Supports Hillary Rodham Clinton's 2008 electoral campaign.

Frequently casts members of a particular group of actors in minor roles in his movies. This group includes 'John Storey', 'David Pressman', Erick Avari, Leon Rippy, Christopher John Fields, Derek Webster, Jack Moore and Steve Giannelli, among others. All of these actors appeared in at least three films directed by Emmerich, including Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), Independence Day (1996), Godzilla (1998), and The Patriot (2000). All of these films were produced by Centropolis Entertainment, the company co-founded by Emmerich and business partner Dean Devlin.

Brother of Ute Emmerich

Was originally considered to direct Spider-Man (2002).

President of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005

Often uses extreme telephoto lenses with very deep focus in his shots so that all elements are in sharp focus.

Along with other celebrities, he raised money for women's rights in the developing world.

Attended the School of Television and Film in Munich from 1977 to 1981.

He lists The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Towering Inferno (1974) and Earthquake (1974) (disaster movies) as his favourites.

His movie Arche Noah Prinzip, Das (1984) has been the most high budgeted film-school examination film (DEM 1,000,000) in Germany (1984).

Turned down the offer to direct Die Another Day (2002).

Donated $150,000 to the Outfest's Legacy Project, which is dedicated to the gay and lesbian film reservation, the largest gift in the festival's history (2006).

Emmerich was interested into doing Transformers (2007), but Dreamworks wanted Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay over him.

Since directing The Day After Tomorrow (2004), he has tried to focus the public's attention on the issue of global warming.