The studio in Germany, founded in 1995, grew from the vision of Werner Schäfer; a photographer and innovator who left a divided Berlin after the Wall was built, seeking freedom and new possibilities in Sweden. Inspired by both his cultural heritage and a passion for visual storytelling, Werner’s journey took a new direction during a stay in Australia in the early 1980s. There, working as an industrial photographer, he encountered large-format imagery for the first time, and was struck by its emotional power. What began as a dream to transform images into immersive, fabric-based experiences soon became a family-run business that continues to redefine scenographic expression across the globe.
In 1987, Big Image was born in a disused factory outside Stockholm, where Werner, with help from KTH engineering students, developed a proprietary printing method after existing technology failed to deliver. By 1995, Werner returned to Berlin — this time not divided, but united — to set up a second studio. The studio in Germany has since then supported some of the world’s most iconic stages, brands, and productions.
When seams began to interfere with the visual experience on stage, Werner Schäfer and the team at Big Image wanted to find a better way. The ambition was clear: to make it possible to create large, seamless images that could support scenographic storytelling without compromise. This led to the development of Infinitus — Big Image’s own printer, designed to produce double-sided prints on soft fabrics at monumental scale, without any visual breaks. That same spirit of innovation continues to guide the company today. From building proprietary technology to co-developing Clear Stage with performers and scenographers.
Today, Big Image stands at the intersection of digital creation and tactile reality. The company collaborates with clients on AI-generated imagery, immersive spaces, and bespoke visual storytelling. But even as digital tools evolve, Big Image remains rooted in the analogue, believing in the power of physical presence.
“We believe that visual experiences should not only be seen, but evoke emotion”, says Johanna Schäfer, CEO of Big Image Group. “In a world increasingly filtered through screens, we are proud to craft work that audiences can stand in front of, walk through, and remember.”
As the studio celebrates 30 years in Germany on Inventor’s Day, the date serves as a reminder of what has always driven Big Image forward: a belief in possibility. From one man’s idea to a company that continues to invent for the world’s stages, the journey is far from over.
