Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

I’ve been in the motion picture lighting industry for the past 45 years. I founded Kino Flo Lighting Systems in 1987 and was later honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with a Technical Achievement Award in 1995, for developing the first color-correct, portable, lightweight fluorescent lighting system. That system went on to revolutionize motion picture lighting. The spectrum of the lamps was designed to harmonize with the spectral response of motion picture film, and the low-energy, color-accurate soft light enabled quicker setups and resulted in unsurpassed image quality. It also became indispensable for visual effects lighting on blue and green screen. Kino Flo went on to win numerous awards for its later work on LED lighting fixtures, including LED light sources that operate through video processors and generate color-correct light from images rendered in volumetric environments. These image-based light sources (IBL) are used in virtual production studios to simulate light as it would appear in the natural world. I sold Kino Flo in 2021 but remain involved in new technologies for motion picture production.

What’s a fun fact about you?

Fun fact: I was conceived in Germany, born in Canada, and moved to Los Angeles in 1982. My family originally comes from the Neue Bundesländer, and after German reunification we regained a number of family properties that had been taken from us in 1945. An orchard from 1889, planted by my great-great-grandfather, now gives me the chance to make apple and pear brandies. Together with a local artisan distiller, I’ve started producing them under the name Villa Hochheim. Having lit Hollywood for the past 40 years, I’ll keep doing so, just in a different mode. As I like to say: please, drink responsibly.

What’s been your most memorable experience with GABA so far?

I was drawn into GABA by my dear friend Joachim Zell. He asked me to join him in establishing GABA’s Film Initiative Business Mixers. It’s been a great joy to meet other Germans in Los Angeles and compare notes on navigating life in America. As part of the Film group, I have over 40 years of experience to share with the next generation of filmmakers and artists. I remember what it was like coming to LA and trying to break into the industry. It was never easy, and in today’s market it’s possibly harder than ever. I look forward to every last Tuesday of the month, when we meet at the Wirtshaus on La Brea, knock back some good German beer, enjoy schnitzel, and talk about what everyone is working on. And where else can you get traditional white Spargel but at GABA? It’s the once-a-year event not to miss.

What are you passionate about?

Having spent the past 40-plus years in the film industry, I still get excited by new technology. Changes in technology have heavily influenced and shaped our cinematic language. Images that once shocked early audiences now seem quaint. A train entering a station, filmed by the Lumière brothers in 1896, so shocked audiences that they fled the theater for fear of being run over. The introduction of AI is another change being met with similar fear. The AI wave is upon us, and either we learn to surf it or get caught in its undertow. I’m fascinated by some of the capabilities it offers, and I hope to be part of its evolution. As part of this new direction, I’m working on establishing a purpose-built film-rendering compute center in Burbank for our film community, one that will address the ever-changing demands of post-production workflows. The next few years are going to be a bumpy ride, but a good suspension, some tasty apple brandy, and a few talented film artists should make it a rewarding one. Go GABA!

Connect with Frieder on LinkedIn

The post GABA Team Interview: Frieder Hochheim appeared first on GABA Southern California.

More photos on Facebook
Photos by Albert Evangelista

Inside the new Glorya Kaufman Community Center, guests joined an engaging panel discussion led by Jim Jiao featuring Daniel Schwarzl, Joerg Kemkes, and Bret Hamelin. Together, the speakers explored a wide range of topics highly relevant to professionals, and families with ties to both Germany and the US.

The conversation addressed key considerations including immigration status and long-term residency planning, marriage and partnership agreements across jurisdictions, estate planning, and structuring investments and finances in a cross-border context.

Daniel Schwarzl, Managing Partner at Fredricks, Schwarzl & von der Horst, provided valuable insights into cross-border legal matters.

Joerg Kemkes, Managing Partner at Rueter Partner Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH, focused on cross-border tax issues from the German perspective.

Bret Hamlin, Owner & Tax Expert at Bret Gregory Hamelin, A.P.L.C., complemented the discussion with cross-border tax insights from the US perspective, helping attendees better understand the complexity of navigating two financial and legal systems simultaneously.

