Bringing the Haunting World of Nosferatu to Life: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Stillking Films is proud to have co-produced the critically acclaimed reimagining of Nosferatu, directed by visionary filmmaker Robert Eggers. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the menacing Count Orlok, alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult, the film reimagines the iconic 1922 horror classic with chilling intensity.
Filming took place in Prague and other atmospheric locations, with the city’s renowned Barrandov Studios’ backdrops and nearby Czech castles providing a perfect canvas for the film’s haunting visuals.
Production designer Craig Lathrop brought Eggers’ vision to life by designing and constructing around 60 sets in Prague, many of which were inspired by real places in Germany and Transylvania. These intricately crafted sets, combined with the eerie presence of live rats and the authentic performances of local Czech actors in smaller roles, deepened the film’s sense of dread and realism.
With the key contribution of Czech set decorator Beatrice Brentnerová, their meticulous work earned an Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Production Design, along with seven other nominations.
Academy Award Nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Make up and Hairstyling.
BAFTA Nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Make up & Hair, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score.
At Stillking Films, we are honoured to have been part of this cinematic masterpiece, blending historical authenticity and artistic innovation to revive one of cinema’s most legendary horror tales.
“It’s thrilling to experience a movie so assured in the way it builds and sustains fear, so hypnotically scary as it grabs you by the throat and never lets go.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“There’s a terrible beauty to it all and a seductive quality that makes Eggers’s febrile gothic nightmare a hard thing to shake.” – Observer
“The costumes, the sets and the uncommonly elegant effects, all handsomely captured by Jarin Blaschke’s nearly colorless cinematography, combine to make “Nosferatu” a sumptuously immersive viewing experience.” – Variety
“You may not have asked for a new version of this near-perfect silent-film classic. You also couldn’t ask for a better artist to give this generation of Goths a nightmare to call their own.” – Rolling Stone
“Despite its familiar story beats, Eggers’ retelling suffocates like a coffin, right up to its chilling final shot. Lily-Rose Depp is full-bloodedly committed, and Bill Skarsgård’s fiend gorges with terrible fury.” – Empire Magazine
“What really separates Eggers’ Nosferatu from the flock is how deeply it explores the images and themes of vampire lore. There aren’t many Dracula films that give you so much to sink your teeth into.” – BBC
“Nosferatu not only revitalises a classic monster, it reminds us why they matter at all.” – Independent
Photos: Aidan Monaghan / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
BAFTA 2025 Nominations: Nosferatu, Lee and Better Man
Congratulations to three of our films — Nosferatu, Lee, and Better Man — on their BAFTA nominations!
A big shoutout to our incredible Stillking (Prague), Pioneer Stillking (Budapest), and Stillking WIP (Belgrade) teams, whose hard work and dedication brought these projects to life.
Nosferatu has collected five nominations, including Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Make up & Hair, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
Lee has been nominated for Outstanding British Film and Better Man has received a nomination for Best Special Visual Effects.
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 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.
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!
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.
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
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
The Union Soars to No 1 on Netflix
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