Czech Republic

International productions to have made use of the new incentive include the recently wrapped Blade Runner 2099, produced by Alcon Television Group and Scott Free Productions for Amazon MGM Studios, and Constantin Film’s Hagen (Hagen — Im Tal Der Nibelungen). 

Both those projects filmed at Prague’s Barrandov Studio soundstages. Blade Runner 2099 took up residence from June to December 2024, while Hagen filmed in two blocks, from September 2022 to December 2022, and again in January 2023. 

Universal Pictures’ Oscar and Bafta-nominated horror film Nosferatu also filmed on location in Prague, including at the city’s historic Invalidovna complex; in the Czech countryside, including at Velka Amerika quarry and Libochovice Chateau, which served as Count Orlok’s home; as well as at Barrandov Studio. 

For Hagen, which used approximately 300 local crew, the primary challenge was executing the production in one country while minimising relocations, says producer Christine Rothe. 

“For a historical film like Hagen, it was essential to find suitable talent, skilled stunt professionals, trained horses, authentic early medieval locations and castles,” says Rothe. “Czech Republic offered all these elements.”

Productions heading to Czech Republic in 2025 include Amazon MGM Studios’ Ride Or Die starring Octavia Spencer, Bill Nighy and Hannah Waddingham, which can access the recently increased 25% incentive (the per project cap has also been raised).

Rothe advises applying early as key to accessing the incentive. “We registered for the tax credit approximately one year prior to the start of principal photography,” she states.

Czech Republic has a strong production service and crew base, meaning foreign producers can travel light. “The country provides access to world-class professionals, skilled service producers and diverse filming locations that can accommodate complex productions,” continues Rothe. “For Hagen, we collaborated with Wilma Film, whose expertise was invaluable.”

“The flexibility and expertise of the Czech crew allowed us to recreate scenes that are set in Iceland and even maritime and ship sequences [at Barrandov Studio], all shot within the Czech Republic,” adds Rothe.

Other international productions to film in Czech Republic recently include CBS series FBI: International; the second season of Netflix action comedy series Fubar, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro; Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland’s Kafka biopic Franz; the third season of Apple TV+’s Foundation; Prime Video series Wheel Of Time; Lionsgate feature Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves; and Thomas Vinterberg’s series Families Like Ours.

First contact: Pavlina Zipkova, head of Czech Film Commission pavlina@filmcommission.cz

Czech Republic offers a high concentration of diverse and easily accessible locations for a relatively small country, including royal cities, modern industrial complexes and picturesque countryside. The territory also features a wide range of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary. This allows Czech Republic to serve as a versatile doubling location, covering various eras and locations, from medieval Europe to modern America. 

The country also boasts several impressive below-the-radar filming locations, including the recently renovated 1930s-style New Town Hall in Jablonec nad Nisou, about 15 minutes from Prague, which features a grandiose staircase with stone tiles, an observation tower and a cinema. Prague’s Charles University boasts a variety of historical interiors and exteriors, from gothic to minimalist, which are available to filmmakers.

Soundstages are fewer than in other European territories. In addition to Barrandov Studio, there is Prague Studios, which currently comprises seven stages totalling 123,000 square feet. In October 2024, Prague Studios founder Tomas Krejci revealed a significant expansion plan and investment of approximately $11m (czk250m) in the site, with a further four stages to come online in 2025. 

Czech Republic is in the heart of Europe and has direct flights to all major cities as well as Toronto, Montreal, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Dubai and Doha.

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and participates in the Schengen Agreement. Its currency is the crown (koruna).

Studios are located close to Prague city centre.

First person to contact

Pavlina Zipkova, film commissioner, Czech Film Commission: pavlina@filmcommission.cz