The evening became especially interactive during the Q&A session, where guests engaged directly with the panelists on personal and professional questions. Conversations continued during the reception in the beautiful Wende garden, where attendees and panelists networked over appetizers and drinks. The high number of first time guests at a GABA event validated how important the topics are for the German American community.

This memorable evening was only possible through the support of our sponsors and partners. We extend our sincere thank you to Fredricks, Schwarzl & von der Horst and The Wende Museum for making this important conversation possible.

The post Living a Double Life in Germany and the US: Navigating Cross-Border Realities appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to offer several wonderful opportunities for your child to continue learning German while having fun along the way!

Online German Classes (A1–C1)
June 22 – July 10, 2026
Keep language skills fresh with engaging and interactive virtual    sessions.
3-week program · Classes meet twice per week

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/online-weekdays/

1-Week Sleepaway Camp in Frazier Park
June 14 – June 20, 2026
An immersive experience filled with German language practice, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable memories!

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/camp/

1-Week Day Camps – Ventura School
June 8 – June 12, 2026
August 3 – August 7, 2026
A fun mix of German learning, creative activities, and outdoor  play in a relaxed environment.

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/summer-day-camps-ventura/

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!
We look forward to a fun and enriching summer with your children!

The post German Immersion Camp Summer 2026 Brings Language, Culture, and Adventure to Life appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Southern California’s German-American community gathered in style for the German American Business Association’s annual White Asparagus Gala Dinner & Award, an evening that united executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. Set against the marina backdrop, the event delivered a memorable mix of networking, recognition, and culinary tradition.

Photos by Albert Evangelista

More photos on Facebook

The post A Night of Prestige and Connection at GABA’s Annual White Asparagus Gala appeared first on GABA Southern California.

The event connects US founders, investors, and tech leaders with European expansion opportunities in NRW – one of Europe’s largest tech and innovation hubs, home to 18,000+ companies and a $750B economy with direct access to the EU single market.

Event details:

📅 April 10, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

📍 Heard Building, 112 N Central Ave, Downtown Phoenix

🔗 RSVP

The post NRW.Global Business is hosting “Next Stop Europe: International Tech Luncheon” appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Your Responsibilities:

• Identify and secure suitable venues (restaurants, bars, or hotels) that align with our community and event style
• Coordinate key event details, including parking information, happy hour offerings, and venue highlights
• Support the planning and execution of engaging and well-organized networking events

What We’re Looking For:

• A proactive and outgoing personality with a passion for connecting people
• Enjoyment in working collaboratively within a diverse German-American team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

What You’ll Gain:
As a GABA volunteer, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including:

• Complimentary GABA membership
• Free or reduced admission to GABA events
• Featured profile on the GABA team page
• Direct access to GABA board members and industry professionals
• Valuable networking opportunities within the German-American business community

Join us and play an active role in bringing professionals together while building meaningful connections of your own. For more information on volunteering for GABA, visit here.

Submit volunteer request

The post Volunteer Opportunity: Business Mixer Team – Los Angeles appeared first on GABA Southern California.

More photos on Facebook
All photos by Albert Evangelista Photography

Hosted in collaboration with Barco, the afternoon gathering transformed the historic studio space into an intimate watch party that blended industry savvy with red-carpet flair. A dynamic mix of film professionals, creatives, and devoted cinephiles filled the room, creating the kind of cross-industry buzz that awards season thrives on.

As the telecast of the Academy Awards lit up the big screen, guests settled in for an afternoon of spirited commentary and lively debate over the night’s most anticipated categories. Between acceptance speeches and surprise wins, conversations flowed freely, touching on everything from emerging filmmakers to the evolving global influence of cinema.

The venue added a layer of cinematic authenticity. Known for its legacy in Los Angeles production history, Glen Glenn Studios offered a fitting backdrop for a gathering devoted to the art and spectacle of filmmaking.

By the time the final statuettes were handed out, the afternoon had become more than a watch party. It was a reminder of the connective power of film and of the thriving cultural bridge between German and American creatives in Los Angeles.

With Barco’s generous hosting and a room full of film lovers, the celebration captured the essence of awards season: community, creativity, and the enduring magic of the movies.

The post Oscar Night, Hollywood Style: German-American Creatives Gather for Starry Viewing Party at Glen Glenn Studios appeared first on GABA Southern California.

