The setup means the Czech Republic now lags behind the 30% in neighboring Hungary and Poland.
Both houses of the Czech parliament have approved the plans and officials are writing it into the countrys law.
Industry expects all to be ratified by 2024.
‘Mission: Impossible’ shot in Prague.Paramount Pictures.
Robert Eggers also recently wrapped hisNosferatushoot in Prague.
This constant demand, Zipkova told Deadline, is the driving force behind the legislative changes.
The previous production law was set up in 2012.
Pavlina Zipkova
That was well before the global thirst for content.
The audiovisual world is very different now compared to 11 years ago, Zipkova said.
DEADLINE:What is the current health of the Czech market?
PAVLINA ZIPKOVA:We are in a good position and are moving in a good direction.
We are at the final stage of rewriting the new act on audiovisual law.
When its written, we should be able to accommodate more productions with our incentive program.
DEADLINE:Can you break down what has happened with the incentive?
How did it break down?
ZIPKOVA:I wouldnt say it broke down.
The demand to shoot in the Czech Republic is just huge.
We also have great infrastructure and crews.
So the demand is massive even though we only have a 20% incentive.
People need to realize that the Czech Republic has only 10 million citizens.
The incentive comes directly from the national budget, which the countrys citizens create.
This is something that producers dont realize.
You cannot compare us with Britain or France.
DEADLINE:How is the new law being drafted?
The entire industry is participating, and maybe thats why its taking so long.
DEADLINE:Has the demand to shoot in the Czech Republic dropped because of the delay?
ZIPKOVA:No, it hasnt.
The studios are still very interested and they are eager to support us.
It comes and goes in waves.
But thats like every year, no matter the financial condition.
So I would say the demand is still the same as years before.
DEADLINE:What do you think about this thirst for content?
Do you think its a good phenomenon?
ZIPKOVA:The demand is at its peak, and itll probably drop.
That seems to be the consensus: To produce less and focus on more quality content.
To speak generally, its not a good sign for the human race.
We should be using our imaginations and reading more.
DEADLINE:How is the local industry holding up?
ZIPKOVA:The Czech film fund now has a range of financial schemes to support local producers.
The fund covers films from early development to festival release, which has been doing a great job.
The aim is now to support fewer movies but with more money.
We have a tradition of supporting movies with public financing, and its a tradition we intend on maintaining.
DEADLINE:What is the one thing youd say makes the Czech Republic different from other markets?
ZIPKOVA:We have amazingly skilled crews.
No matter if the incentive program is interrupted, the crews are still here.
We always continue working despite the political environment.
