe'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-01-19_DIE_TUERE_-_Award_Achtung_Aufnahme.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Awards''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | 1976 |''Die Zwei vom Klub'' |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |Short film; won Award | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>Schweizerische Jugendfilmtage (September 17, 1977). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-09-18_Die_Zwei_vom_Klub_.jpg "Award for 'Die 2 vom Klub'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-09-18_Die_Zwei_vom_Klub_.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. ''[http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ROGER STEINMANN - Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}''. Retrieved January 12, 2020</ref> |- ! scope="row" | 1976 |''Die Welt steht Kopf'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |Short film; Experimental | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>Schweizerische Jugendfilmtage (September 18, 1976). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-09-18_Die_Welt_steht_Kopf_.jpg "Award for 'Die Welt steht Kopf'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1976-09-18_Die_Welt_steht_Kopf_.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ''ROGER STEINMANN -'' ''Awards''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 12, 2020</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" | 1977 |''Die Maschinentiere'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Short Documentary; won Top-Award by Swiss Animal-Protection-Association | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":9">Max Hänsli (September 17, 1977) [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1977-09-17_FLUTKATASTROPHE_MASCHINENTIERE,_Press_Release_Jugendfilmtage_with_Awards.JPG "Press release about die 2. Schweizerischen Jugend Film Tage"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170211/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_D_1977-09-17_FLUTKATASTROPHE_MASCHINENTIERE,_Press_Release_Jugendfilmtage_with_Awards.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }} incl. 'Die Flutkatastrophe' and 'Die Maschinentiere'. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html ''ROGER STEINMANN - Film-Documents''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170210/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmdocuments.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 9, 2020</ref> |- |''Die Flutkatastrophe'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |Short film; won Award, aired in Swiss TV | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":11">Schweizerische Jugendfilmtage (September 17, 1977). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1977-09-17_FLUTKATASTROPHE_,_Diploma_Schweizerische_Jugendfilmtage.JPG "Award for 'Die Flutkatastrophe'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/710_Aw_1977-09-17_FLUTKATASTROPHE_,_Diploma_Schweizerische_Jugendfilmtage.JPG |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ''ROGER STEINMANN - Awards''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref><ref name=":12">Schweizerischer Verband der Filmamateure (January 21, 1978). [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/444_Aw_1978-01-21_FLUTKATASTROPHE_Silberne_Schere.jpg "Silver Edit Award for 'Die Flutkatastrophe'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/images/444_Aw_1978-01-21_FLUTKATASTROPHE_Silberne_Schere.jpg |date=2020-01-10 }}. [http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html ''ROGER STEINMANN - Awards''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110170136/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/awards.html |date=2020-01-10 }}. Retrieved January 10, 2020</ref> |- ! scope="row" | 1978 |''Ein Tag in der Tierarztpraxis'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Short film; won Top-Award by Swiss Animal-Protection-Association | style="text-align: center;" | |- ! scope="row" | 1985 |''Kamera: Albert G.'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} | Short film; Line Producer | style="text-align: center;" | |- ! scope="row" | 1987 |''Achtung-Fertig-Los!'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Video | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> |- ! scope="row" | 1990 |''Rotsch'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |Commercial; Ursula Schaeppi in Dual-Role | style="text-align: center;" | |- ! scope="row" | 1995 |''Project: Metalbeast'' | {{no}} | {{yes}} | {{no}} |Additional rewritte by Steinmann | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":38" /> |- ! scope="row" | 2004 |''Illusion Infinity (aka Paradise)'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | Starring Dee Wallace, Mickey Rooney, Timothy Bottoms, Barbara Carrera, Martin Kove, and Theresa Saldana. | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":41" /><ref name=":42" /> |- ! scope="row" |2016/20 |''PhonY'' | {{yes}} | {{yes}} | {{yes}} |filming | style="text-align: center;" |<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":34"/> |}
