stillkingf – Stillking Film

CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, ROMANIA, SERBIA

2025 Critics Choice Awards: Celebrating 11 Nominations

The nominees for the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced for the 2025 film and television ceremony, and we are thrilled to share that five of our films and TV series have collectively picked up an impressive 11 nominations. We are incredibly proud and honoured to be part of these creative collaborations with our talented teams at Stillking (Prague), Pioneer Stillking (Budapest), Icon Stillking (Bucharest) and Stillking WIP (Belgrade).

NOSFERATU

Best Cinematography – Jarin Blaschke
Best Production Design – Craig Lathrop
Best Costume Design – Linda Muir
Best Hair and Makeup – Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton, David White

MARIA

Best Actress – Angelina Jolie
Best Costume Design – Massimo Cantini Parrini

BETTER MAN

Best Visual Effects – Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs

WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES

Best Limited Series
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Logan Lerman

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

Best Drama Series
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Sam Reid

CZECH REPUBLIC

Czech Republic Boosts Production Incentive Program To 25%

A major boost to the Czech production incentive programme has just been approved by the Czech Republic’s Senate on December 11, 2024, solidifying the country’s status as a premier destination for film and television production.

The long-anticipated amendment to the current Audiovisual Act sees an increase in the main rate to 25% and tripling of the cap, as well as the introduction of a new 35% incentive for animation and digital production. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The key highlights of the updated legislation are:

– Increased Rebate: The production rebate will rise from the current 20% to 25% for traditionally produced projects such as feature films and series.

– Higher Project Cap: The maximum per-project grant will increase significantly from 150 million CZK (€6M) to 450 million CZK (€18M).

– Boost for Animation and Digital Production: Incentives for animated and digitally produced projects will see an even greater boost, increasing to an exceptional 35% rebate.

These changes underscore the Czech government’s commitment to fostering a thriving audiovisual sector — a commitment that aligns closely with Stillking’s mission to deliver world-class production services.

HUNGARY, SERBIA

Golden Globe Nominations: Maria, Lee and Better Man

We are thrilled to share that three of our films – Maria, Lee, and Better Man – have each earned prestigious Golden Globe nominations, announced on December 9, 2024. These nominations are a true testament to the outstanding talent and artistry that brought these stories to life, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Pioneer Stillking and Stillking WIP teams behind these projects.

MARIA: Angelina Jolie earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s Maria.

LEE: Kate Winslet earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her portrayal of Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller in Ellen Kuras’ Lee.

BETTER MAN: Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler and Sacha Skarbek earned a nomination for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for “Forbidden Road” from Michael Gracey’s Better Man.

Here’s to an unforgettable awards season, and our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees!

SPAIN

Filming of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” (Season 3) Has Begun in Spain

The heart of Madrid saw an unexpected invasion by a walker apocalypse as filming kicked off in September for the highly anticipated third season of the acclaimed “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” franchise.

Our Spanish team at Ánima Stillking has joined the production, bringing years of their local expertise to the project as The Walking Dead universe returns to Europe to continue the saga of Carol (Melissa McBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) as they struggle to find their way back home.

With the third season both set and produced in Spain, the country’s appeal as a filming location extends beyond the iconic capital. Plans include shooting across Galicia, Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia to capture the unique and varied landscapes that complement the show’s moody, survivalist aesthetic.

CZECH REPUBLIC

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Interview with the Vampire Season 3

Since Season 3 of Interview with the Vampire premiered in May, fans have been drawn back into the lives of Louis and Claudia as they navigate their complex, immortal existence far from New Orleans. “Memory is a monster” echoes throughout this season, exploring the inescapable shadows of the past that cling to our protagonists as they confront betrayal, love, and the undying allure of their world.

With Halloween just around the corner, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse behind the curtain of Interview with the Vampire Season 3. Filmed over five months in the enchanting city of Prague, the production used the Parisian backlot at the historic Barrandov Studios as a stunning, intricate backdrop to capture the dark elegance of the Théâtre des Vampires coven.

The production, which wrapped in August 2023, brought together AMC, showrunner Rolin Jones, EP Mark Johnson, and Stillking Films to craft a darkly beautiful world that immerses viewers in Anne Rice’s iconic vampire universe. These behind-the-scenes images reveal the artistry and dedication that went into transforming Prague into a hauntingly beautiful landscape and we couldn’t be prouder of our talented Czech crew, who helped bring this vampire saga to life.

