Produced By - #9 - Vladimir Spicka: Directing Experience from London Brought to Prague, Czechia

Starting point is 00:00:03 Vladimir Spichka is a Prague-based filmmaker with years of experience from London, where he studied film and worked in a production company. Coming from the Czech Republic, what used to be a musician who occasionally filmed music videos for fun, until he decided to become a filmmaker. He moved to London to pursue a career as a director, started with studying film at the university. Education solidified his goal to become a director

Starting point is 00:00:29 and helped to develop useful skills for this role. Thanks to his proactive approach, he stepped early into the industry by working in a production company, where he tried various roles while working on different types of content. However, after a few years, Vlad decided to move back to the Czech Republic to continue working as a director, filming music videos and other types of content. Listen to this episode to learn more about living and working in the Czech Republic, their details about exciting projects Vlato worked on and what it was like to work in the US. enjoy. Hello, Vlad. Thank you for joining us today and welcome to the show. Hey, thanks for

Starting point is 00:01:10 heavy week. It's the first podcast for me ever. Oh, big expectations. At the beginning, can you please briefly try to introduce yourself? Yeah, I always find this very hard, but I'll try very briefly. My name's lad, right? I'm a filmmaker. Originally I'm from the Czech Republic and currently I live in Prague, but I used to live in London for five years, I think, and I studied film there. My career started there, but then I decided, you know, let's change scenery, and I went back to Prague. And I think my background in terms of work is currently like brand content, which is like film combined with marketing and a lot of music videos, right? It's pretty crazy, but yeah, I've been directing a lot of music videos and I've been fortunate enough to work on some like even bigger music

Starting point is 00:02:05 videos for like big labels like water and stuff like that so I'm grateful for that and I think that's kind of who I am right now and I'm also a very curious person so that's a fun fact it's something that makes us similar I'm very curious as well yeah about what in general or yeah in general like it's like also one of the reasons why I do podcast I find it interesting to speak to people and find out new stuff. You know, I listen to your story and find it inspiring, interesting, and you never know what you find out. It's true. You know, I used to be an introvert and the idea of talking to people was once like very scary for me. But the more I teach myself to like exist amongst other people and the more I talk to other people, the more I realize

Starting point is 00:02:55 that it's actually like that is framing your experience. life, right? You can learn so much just from talking. So did you like purposely try to become extrovert or did it kind of evolve over time? Well, kind of both. I realized at some point, I think I was like 23 or 24, that I am trying to get into an industry which is based on interaction with people. And I hate interacting with people. So something was that. not computing there. So I essentially told myself, you got to learn how to talk to people and you got to learn how to appreciate it. You know, I think a lot of that introverted stuff comes back to my childhood. And I just had to fix that because I'm not saying there's anything

Starting point is 00:03:48 wrong with being an introvert. I think it's actually sometimes beneficial because you can spend time on your own and, you know, you don't need other people necessarily to have fun. So that's awesome, but at the same time, you know, I had to really purposely work on becoming social, which took like many years, right? And I'm still in that process of, I don't think I'll ever fully learn what some extroverts know intrinsically, which is like some people are so good with people, right? And I'm trying to get there and it's, I think it's a lifelong process, but yes, I had to like consciously work on it. It's definitely been a great experience,

Starting point is 00:04:31 definitely improved both my personal life and professional life because the whole film industry is based on collaboration, right? So as you're just discussing this topic, can you share some tips maybe to people who struggle with this as well or want to become more extroverted too? Yeah, I mean, it's a bit different for everyone, but one thing that works for me is,

Starting point is 00:04:56 You know, if I have to call someone and I'm dreading it, do not, like, postpone it. Just pick up the phone and call, right? That's one of the things that I always dreaded, like calling people. So just do it. And the more you do it, the easier you'll find it. And I think generally speaking, the problem that I know a lot of introverts have, including me, is sometimes we don't like to make plans. And if we make plans, then on the day, we don't feel like it.

Starting point is 00:05:24 We just don't feel like going out. And I don't know if that's you as well, but suddenly I realized that ignoring that feeling that, oh, I don't want to go, ignore that and just go. And afterwards, you'll feel, at least I always feel like really good. Like, I'm so glad I went somewhere where I met people and I actually realized, hey, people are nice. I'd like to do this more. But you have to just push against your gut feeling, I think, which is one. because we're being taught, right? Like, listen to your gut.

