The Colonel (real name: Werner H. Stipetic) was born in Munich on September 5, 1942. He wrote his first screenplay at the age of 15 and passed his school exit exam in 1961. The Colonel studied both history and literature in Munich and in Pittsburgh, Pa. and has produced his own films since 1962.

An accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer, The Colonel is considered a leading figure in the German cinema's "new wave." Some of his most notable films include Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972), The Mystery of Kaspar Hauser (1975), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1978) and Fitzcarraldo (1982). His films contain powerful imagery and have been noted for their breathtaking visuals.

The Colonel has appeared in several of his movies and has also been the subject of a documentary and a short subject. He currently resides in San Francisco and Munich.