Photo Credit: Larry Horricks/AMC

CZECH REPUBLIC

White Bird: A Powerful Story of Bravery and Kindness

From the best-selling author of Wonder, the book that sparked a movement to “choose kind”, comes the inspirational next chapter…

In White Bird, we follow Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage — during her youth in Nazi-occupied France, a boy shelters her from mortal danger.

They find first love in a stunning, magical world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe.

From director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland and Christopher Robin), screenwriter Mark Bomback, and based on R.J. Palacio’s book, White Bird, like Wonder before it, is an uplifting movie about how one act of kindness can live on forever.

Co-produced by David Minkowski of Stillking Films in Czech Republic in collaboration with Lionsgate, White Bird is now playing in theaters everywhere.

Video & Photos: Courtesy of Lionsgate

“Helen Mirren and superb young cast help make this exceptional and timely WWII holocaust teen story a must-see.” – Deadline

“A heartfelt experience for the whole family.” – Movieguide

“Shot in the Czech Republic, the rural environs have a slight storybook quality in Matthias Konigswieser’s very attractive widescreen cinematography.” – Variety

“With elegant acting from its two young leads and picturesque cinematography from Matthias Koenigswieser, it serves as a competently executed morality play for audiences craving a bit of unambiguous humanism.” – IndieWire

“You can appreciate the artistry and the fine acting and the timeless messaging in the beautifully filmed coming-of-age drama.” – Chicago Sun

“Marc Forster’s latest directorial effort strikes the core through its simple, but purposeful look at the power of humanity.” – Collider

“A good-hearted, straightforward film that might even have you shedding a few tears.” – ABC News

“The strength of White Bird lies in its performers, especially Glaser and Schwerdt, who deliver complex, nuanced takes on young people experiencing global atrocities on an intimate scale.” – LA Times.

Video & Photos: Courtesy of Lionsgate

SERBIA

The Union Soars to No 1 on Netflix

Since its release on Friday (August 16), The Union has shot up to the top spot on Netflix global chart of the most-watched TV and films.

The spy-action-comedy-thriller stars Mark Wahlberg as Mike, a down-to-earth construction worker from Jersey, who is quickly thrust into the world of super spies and secret agents when his high school sweetheart Roxanne (Halle Berry) recruits him on a high-stakes US intelligence mission.

The Union is another exciting project where Stillking WIP Serbia delivered top-tier production services, filming in Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.

Videos & Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

CZECH REPUBLIC

Behind the Scenes of ‘Spaceman’: Reliving The Czech Adventure

If you’re a fan of sci-fi and stunning cinematography, chances are you’ve already been captivated by Netflix’s film, ‘Spaceman’.

Co-produced by Stillking Films, directed by Johan Renck and starring Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Paul Dano and Kunal Nayyar, ‘Spaceman’ has taken audiences on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.

As a throwback to our production exactly three years ago (June 2021), we’re thrilled to share some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the sets in the Czech Republic, showcasing the magic and hard work that went into creating this sci-fi gem and relive this Czech adventure.

HUNGARY

Kate Winslet Becomes Pioneering War Photographer Lee Miller in ‘Lee’

Mark your calendars! Our latest film, “Lee”, starring the Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, will be in UK & Irish cinemas from 13 September 2024 and in US theatres September 27.

“Lee” tells the remarkable story of Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller — a fashion model turned acclaimed war correspondent and photographer for Vogue during WWII. Determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime, and in spite of the odds stacked against female correspondents, Lee captured some of the most important images of World War II, but they came at an enormous personal price.

Directed by the acclaimed cinematographer and director Ellen Kuras, the stellar cast also includes Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough and Andy Samberg.

Co-produced by Pioneer Stillking Films in Hungary for Roadside Attraction, don’t miss this captivating journey into history!

Video & Photo: Courtesy of Roadside Attraction

HUNGARY

Dune: Prophecy – The First Trailer for TV Prequel Series Released

We’re excited to share the first glimpse of Dune: Prophecy, our latest project produced by Pioneer Stillking Films in Budapest, Hungary for HBO Max.

The TV prequel to the recent Dune movies is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune”, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It follows two Harkonnen sisters, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

Co-produced by Ildiko Kemény and David Minkowski of Pioneer Stillking Films, the new original series Dune: Prophecy consists of six episodes and will be streaming this fall on HBO Max.

Video & Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max