CZECH REPUBLIC – 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.

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

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.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Interview With The Vampire Returns With Season 2

After much anticipation, the second season of Interview With The Vampire is set to premiere on AMC this Sunday, May 12. As co-producers of the series, we are thrilled to invite viewers back into the captivating world of Anne Rice’s iconic novels.

Filmed in the enchanting city of Prague, our crew embarked on an extensive five-month shoot, culminating in August 2023. The Parisian backlot at the renowned Barrandov Studios served as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama of the Theatre Des Vampires coven, transporting audiences to the heart of Europe.

Building upon the rich narrative of Rice’s works, Season 2 delves deeper into the lives of beloved characters Louis and Claudia as they navigate the complexities of their immortal existence. “Memory is a monster” has been a common theme of this new season, and this is particularly evident as they explore their eternal struggle with the ghosts of their past, even as they find themselves far from their origins in New Orleans.

With eight gripping episodes, viewers can expect an immersive journey through love, betrayal, and the timeless allure of the undead. Mark your calendars, as the season finale is scheduled to air on June 30, 2024, promising a conclusion that will leave audiences craving more.

In the year 2022, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) recounts his life story to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940 when Louis and teen fledgling Claudia (Delainey Hayles) conspired to kill the Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), Louis tells of his adventures in Europe, a quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris, with Claudia. It is in Paris that Louis first meets the Vampire Armand (Assad Zaman). Their courtship and love affair will prove to have devastating consequences both in the past and in the future, and Molloy will probe to get to the truths buried within the memories.

“While vampires might have seemed like a no-brainer next step after AMC’s long reliance on zombies, this version of “Interview with the Vampire” has found the right resting place, and the creative team has sunk its teeth into a concept that, against the odds, appears to be aging remarkably well.” – CNN Entertainment

“Not only does this new coven [Théâtre des Vampires] treat us to some gloriously staged set pieces and laugh-out-loud theater kid drama, it also provides an outlet for Interview with the Vampire to delve deeper into its themes of performance and deception. What follows is a bloody good time — with sides of twisted romance and tragedy, of course.” – Mashable

“Another triumph for TV’s greatest gothic drama. Interview with the Vampire has no interest in irony or restraint. Its humor lies in the overlap between comedy and horror, and its central performances hinge on total commitment. Rarely do we see such a clever, creative work of adaptation, mining classic vampire tropes for a deliciously energizing take on the genre.” – TV Guide

“Here’s hoping Interview With the Vampire, which is powerfully performed and lavishly produced, catches on culturally for some well-deserved Emmy nominations this time around.” – The Cut

“When going back to where it all began, the biggest question became whether Interview with the Vampire’s latest chapter could replicate Season 1’s smash-hit success. Good news for longtime fans and newcomers alike: after screening the first six episodes of Season 2 provided for review, the answer is a resounding yes, and then some.” – Collider

Trailer & Photos: Courtesy of AMC

CZECH REPUBLIC

Spaceman World Premiere at Berlinale

In February, we were honoured to attend the prestigious Berlinale Special Gala for the world premiere of the much-anticipated Netflix film ‘Spaceman,’ alongside its cast including Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Paul Dano, Kunal Nayyar, and director Johan Renck. Co-produced in the Czech Republic by Stillking Films, the event preceded the film’s global release later in the month.

“When we were in Prague, we just had the most amazing crew who loved Johan and were so excited about what we were doing. And so we did feel like it was the coolest, the nicest community.”
~ Carey Mulligan on filming Spaceman, Berlinale Press Conference, Feb’24

Photos: Courtesy of Berlinale and Stillking Films