Starting point is 00:05:59 But in this case, your God is just trying to shield you from the world, but you need to be part of that world. So... Yeah, I feel like I can't feel like they relate to it. It's like this resistance and also laziness, you are in your comfort zone and you don't really want to go. But then you go and in the end, it's not that bad and you overcame that feeling that you didn't want to go.

Starting point is 00:06:21 And it's kind of easier next time. You know, as more as you practice it, the easier it gets. So it's something I struggle as well with. I think it's probably natural. I would say plenty of people struggle with that. Yeah. But a good example. I relate to it.

Starting point is 00:06:35 Yeah, I think it's just about like with anything. The more you do it, the better you'll get at it. And I think, you know, people are afraid to be awkward. But maybe what helped me too is realize no one cares. Like we tend to get so self-conscious, right? And we say something and then we're like, oh my God, I shouldn't have said that. In fact, the other person doesn't even remember it the next day, but we keep repeating it in our head. It's like, oh, I shouldn't have said that.

Starting point is 00:07:02 People don't care. I think I heard that it's called Spotlight Effect, that something awkward happens to you, and you're like, oh, everyone saw it. That was so embarrassing. But maybe someone's hoit, but not that many people, and people don't care, because everyone, you know, they think of themselves and why would they care about you? So you were like, oh, that's a big deal. They are going to remember. but this was really true, India.

Starting point is 00:07:25 Exactly, that's right. We all, like, because we think about ourselves first and foremost, usually, right? So exactly this is what like, like, oh, me, me, now I'm talking, everyone's listening to me. What are they thinking? Lawa, oh my God. But in fact, everyone's thinking about themselves,

Starting point is 00:07:41 so you're absolutely right, yeah. Yeah, and at the same time, I would say it's also something that everyone or most other people go to, so there's a not reason to stress about it because it's natural, it's normal and as we said the more you do it the easier or the better it gets so yeah um introverts of the world just just do it you know yeah just do it shell aboof can we start maybe with your beginnings

Starting point is 00:08:06 when you move to london have you always been to filmmaking like since your childhood it's it's interesting because i thought for a long time i would be like a musician like that would be my career. Specifically, like singer? No, no, no. I, I had, listen, I wish I could sing. I wish. But I found out that I cannot sing at the age of 15. And I was a little depressed after that for like a year or so. But I was a drummer. Well, I home I still have. Hope I still got it. And we had a band at high school. And obviously we thought we're going to make it, we're going to be famous, we're going to get all the girls, you know, be just play at the biggest venues, all that stuff. And because I was an introvert, I wanted to do everything ourselves. So I taught myself how to sound engineer, you know,

Starting point is 00:09:02 I was at the top sound engineer in the world, obviously, but I taught myself, you know, a decent level of that and then, you know, when we had some like some songs recorded, we needed music videos and that's how I got into... Sorry, what kind of music were you doing? I was like rock pop a day, you know, it's kind of mainstream stuff. Yeah, but we were obviously inspired by Green Day and all that, you know, punk rock stuff. But that's how I got camera in my hand for the first time. And then by the time I was like 18, I realized that I actually liked this.

Starting point is 00:09:38 You know, the videos were horrible, like awful, but I knew that, okay, I like this. This seems like a lot of fun. And I don't know. I don't think I had like a particular talent at all. I just liked doing it. And so I applied for a film school in Prague, which I didn't get into, by the way. I don't blame them. Was it fun?

Starting point is 00:09:59 Yes, it was fun. Because isn't it very hard to get there? It's pretty hard because they take about five people each. year into the class for directors and there's like three rounds of kind of talent examination and yeah and I didn't make it which I'm not surprised by to be fair but anyways then I kind of tried to keep doing what I was doing just making some videos and and then I went to London because suddenly I had the feeling of I needed change in my life and the band broke up so I kind of thought listen I always wanted to go abroad let's go abroad, which is something I would always recommend to people, like, spend some time abroad.

Starting point is 00:10:43 It's a fantastic experience. And that's when I went to film school in London, which did accept me. I got a little better maybe. Who knows? Was there any particular reason for UK and London? I guess because it was more affordable than the US. Because I wanted to be fair. But to be fair, London seemed.

