THE INTERVIEW
June, 2026
WINFRIED VOGT AND CHRISTINA PAAP
MISSION UNDERCOVER
HONORABLE MENTION
Winfried Vogt and Christina Paap, tell us a little about yourselves. Where does your desire to tell stories come from?
The interesting truth is that we are neither traditional writers nor screenwriters. Our roots lie in a completely different world—the world of entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing. What has always distinguished us, however, is a vivid imagination and the ability to transform complex topics into compelling stories.
This very approach led to the creation of Mission Undercover. Originally, we were looking for a creative way to explain sophisticated financial and insurance products in a more engaging manner. We quickly realized that people do not connect with products—they connect with stories. So, we developed a narrative that combines knowledge, suspense, and entertainment while making important economic concepts accessible and relatable.
What is your professional background?
Our professional background is deeply rooted in international business, entrepreneurship, and strategic development. For many years, we have worked in areas such as trade credit insurance, financing, factoring, and liquidity management—fields that are essential for businesses, yet often difficult to communicate in an engaging way.
In addition, we founded the International Innovation Award and the Entrepreneurs Club. Our mission has always been to connect entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and established companies while creating platforms that foster innovation and collaboration.
Through filmmaking, we eventually discovered a powerful medium to make economic and business-related topics more emotional, tangible, and accessible to a wider audience. Mission Undercover is a perfect example of this approach. Beneath the thrilling storyline lies a central message about the importance of liquidity and financial stability for businesses.
What were your sources of inspiration for Mission Undercover?
From the very beginning, our goal was clear: we did not want to create a dry business presentation—we wanted to tell an adventure story that captivates audiences. Suspense, action, puzzles, and international locations create an emotional connection with viewers.
Our inspiration came less from a specific film and more from the challenge of translating complex economic concepts into a narrative that anyone can understand. A treasure hunt, coded clues, unexpected twists, and hidden secrets are storytelling elements that people naturally relate to. At the same time, they reflect the challenges entrepreneurs face every day.
Mission Undercover received an Honorable Mention at the RED Movie Awards. What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition means a great deal to us. It acknowledges not only the film itself but also the passion, dedication, and commitment of the entire team behind the project.
At the same time, it reinforces a message that we often share with entrepreneurs and startups: believe in your vision, stay committed to your goals, and never be afraid to pursue unconventional paths. Sooner or later, perseverance is rewarded.
For us, the recognition at the RED Movie Awards represents an important milestone. For entrepreneurs, that same courage can often become the foundation for their next stage of growth.
The screenplay combines thriller, mystery, action, and adventure elements. How did you bring these genres together?
In many ways, this combination reflects real life. No day consists solely of planning, just as no day is pure adventure. We all face challenges, surprises, decisions, and unexpected turns.
That is precisely the dynamic we wanted to bring to the screen. The different genres complement one another and help create a story that feels engaging, dynamic, and authentic.
Technology and financial systems play a central role in the story. How much research was required?
Because these topics are part of our professional lives, we were able to draw on extensive experience and practical knowledge. We have spent many years working with financial solutions, digital transformation, and innovative technologies for businesses.
Of course, every detail was carefully reviewed, but much of the content is based on real-world experience gained through working with entrepreneurs and international business partners. This allowed us to combine authenticity with entertainment.
The protagonists appear as podcasters, travelers, and art enthusiasts. What inspired these characters?
Quite simply—our own lives.
We are active podcasters, we travel extensively for projects and events around the world, and we share a strong passion for art. We are also involved in our own art-related ventures.
It therefore felt natural to incorporate these elements into the characters. Doing so added credibility and a personal touch to the story. Many scenes were inspired by real experiences, encounters, and impressions that we have gathered throughout our journeys.
The story takes place across different countries and cultures. How did you approach such an international narrative?
International collaboration has been part of our daily lives for many years. We constantly experience how different markets, cultures, and business environments operate, but also how similar the challenges faced by people and companies around the world truly are.
We wanted to reflect this reality in the film. Despite cultural differences, entrepreneurs everywhere deal with similar questions concerning growth, security, financing, innovation, and future opportunities.
At the same time, we firmly believe that travel broadens perspectives and creates understanding. This idea is also woven into the narrative of Mission Undercover.
Do you have a memorable anecdote from the production?
In many ways, the entire project is a collection of memorable moments. From developing the first ideas and making spontaneous script changes on set to dealing with unexpected situations during filming, every stage of production generated stories that could never have been planned.
Perhaps that is the best anecdote of all: every production develops its own unique energy and constantly surprises us. That is why we regularly share behind-the-scenes footage and making-of content, allowing audiences to experience the journey alongside us.
What is your next project?
Our next film project currently carries the working title Entrepreneurs.Club – The Movie.
The film will tell the story behind our own journey—from the first short films we created to explain complex insurance and financial products to award-winning productions such as Mission Undercover.
At the same time, it will offer a behind-the-scenes look at our involvement in the international startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It will explore how ideas emerge, how networks grow, and how visions evolve into real-world projects.
In short, it is a story about how entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, and filmmaking can come together to inspire people and open new perspectives.