Filming in Prague is more expensive to produce, especially footage from the historic center
According to Jan Chabr (City Forces / TOP 09), a councilor for the city’s property, the price adjustment responds to the general rise in prices and to the fact that current rates have been in force since 2003. We welcome this activity. On the other hand, you have certainly noticed a relatively large side of this activity in the center. As time goes on, there needs to be some revision of the relationship. For this reason, in agreement with the Association of Audiovisual Producers, we proceeded to a slight increase in rents, “said Chabr.
By far the most reflected in the budgets of the film crews are the projects that will need footage from the Old Town Square or Charles Bridge.
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In the first case, the flat fee will double from the current 90,000 crowns for each day started. In the second case, the municipality collects 250,000 crowns for each day started. According to current rules, the oldest bridge in Prague is subject to the normal tax for a monument reservation, to which, however, the rent of CZK 250,000 per day for Prague 1 must be added.
A novelty of the amended rules is also the “symbolic” rate of 2,000 crowns per day (with a variable occupation of up to five square meters) for documentary filmmakers offering production, the city wants to support. While the current rates did not distinguish between large and small occupations, the new one ends with a special category “greenery of city-wide significance”, in which the most expensive item is the shooting of advertising (a day for 100 thousand crowns).
Other changes and benefits for filmmakers
The new conditions will bring, in addition to the price list, several other partial changes. For example, for filming with an occupation of over 300 square meters on the territory of the Prague Monument Reserve, the obligation to discuss the request of the Magistracy Commission for the Coordination of Activities in Public Spaces within the reservation will now apply. So far, this discussion has only been an option.
According to the municipality, filmmakers can expect new “benefits” at the same time as rent rises. In attractive locations, so-called green points are to be created, equipped with electricity connections and other “permanent” facilities. This eliminates the need for diesel generators, which are noisy, take up space and contaminate the air.
Prague’s place is important
Prague politicians and film producers agree that filming in the streets of the capital is beneficial for both parties. “Locations within the metropolis are very important for film crews and make Prague interesting for foreign crews as well. At the same time, the film industry is an important branch for Prague, which, in addition to renting locations, brings the purchase of goods and services of a so-called non-film character. Sixty percent of the cost of producing audiovisual works is not purely cinematic, it includes, for example, renting hotels and using restaurant services, transport or small craftsmen, “said Magdaléna Králová, executive director of the Association of Audiovisual Producers, who believes closer cooperation between staffs and the municipality will lead to greater satisfaction. . residents and filmmakers.
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“We know that filmmakers are an important source of finance for Prague, as well as follow-up tourism promotion, and at the same time they participate in the capital abroad. We are glad that we managed to find an agreement with the Producers’ Association on how to update the rules for occupations. However, our negotiations do not end there, on the contrary, we are also preparing another level of cooperation, “added Hana Třeštíková (Prague to herself), Councilor for Culture and Tourism.
Also, according to the Czech Film Commission at the State Cinematography Fund, which distributes state incentives, the dialogue between industry and the city also touches on larger issues than rental prices. “We are cooperating with the City Hall and the APA on the concept of the so-called Prague Film Office, ie the Prague film office, which is fundamentally missing here. In Europe today, you basically can’t find a capital that doesn’t have a film office. This is an important link between the filmmakers and the state, which provides enlightenment towards the citizens and works in a stable environment for filming, which in turn leads to higher economic benefits for the city, “said Pavlína Žipková.
Fees for the occupation of public spaces are not the only expenses of filmmakers in the coffers of local governments or state offices. For example, if you need to shoot a road, you have to pay for its “special use”.
Larger film projects loaded in recent years (also) in Prague
2019
Carnival Row (Amazon)
First row with Orlando Bloom in the lead role.
Wheel of Time (Amazon, Sony Pictures)
It was filmed in Prague or Bohemian Switzerland.
Miracle Workers (US TBS)
Starring Daniel Radcliff and Steve Buscemi. It was filmed mainly in Studios in Barrandov.
Charlatan
Czech Republic / Ireland / Poland / Slovakia
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Filming in Prague: April / May 2019
Zátopek
Feature film, Czech Republic / Slovakia
Director: David Ondříček
Filming in Prague: August / September 2019
Modeler
Feature film, Czech Republic / Slovak Republic / Slovak Republic
Director: Petr Zelenka
Filming in Prague: July-December 2019
2020
Carnival Row 2 (Amazon, legendary television)
Filming (not only in Prague) Liberec, Sychrov Chateau, Barrandov Studios, Prague, Doksany, Nelahozeves, Toušeň, Libochovice
The second series of the series, starring Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevigne in the lead roles, the filming took place from November 2019 to March 2020, when the measures issued against the spread of the disease were interrupted. COVID-19. Filming was completed in August 2020.
Wheel of Time (Amazon, Sony Pictures)
Location: Prague, studios in Letňany, Zaječov near Beroun
Filming of the series based on the bestseller in the lead role with Rosamund Pike was first interrupted in March after 45 filming days. Originally due to end in May, he had to move due to coronavirus in the autumn, when the remaining 34 filming days took place during September and October.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (spin-off Avengers) (Marvel Studios for Disney +)
The filming of the series about superheroes, which follows the story of the last part of the film Avengers: Endgame, had to be interrupted in March and was completed in October 2020.
The Boemo
Feature film, Czech Republic / Italy / Slovakia
Director: Petr Václav
Filming in Prague: August 2020
Starring Vojtěch Dyk, a co-production film about the life of composer Václav Mysliveček.
2021
Gray Man / Netflix
Starring Ryan Gosling
Filming in Prague – July 2021
Totems / Gaumont – Details HERE
The Wheel of Time – filming continues in the Czech Republic
White Bird: A Wonder Story (Lionsgate)
A war story starring Gillian Anderson. Directed by Marc Forster. It was filmed in Prague, Kutná Hora, etc.
Source: State Cinematography Fund