Top secret: Hunting down Homeland in Berlin

It's frustrating. After 87 emails, exhaustive Twitter research and countless calls, I have neither permission to visit the set of "Homeland" nor the opportunity to interview an actor. As a journalist, I live for information - and usually processing that information takes much longer than the research itself. But not so with "Homeland." This story requires a different tactic. Introducing Daniela Späth, DW's resident "Homeland" detective.

Step one: Set up a Google alert. As soon as the word "Homeland" pops up in the media I am notified by the distinctive "ping" on my smartphone. I soon learn from a brief article in a small local newspaper in Kreuzberg that an agency is casting around 1,000 extras "for an international production." I call the agency and am told it is not a "Homeland" casting. But, as Timo Gössler, a lecturer at the Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf, explains, "At such castings, it is common not to announce the title of the production" so as to avoid masses of fans applying and to ensure suitable talent.

Word on the street is this is, indeed, most likely a casting for "Homeland." So naturally, I'm going.

Like Carrie, always a step behind

But where do I go? At Babelsberg Studios, where the production is based, there is no information. Surely it can't be difficult to find out, with 1,000 extras taking part throughout the season. My phone "pings" again - a Berlin newspaper has reported that "Homeland" is being "filmed on location in Berlin, Brandenburg and in Babelsberg Studios." That's 30,551.84 square kilometers of potential film locations, according to Wikipedia. A veritable needle in a haystack. Discouraged, I console myself by watching "Homeland." Carrie Mathison, the CIA agent and lead character, always gets knocked down a little along the way.

I trawl Twitter for the hashtag #Homeland. Bang - Twitter user ChristianMutter tweets "Steglitz has turned #Homeland. Arranging props so it looks a little more Berlin: lots of stickers." Excited, I type into my phone: "Do you know if shooting continues tomorrow?" But no reply. With a mixture of shame and frustration I delete the tweet. I can't proclaim to the world how desperate I am. Sadly, I always seem to be one step behind - like Carrie, on the heels of a terrorist, who gets away.

The strategy behind "Homeland's" success has been a mix of marketing genius and running a secure operation that makes it hard for spoilers to get out, according to Timo Gössler. "The producers want to avoid that too many hints about the specific content of the fifth season leak onto social media, which would spread worldwide at lightening speed."

If the show lost the element of surprise, it could threaten the series' success. On the other hand, the show almost invites speculation. "The myth and mystery behind the series means a high level of excitement and anticipation. The producers want to achieve just that," Gössler says.

Homeland leaves room for spontaneity

In addition, "Homeland" relies on the ever-shifting political landscape of its location. "If during production something changes politically in the country, the producers can utilize this, if the content of the story is mirrored in the reality," Gössler explains. Therefore, the content is kept under tight embargo.

I've traveled solo through Central America for half a year and survived a robbery in South Africa - surely I can't be defeated by a TV series from the US! Suddenly I get a tip off from a newsroom colleague, with the message: "Unnamed filming, on Friday Carmerstrasse in Charlottenburg is closed." Normally, I would have trashed the message, but my despair pushes me on. I notice every small sign - just like Carrie.

I run to my boss. "You may think I am crazy, but what if this actually turned out to be 'Homeland'?" Contrary to my expectations, she gives me hope - like when Saul Berenson, the chief of the CIA, gives Carrie renewed strength.

So I'm going. Carmerstrasse is a quiet residential street. As I stroll along, I notice the trucks parked left and right labeled "catering." I sit down on the edge of the curb, eat an ice cream and wait. I wait and wait. Nothing happens. I notice the white wall of Carmerstrasse 32 - and a huge spotlight. But besides a few local residents and the film crew there is no one in sight. But then the evidence!

OMG! It's a celebrity!

Mandy Patinkin, who plays Carrie's boss Saul Berenson, enters the white house. It all happens in a matter of seconds and I don't get time to take a photo - still, I am certain it's him. Now I am sure. "Its Homeland!" I write to my boss, forgetting the apostrophe through sheer excitement. "OMG! Reporter's luck!" she writes back.

And behold, soon Claire Danes also emerges and is standing about 10 meters away from me. But every time my hand approaches my camera there is a film supervisor close by. When I try to get the shot, I get a dirty look and warning in return. It's not just a mirage - "Homeland" is indeed in Berlin.

I have requested an interview with Claire Danes - but so far there has been no return call (uncharacteristic of Carrie, who is known for her swift reactions).

My phone "pings" once more - my heart quickens. But it's just another Google alert: "Homeland" has just been nominated for five Emmy Awards.

PS: Your trusty DW "Homeland" detective gladly welcomes any tip-offs.