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ROMANIA

A Year Of We Were The Lucky Ones: Behind the Scenes of Romania’s Stunning Sets

This month marks a year since We Were The Lucky Ones premiered on Hulu on March 28, 2024, captivating audiences with its powerful storytelling and breathtaking cinematography. The American historical drama miniseries, developed by Erica Lipez, brought Georgia Hunter’s bestselling novel to life — an extraordinary tale of resilience, survival, and the enduring strength of family during World War II.

 

As we reflect on this past year, we are incredibly proud to have co-produced this remarkable series in Romania alongside Alma Bacula and David Minkowski of Stillking Icon, celebrating not just the success of the series, but the artistry, craftsmanship, passion, hard work and collaborations that made it possible.

“An inspiring tale of love, hope and resilience.” – The Wrap

“A superb series featuring great performances and writing.” – USA Today

“The most moving aspect of the series is that it details circumstances not often seen in films and TV shows about the Holocaust.” – Variety

“Elegantly crafted throughout.” – The Daily Beast

“We Were the Lucky Ones” isn’t a history lesson. It’s a human story, of husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and lovers.” – LA Times

From the cobbled streets of historic towns to meticulously recreated wartime sets, Romania provided the perfect backdrop for this emotional and visually stunning journey, offering a unique opportunity to transport viewers into the heart of 1940s Europe.

Iconic locations and standing sets were transformed into war-torn cities, bustling train stations, and intimate family homes — each set crafted with meticulous attention to period detail. Behind the scenes, our talented local crews worked alongside an international team to ensure every frame felt authentic and immersive.

Since its premiere, We Were The Lucky Ones has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The series earned two Critics Choice Awards nominations — Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Logan Lerman’s moving performance.

Photos: Stillking Icon, Romania

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Wheel of Time Season 3: An Epic Fantasy Returns To Amazon Prime

Based on Robert Jordan’s internationally best-selling book series, The Wheel of Time is a visionary fantasy that tells the story of a man destined to face the Dark One and save the world – or destroy it. 

In Season 3, as threats against the Light are multiplying, Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike) and Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski) embark on a perilous journey to the Aiel Waste to uncover the true fate of the Dragon Reborn. With the Forsaken in hot pursuit and Rand’s corrupted power growing stronger, Moraine must prevent the Dragon from turning Dark…no matter the cost.

 

From April to October 2023, The Wheel of Time production brought its grand fantasy world to life across the Czech Republic, with Stillking Films proudly serving as the local production partner.

Many key scenes were shot at Jordan and Barrandov Studios in Prague. All sets including two backlot sets at Jordan Studios were purpose built just for The Wheel of Time universe — some of which have been used across all three seasons.

Beyond the studio, filming took place in a variety of breathtaking Czech locations, including: Dobříš, Tetín, Vinařice, Třeboradice, Roztoky u Křivoklát, Srbsko, Toušice, and Vranov nad Dyjí. 

Across 110 days of shooting, the local and international crew transformed these locations into the rich and diverse landscapes of The Wheel of Time, delivering some of the most visually stunning moments in the series yet.

Season 3 has already received high praise from fans and critics, with many hailing it as the best instalment yet:  

“More sophisticated than The Witcher, more thrilling than The Rings Of Power, and more distinctive than House Of The Dragon, it’s hard to imagine a better version of Robert Jordan’s epic book saga — a series once deemed unfilmable. If anything, this season is the most cinematic yet.” – Empire Magazine

“A bold, rich and complex serving of magic.” – Radio Times

“Three seasons in, The Wheel of Time only continues to top itself through riveting performances, stunning new locations, well-defined worldbuilding, and an arguably timeless fantasy narrative.” – Collider

“There’s lots to enjoy in Season 3. The show has evolved into something that looks, sounds and feels like a big budget production. I’m happy to report that The Wheel Of Time has become a genuinely good epic fantasy series.” – Forbes  

The third season of The Wheel of Time is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

 

Photos: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, SERBIA

Six Academy Award Nominations for Nosferatu, Maria and Better Man

It’s officially Oscars season! The 2025 Oscar nominations have been announced and we’re incredibly proud to share that three of our films – NOSFERATU, MARIA and BETTER MAN – have been recognised and collectively received six nominations for the prestigious golden statue.

A big congratulations to all our amazing teams at Stillking Films, Pioneer Stillking, and Stillking WIP, whose hard work, expert craftsmanship, and production ingenuity brought these stories to life, filming in the Czech Republic (Nosferatu), Hungary (Maria) and Serbia (Better Man).

NOSFERATU
Best Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke
Best Costume design: Linda Muir
Best Makeup & Hairstyling: David White, Traci Loader and Suzanne Stokes-Munton
Best Production Design: Craig Lathrop; Set Decoration: Beatrice Brentnerová

MARIA
Best Cinematography: Ed Lachman


BETTER MAN

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

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

CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, SERBIA

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.

 
 


 

 

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 2

Since Season 2 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 2. 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

 

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