Starting point is 00:11:08 very interesting too because my friend she used to study at Middlesex as well in London and I don't know it was like we didn't see each other for a long time and suddenly we had like a chance encounter and she told me hey why don't you just try coming to London because I was like kind of depressed back then because I yeah all my high school friends went to like universities

Starting point is 00:11:31 and I was the only one who didn't and so suddenly I'm there like I didn't have that many clients and I didn't didn't have any friends. I was like in a bad place. And so she was like, hey, come to London. And I investigated that option for a little bit and then I just did it, you know. So that's why.

Starting point is 00:11:50 And I'm glad I did because I think London was a definitely good choice for me at that time. How difficult was it to get there? Maybe if you compare it to the one in Prague. Definitely much easier. But, you know, I think it's a different system, mainly because in Prague, it's a publicly funded school so you don't have to pay for it but it's very hard to get into

Starting point is 00:12:13 and it's also a school that's like this particular one which is famous film school in Prague they are very specific about what they want and I know for a fact that some people have applied multiple times and there's people at the age of 35 applying still to that much hard to get into

Starting point is 00:12:32 because you don't pay for it and it's treated as like a very artsy school whereas Middlesex University, which I went to, didn't have such strict rules, and it's not publicly funded, right? So that isn't a big difference. That plays a role. Although I have to say the film course back when I was there at Middlesex was one of the top three in the UK. So that was actually great. I didn't know that when I was applying.

Starting point is 00:12:58 So, yeah, I'm very happy about that choice. Looking back at your studies, did you enjoy the course itself? I did. It lasted for three years and each year was very different. And did it meet expectations of one of top three film courses in your game? I think it was definitely about the lecturers. He had tremendous lecturers with experience from the field and actually, I think the ways I think about film still up until today is based on what some of them have told me. and I think definitely was a good course in the sense that you had to fight for yourself, definitely.

Starting point is 00:13:39 And, you know, it's, you have to fund your films. You have to kind of really, like, it's what you make from it, basically, right? That's the best way to explain it. It could be an awful experience. It could be a great experience. You can learn a lot or you don't have to learn anything at all. That's kind of the thing. So, but I think that freedom is actually not a bad idea,

Starting point is 00:14:01 those who really want to learn, those who really want to explore the filmmaking ways, those are free to do so, and the rest will not obstruct the way, maybe. So yeah, I was very happy with that. And my final, at the end of the whole journey, we had to finish the degree with a short film, and a couple of them were screened at the British Film Institute.

Starting point is 00:14:27 So for me, that was a nice thing to see, actually, something that we created on the big screen in such an iconic place of British cinema. So that was very exciting back then and I did win like a directing award. Oh, wow, did it expect that? Yeah, yeah. You know, I don't know.

Starting point is 00:14:47 Awards are a funny thing because I don't know if they reflect the real world, but it was definitely a good experience. Was it a reward out of Middlesex students or was it a reward some kind of from more universities? This was at Middle Sex. Directing the World War with Middlesex, yeah.

Starting point is 00:15:06 But at the BFI, it was like a collaboration with Avid and I won a camera award there. Oh, won more award. Yeah, you know. But so like, yeah, it was, it felt good and it would like a gratification. But I don't like think of it as... Yeah.

Starting point is 00:15:25 When you went to that university, did you already knew that you want to focus on directing? Or did you go without thinking about any specialization and over time you decided for directing or how was it? Definitely I wanted to direct. I think maybe it was just my introverted dictator mind thinking I could do everything best. Or isn't it what everyone goes there feeling that become directors? Yeah, you're right. A lot of people have that notion of directing as being the boss.

Starting point is 00:15:56 It's the best thing. you know, everyone knows the directors. So maybe it was that. But over the years, I actually discovered that that is, in fact, where my strengths lie, more so because of my leadership abilities and the fact that I'm very good at connecting dots, which I think a good director does. It's like an architect, right? So you connect the dots in different departments and the dots in the story,

Starting point is 00:16:25 and you have to be able to oversee everything so it makes sense once it's finished and I have trades that make me good at that so that's why I think it's a good idea for me to be a director besides the fact that I love what it entails yeah sounds good and with your short film in the end in the 30 year did you go to any festivals

Starting point is 00:16:47 where we we did I think one in Portugal in Espinue but that was with the official screenings of our year. And then I'd send it to some festivals. But I think the problem was we were so drained after filming it, you know, and graduating that we didn't put much effort into pushing it out anywhere. So I think it kind of evaporated as it does often.