GABA Southern California hosted its annual Economic & Market Outlook on February 3, 2026, at the iconic Annenberg Community Beach House, in partnership with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. Set against a stunning Pacific sunset, the event brought together an exceptional cross-section of transatlantic leaders, including senior executives, financial and legal experts, consultants, technologists, diplomats, academics, and cultural figures. The evening reflected a rare mix of influence, intellect, and global perspective, hallmarks of GABA’s dynamic and highly engaged community.

Guests were welcomed with an open bar before Deepak Puri, Chief Investment Officer of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, took the stage for an interactive and thought-provoking conversation moderated by renowned financial journalist Frank Mottek. Following the discussion, attendees continued the exchange during a lively networking reception accompanied by curated drinks and appetizers.

The timely discussion, enriched by an active audience Q&A, addressed pressing global economic and market developments. A central theme was the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence as a key driver of market performance, innovation, and investor sentiment.

Broader macroeconomic themes included affordability challenges, global fiscal imbalances and growth disparities, and the structural, long-term implications of AI on markets worldwide. For more info, read Deutsche Bank PERSPECTIVES 2026 – Annual Outlook.

GABA Southern California extends its sincere gratitude to Deutsche Bank Wealth Management for once again partnering and sponsoring this flagship event. A special thank-you also goes to Condor for its generous contribution and support in making the evening a success.

More photos from the event on Facebook. 

Photos by Albert Evangelista

The post GABA Southern California Hosts Annual Economic & Market Outlook 2026 with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management appeared first on GABA Southern California.

GABA Southern California hosted its annual Economic & Market Outlook on February 3, 2026, at the iconic Annenberg Community Beach House, in partnership with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. Set against a stunning Pacific sunset, the event brought together an exceptional cross-section of transatlantic leaders, including senior executives, financial and legal experts, consultants, technologists, diplomats, academics, and cultural figures. The evening reflected a rare mix of influence, intellect, and global perspective, hallmarks of GABA’s dynamic and highly engaged community.

Guests were welcomed with an open bar before Deepak Puri, Chief Investment Officer of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, took the stage for an interactive and thought-provoking conversation moderated by renowned financial journalist Frank Mottek. Following the discussion, attendees continued the exchange during a lively networking reception accompanied by curated drinks and appetizers.

The timely discussion, enriched by an active audience Q&A, addressed pressing global economic and market developments. A central theme was the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence as a key driver of market performance, innovation, and investor sentiment.

Broader macroeconomic themes included affordability challenges, global fiscal imbalances and growth disparities, and the structural, long-term implications of AI on markets worldwide. For more info, read Deutsche Bank PERSPECTIVES 2026 – Annual Outlook.

GABA Southern California extends its sincere gratitude to Deutsche Bank Wealth Management for once again partnering and sponsoring this flagship event. A special thank-you also goes to Condor for its generous contribution and support in making the evening a success.

More photos from the event on Facebook. 

Photos by Albert Evangelista

The post GABA Southern California Hosts Annual Economic & Market Outlook 2026 with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I lived and worked for various international companies in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. Throughout my career, I have utilized my interpersonal and organisational skills to provide guidance through decision-making processes with patience and compassion. I work now for a luxury wig manufacturer in Sales and Marketing as the Head of Wholesale.

What’s a fun fact about you?
Fun fact about me: despite my best efforts, I seem to have a hidden talent for scuffing the wheels on our cars. Parallel parking keeps life exciting.

What’s been your most memorable experience with GABA so far?
So many events, meaningful interactions, and lasting memories. It was a pleasure to be part of the OC team and contribute to organizing an event at SAP Hanahaus in Newport Beach, overseeing everything from speaker coordination and logistics to sponsorship and invitations.

What are you passionate about?
One of my key passions is connecting ideas and people to create meaningful impact. I enjoy turning complex challenges into clear, actionable solutions and helping teams work more effectively together. GABA excites me because it brings together diverse professionals who share a drive for growth, collaboration, and innovation—an environment where I feel motivated to contribute, learn, and help build strong, lasting connections.  

Connect with Rike on LinkedIn

The post GABA Team Interview: Rike Hellermann appeared first on GABA Southern California.