HUNGARY

Pretty Lethal: Classically trained. Deadly together.

Pretty Lethal is an action-packed thriller where five ballerinas, on their way to a prestigious dance competition, are barely on speaking terms when their bus breaks down in a remote forest. 

With no other options, they reluctantly seek shelter at an unsettling roadside inn run by Devora Kasimer (Uma Thurman), a reclusive former ballet prodigy. From the moment they arrive, something feels wrong and their worst instincts prove right. 

As the situation turns deadly, the fractured team must set aside rivalries and weaponise years of brutal training, turning grace, discipline, and even pointe shoes into tools for survival.

 

Directed by Vicky Jewson (“The Witcher: Blood Origin”) from a script by Kate Freund, the film stars Uma Thurman, alongside Tell Me Lies’ Iris Apatow as Zoe, To All the Boys’ Princess, A Quiet Place’s Millicent Simmonds as Chloe, Tarot’s Avantika and West Side Story’s Maddie Ziegler as Bones. 

Vicky Jewson: “In Pretty Lethal, I wanted to bring the highly specific skillset of a ballerina to the action space. We created a world built on the broken dreams of a dancer, played by the iconic Uma Thurman. This world and our incredible young cast gave me the freedom to swing between horror, comedy and action to create a breathless rollercoaster ride. The troupe embraces team work, sisterhood and ballet-fu in order to stay alive.”

Uma Thurman: “It was a thrill to work with these wonderful young women, and Vicky. You know, looking at the script, this thing could have been anything. This is an incredible mashup of ballet, and a battle for survival. And then when I met with Vicky on Zoom, I kind of got an understanding that she was going to break this thing out, and make this like, intense female empowerment, pop art, hyper-violent action, I was like, ‘Whoa, this could be something special’.

Filmed in Hungary and co-produced by Ildikó Kemény and David Minkowski of Pioneer Stillking, Pretty Lethal streams on Prime Video on March 25.

 

Source: Prime Video, Screen Rant, Bloody Disgusting

HUNGARY

Death by Lightning: A New Limited Series for Netflix

“Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning,” James Garfield wrote just two weeks after his unprecedented ascension to the presidency of the United States. Less than a year later, those words would prove hauntingly prophetic: his presidency, and his life, were cut short by an assassin’s bullet.

Starring Michael Shannon (James Garfield) and Matthew Macfadyen (Charles Guiteau), Death by Lightning tells the story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America’s 20th President, and Charles Guiteau, the man who took his life.


Created by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education), the new limited series is based on Candice Millard’s acclaimed book Destiny of the Republic, which explores one of the most dramatic yet little-known chapters in American history.

Along with Shannon and Macfadyen, Death by Lightning’s core cast also includes Shea Whigham, Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin and Bradley Whitford.

Filmed at various locations in Hungary, the 19th-century presidential thriller counts David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones, 3 Body Problem) among its executive producers, with Ildikó Kemény and David Minkowski of Pioneer Stillking serving as the series co-producers.

Death by Lightning premieres November 6 on Netflix.

 

Photo credit: Larry Horricks, Netflix

HUNGARY

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox Premieres on Hulu

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is an eight-episode limited series retelling the gripping true story of Amanda Knox’s harrowing journey — from being wrongfully imprisoned for her roommate’s murder to her years-long battle to prove her innocence and reclaim her freedom.

Created by KJ Steinberg (This Is Us, Gossip Girl), the series is produced by 20th Television in association with The Littlefield Company. Executive producers include Warren Littlefield, Lisa Harrison, Ann Johnson, Graham Littlefield, Monica Lewinsky, Amanda Knox, Chris Robinson, and Michael Uppendahl, who also directs.

Grace Van Patten takes on the challenging role of Amanda Knox, earning high praise for her performance. As the London Evening Standard noted:

“Grace Van Patten is fantastic as Knox, capturing not just her mannerisms but her unfortunate blend of brash Americanism and kookiness that gave the police and the press so much room to twist the knife.”

The series also features Sharon Horgan, John Hoogenakker, Francesco Acquaroli, Giuseppe De Domenico, and Roberta Mattei.


Premiering on Hulu on August 20, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is co-produced by Ildikó Kemény and David Minkowski of Pioneer Stillking — marking another exciting collaboration by our amazing team in Budapest, Hungary.

Photos: Courtesy of Hulu

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, 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

 

 

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!

HUNGARY

Kate Winslet Becomes Pioneering War Photographer Lee Miller in ‘Lee’

Mark your calendars! Our latest film, “Lee”, starring the Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, will be in UK & Irish cinemas from 13 September 2024 and in US theatres September 27.

“Lee” tells the remarkable story of Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller — a fashion model turned acclaimed war correspondent and photographer for Vogue during WWII. Determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime, and in spite of the odds stacked against female correspondents, Lee captured some of the most important images of World War II, but they came at an enormous personal price.

Directed by the acclaimed cinematographer and director Ellen Kuras, the stellar cast also includes Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough and Andy Samberg.

Co-produced by Pioneer Stillking Films in Hungary for Roadside Attraction, don’t miss this captivating journey into history!

Video & Photo: Courtesy of Roadside Attraction

HUNGARY

Dune: Prophecy – The First Trailer for TV Prequel Series Released

We’re excited to share the first glimpse of Dune: Prophecy, our latest project produced by Pioneer Stillking Films in Budapest, Hungary for HBO Max.

The TV prequel to the recent Dune movies is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune”, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It follows two Harkonnen sisters, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

Co-produced by Ildiko Kemény and David Minkowski of Pioneer Stillking Films, the new original series Dune: Prophecy consists of six episodes and will be streaming this fall on HBO Max.

Video & Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max

HUNGARY

Unveiling Shardlake: A Tudor Mystery on Disney+

We are pleased to announce the release of “Shardlake,” a captivating drama, history, and mystery series that premiered on May 1st. Co-produced by Pioneer Stillking Films in Hungary, this adaptation of C.J. Sansom’s best-selling novels promises to immerse viewers in Tudor England.

Set during the dissolution of the monasteries in the Tudor era, “Shardlake” follows the journey of Matthew Shardlake, portrayed by Arthur Hughes, who is sent by Thomas Cromwell, played by Sean Bean, to investigate the death of a commissioner in the remote town of Scarnsea. Anthony Boyle and Ruby Ashbourne Serkis also star in this compelling narrative.

The series boasts meticulous attention to detail, from its authentic sets and costumes to its immersive storytelling. With a talented cast and a rich historical backdrop, “Shardlake” offers audiences a glimpse into the political intrigue and personal dramas of this turbulent period.

“The historical series blends murder mystery with Tudor trappings to make for an engrossing and welcome throwback.” – Radio Times

“This is a tightly-plotted, gorgeously atmospheric piece of television.” – The Evening Standard

“Shardlake, adapted by Stephen Butchard and directed by Justin Chadwick, is in pursuit of Tudor-era flavor and it is convincing in its depiction of such in the speechifying, the production design (by Nick Palmer), and the acting.” – Wall Street Journal

“Shardlake: murder mysteries don’t get more fantastically creepy than this.” – The Guardian

“One of the best TV shows to watch this May.” – BBC

Photos: Courtesy of Disney+