Starting point is 00:17:17 But, you know, I'm still proud of it. I think it's a good thing to watch. but obviously, you know, it's like, yeah, it's a student film the thing is it doesn't feel like it necessarily but, you know, it's like if I was to direct a short film right now it would look a little bit different too

Starting point is 00:17:36 because there has been some evolution, right? And can you expand a bit? Why was it so draining? Was it, you know, the whole as a student trying to make a film or was actually the shoot somehow stressful, it didn't work out as you planned or what were the reasons?

Starting point is 00:17:53 Well, it's because... Or was it your producer? It was a lot of factors. Because, I mean, unity is kind of specific and it's like a sheltered environment kind of in a different place than the film industry,

Starting point is 00:18:09 but also there was like pressures, right? Everyone wanted to do kind of something a little bit different and everyone's kind of trying to look out for themselves. And me and my producer, we were co-writing it. We did actually win a screenwriting award for Mavid for that as well. One more.

Starting point is 00:18:25 One more. But it was like push and pull situation. And once you do that for a while, it gets very tiring. And I think the shoot was very difficult because we shot it in Ireland, in the very west of Ireland kind of above Galway. So it was cold, miserable. And it was 10 days of stress. pure stress because, you know, I was still obviously learning and I still am learning to this day.

Starting point is 00:18:57 And it was like a, you know, a big responsibility because I also had to prove to some of the crew that what I had in mind was in fact a good idea. You know, some people thought I had too many shots planned out as some other people thought this and that. And, you know, I was kind of like experiencing it all. It was hard to like stay on course. But, then, you know, it all paid off during the rough screenings because, you know, a lot of other films were just like crane wrecks and ours was in a pretty good shape early on. So I was very happy about that. But just that pressure kind of. Yeah, it's under a bit a little while. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:19:37 Yeah. Why did you shoot so far away in Ireland? Why not? Budget, less stress, easier. The other thing is my producer, Ben, he lives in London, but his family are Irish and they had like a. summer house there and so that counted as a location of course we had to get there but listen I wasn't in charge of the budget he told me it's going to be fine that may so I'm like okay but it's true that the actors did ask me that because it was like it was kind of like an Irish story with Irish actors set in Ireland and the actors like asked me so why are you as a Czech person directing

Starting point is 00:20:16 an Irish film I did not have the answer for that you know I was like Why am I? You know? Well, I must say it sounds exciting to go to film just to different country, not to film it in London as most of the people do. And it's kind of different and, you know, challenging, exciting. So why not? Yeah.

Starting point is 00:20:37 Well, it was the landscapes too, because, you know, I'm a big believer in that you have to set your stories in an interesting place. You know, it's like, of course, setting it on the story. streets of London in the prison day is the easiest thing you can do. But the problem is your story has to be that much more interesting and that much better directed because it looks like whatever people see every day. But suddenly if you put your story in an interesting location such as, I call it the Irish Savannah, you know, then it really catches your attention and catches the eye and it immediately injects kind of a whole,

Starting point is 00:21:20 new level to that story. Like suddenly there's a, you know, there's the spy. It's like Lord of the Rings, right? New Zealand. Like, there's something special just in the location. And so that helped tremendously because it kind of, it feels cinematic automatically. And definitely also helps with the overall production value. Makes the whole film more ambitious, more beautiful. It differentiates itself because not saying that everyone shoots in London, but obviously that's like the most popular option for budget scheduling and everything. So definitely a good thing and I guess well done, considering all the efforts, you receive.

Starting point is 00:21:59 Yeah, you know, but it was a fun project, but you know, yeah, we moved on then. Yeah, I was going to say before we move on from the university, are there any tips that you would give to starters at university or people who are studying to take advantage of their studies? don't spend too much time in your room as I did go out meet people and I think just I don't want to give a cliche answer but it's like you know have no go for it it's good or like have fun as a reminder yeah have fun and explore and I'm not talking just about like booze but you know it's the time when

Starting point is 00:22:40 you can really like explore your tastes and what you like and what you don't like and so I think doing as much of that as possible when you don't need to necessarily have a job or, you know, always work. That's just such an invaluable thing. Yeah, good advice. Just a quick one. If you enjoy our podcast, please give us a review on your favorite podcast app, subscribe or share it with your friends. For more information, visit the show notes. Thank you.