=== Theater (selection) ===
*1982: ''Beschti Referenze'' (aka ‘''Buchhalter Noetzli’''; comedy; director and producer, premiere in Zurich June 5, 1982)<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":14" /> *1986-1987: ''Achtung-Fertig-Los!'' (farce-comedy; author and producer, premiere in Zurich April 10, 1987)<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> *1988: ''Schelmereie'' (comedy; director; premiere in Oberentfelden (Kanton Aargau) January 10, 1988)<ref name=":15" /> *1989: ''Der Zahnklempner'' (comedy; author; yet unproduced) * 1990: ''Sturmfrei'' (comedy; author; yet unproduced) * 2020: ''WIN=WIN'' (farce-comedy; author; in German; director and producer; premiere in Zurich 7.10.2022) * 2021: ''Nume Theater with em Sunntigsbsuech'' (aka '<nowiki/>''Nur Theater mit dem Sonntagsbesuch'''; author actualization of the 1986-farce-comedy, in Swiss German as well adaption in High-German)<ref name=":23" /> * 2023: ''Teufelskreis'' (drama; author) <ref name=":37" /><ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":40" /><ref name=":43" /><ref name=":44">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2025 |title=A youngish review |url=https://ayoungishperspective.co.uk/2025/06/06/review-ruthless/}}</ref><ref name=":45" /><ref name=":46">{{Cite news |date=June 4, 2025 |title=Rev Stan's Theatre Blog |url=https://theatre.revstan.com/2025/06/review-ruthless-arches-lane-theatre.html#more}}</ref><ref name=":47" /><ref name=":48" /><ref name=":49" /><ref name=":50" /> * 2023: ''Ruthless'' (drama; author, English adaption from the German original; in preparation for a 2025-premiere in London as director and producer) <ref name=":37" /><ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":40" /><ref name=":43" /><ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /><ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /><ref name=":48" /><ref name=":49" /><ref name=":50" /><ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=Shakour |first=Anna |date=March 18, 2025 |title=Ruthless Theater Production |url=https://www.ruthless.theater/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=Ruthless}}</ref> * 2024: ''Wenn der Drilling mit der Zwilling'' (crime-comedy; author)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":23" /> * 2025'': w.w.Steinzeit'' (satire; author)<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" /> * 2025'': w.w.Stoneage'' (satire; author, Englisch adaption from the German original)<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":35" /> * 2026: ''Out Of Order (satire; author)''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steinmann |first=Roger |date=April 2, 2026 |title=Out Of Order |url=https://out-of-order.theater}}</ref>
=== Unproduced screenplays (selection) ===
*''Krebs!'' (1978)<ref name=":0" /> *''Serendipity'' (1991), co-written with/by James Valentine *''Bum and the Kid'' (1992), co-written with/by Robert Scott Steindorff, story by Steindorff<ref name=":22" /> *''Love of my Life'' (1993), co-written with/by Don Mankiewicz, story by Steinmann/Mario Gmür<ref name=":33">{{Cite web|url=http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmography.html|title=R O G E R S T E I N M A N N|last=Steinmann|first=Roger|date=March 26, 2016|website=Filmography and Theater Activities|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112141624/http://www.roger-steinmann.com/filmography.html|archive-date=January 12, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2020}}</ref> *''The PartyKillers'' (1995/2014), story with/by Rodney Heeringa, Markus Imthurn and Sidonia Held (in development)<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /> *''Ladies First'' (2015) (in development)<ref name=":29" /><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":31" /><ref name=":32" />
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|http://www.roger-steinmann.com/|name=Official website }} * {{IMDb name | 0826160}} * {{IMDb title | 0323576 | Illusion Infinity aka Paradise }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Steinmann, Roger}} Category:Living people Category:1961 births Category:Swiss film producers Category:Swiss film directors Category:Swiss screenwriters Category:Swiss male screenwriters Category:20th-century Swiss inventors Category:Swiss business executives