Starting point is 00:23:07 And back to the show. So, I guess we can move from the university topic. How did you actually start planning your way into the industry? I started quite early. I started at uni. It was, I think after second year, I went to one of our lead lecturers and I asked him if he has some connections or something like some internship I could do over the summer. Later I found out I was the only one from the whole year that asked that question, which is funny to me. It's like, what else do you want to do if you want to like? Because I was always afraid I would be homeless at the edge of.

Starting point is 00:23:46 So I had this fear of I have to get somewhere before the school ends or I'm going to be homeless. And it's a good fear to have, I guess. It's motivating. And so I got in touch with a production company run by two guys who went to the same course like seven years earlier. And now they had a production company. And essentially I started working for them like, you know, small steps. Was it during third year at two years? university already? It was yes, it was before and during third year of uni. So I was working for them kind of establishing that connection. And then after school, they contacted me and we started working

Starting point is 00:24:27 more together. So that was kind of the start for me. It really underlines the whole point that I think is so important that it's all about people and who you meet and who you ask or, you know, it's all about talking with people. I guess I knew it a little bit back then, but now I'm so much more aware of it. You did it. Yes, yeah, yeah. But also back then I was, sometimes I went back to Prague to film some music videos because, you know, as a former musician, I had some connections with a lot of musicians and I kind of, I just filmed a bunch of music videos for them, which felt good because, you know, it was the first time I got to travel or work and it felt it felt good, you know. And I'm sure for them it was fixating as well because, you know, music band from Prague and

Starting point is 00:25:16 they've got filmmaker flighting from London to record a video for them, you know, like a big deal. Big expectation. Yes. Maybe, but I think, you know, mostly they were just happy that we kind of could make the project happen. And I always connected it with like visiting parents and friends. So it was, it was by pleasant. Yeah, sounds like a kind of work holidays. Yes.

Starting point is 00:25:41 So then once you finish third year, have you started working in that company full time? I don't think it was full-time. I think it was like freelance-based, but pretty much like most of what I had back then was for them. Was it like your only job or did you do something else at the same time? I'm trying to remember, actually. I'm thinking like maybe you worked part-time in a pop, part-time freelancing. I guess not, but just as example.

Starting point is 00:26:08 I didn't do the part-time thing because I was just kind of able to sustain myself without it. So that was good. And I was also an introvert that was scared. As I said, you know, I was still working on like people's skills. Now I think things would be a bit different. But I think I definitely had like some projects on the side. But they were as numerous, obviously, because I was still starting out. And I think after a year, like kind of COVID hit, I graduated 2019, I think.

Starting point is 00:26:42 And then COVID was like a year later. or two years later? One year later, because I graduated after you, and when it happened. Yeah, yeah. So up until then, I was kind of freelancing for them, and then after COVID, when we caught the first break,

Starting point is 00:26:59 I got involved in full-time. How come was that? I would expect that there would be less work because of the COVID. Was it the opposite? It was actually, I'm not sure if there was more work, but definitely after that, like, first wave was gone.

Starting point is 00:27:14 The first wave was awful. No one knew anything, right? So the first wave really killed a lot of things. But then soon enough, when people realize this is not just like one or two months situation, all the companies and all the people who needed videos and marketing and brands, they realized, oh, hello, we have to make marketing. We have to create promotional content because this might last forever and people still need to spend their money, right? So we essentially started filming, I think, right after the first wave kind of went away. And there was actually a lot of work. And it was definitely my busiest time in London after that. Yeah for work, right? Yes, yes, yes. But yeah, I was full time for a year. And then after that.

Starting point is 00:28:06 No, after that, that's when I decided to go back to Prague. And can you say a bit more what were doing in that comparison? Was it directing or recording with camera editing or kind of everything? It was everything that needed to be done. But I would say a big part of it was directing. That's where I learned the most because up until then, you know, I didn't know that much about startups and marketing. Like, I knew marketing in theory, but it's a different breed when it's like applied in practice.

Starting point is 00:28:41 So I got a lot of experience. from it and I met a lot of, well, I directed a lot of people in front of the camera. Some of them, even like CEOs who, you know, have, like, their entire fortune is bigger than, you know, more than me 20 times, right? More than I'll make in the whole life. Dally, it's like, you know, it's some crazy rich people and I'm like, okay, now I have to direct this person. And, you know, that's like dynamic was something that I had to work on and learn how to kind of how to approach that. And basically then I was doing a lot of editing,

Starting point is 00:29:20 some camera work who were in there, even some basic animation. So like whatever, because as I said, I'm a curious person and I love every single thing in filmmaking. And so I was always kind of trying to branch out. But yeah, it was a small company. So we were always kind of doing whatever had to be done. But it sounds like did you're fortunate that you wanted to become a director? And then after finishing

Starting point is 00:29:47 uni, you actually directed some stuff which I would say is probably not so come on that it happens to someone. I suppose you're definitely correct in the way that you know, people's plans and then the reality once they step onto the filmmaking boats

Starting point is 00:30:05 where does the storm take them? Yeah, it's always difficult to produce. But definitely the directing part was fun, but also I didn't imagine myself directing like brand content or like something with marketing, right? Because I thought I would be on a film set. So that's the example of like I was directing, but it wasn't exactly where I wanted to be, but understood at the same time that that's okay because you learn a lot from any experience and I'm actually very grateful for having that marketing background with brands and people that

Starting point is 00:30:42 are necessarily always actors. We had some actors, but also people who work. And I think that's kind of a challenge to direct. So I appreciate that, you know, and I think definitely I'm happy with the fact that I did not abandon that directing goal and I'm still kind of staying true to it and I hope to expand on it. So yes. It sounds like definitely like a great learning experience and also the fact that you had the chance to try different areas because you never know when you might need something you just learn there or you know it kind of solidifies your opinion that directing is what you like the most

Starting point is 00:31:23 since you try the others and didn't enjoy it as much. So sounds good. And what are some examples of content that you worked on? Was like Edwards, campaigns, or what kind of content? So it was a lot of different stuff. Some of it was campaigns for startups, especially for when they needed to crowd fund. So raising money. And each time they need to raise money, it's a good idea to have like a crowdfunding campaign with a campaign video that promotes, well, it explains what they do and then tries to persuade people to invest.

Starting point is 00:32:00 and you could obviously do it at home, but a wise idea is to have it made by professionals because it has a certain structure and, you know, it gets very creative. It will be a different level. Yeah, so that was a big part of it, helping startups to raise money this way. But then it was some, you know, promotional videos for brands. I remember filming bunnies, like rabbits and bunnies on a table with flowers. crazy colors. That was like some campaign for Easter for some an luxury brand and then we were filming, what was it? Like there's this company

Starting point is 00:32:40 they make like really interesting purses basically like a lady's purse so we were filming videos for that like brand stuff and like essentially anything that was connected to marketing and promoting a certain brand. Yeah. What was some project that you enjoyed or something that stuck your mind or on the opposite side was challenging, something you can mention. Interesting. I think actually one time I ended up directing a guy who came up with Lara Croft, video game.

Starting point is 00:33:17 That was the guy who like skewerheaded that video game back then, you know, the whole famous franchise. Yeah, like did he create that? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, interesting. Yeah, it was really funny. We were down in some, like, city next to the sea. I don't remember which one it was.

Starting point is 00:33:35 It was like a two-hour drive from London. But he was launching some new company or startup or service project. I don't recall and, you know, in detail. But suddenly I was directing that guy. So that was a lot of fun. And was it something for another game? I don't think so. It was a little bit less exciting in terms of the game.

Starting point is 00:33:59 gaming community. Something finance, I don't remember. But that was fun. Also, I think the highlight for me was always the locations that we went to because if you work with companies, you get to some interesting places.

Starting point is 00:34:16 You know, so we did go to like some greenhouses where they were, you know, like creating plants, like with some new technology. So all these organic carrots sprouting up. You know, that was one location, then we drove to Manchester to film dogs.

Starting point is 00:34:34 So we'd have traveling as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it was fun. And it sounds also great because at university, it's mostly when you see like a student films, you know, white walls in students' apartments, because obviously there's a budget and it's also hard to get for a student's actually location. So the fact then afterwards you actually were kind of lucky, you're finally filmed on proper locations. It sounds great.

Starting point is 00:35:03 Yes, yes, definitely. It's change of pace and change of location. Also, I remember a beautiful apartment. It was like one of those industrial apartments where you've got the tall ceilings and beautiful big windows and some photographer lived there, but he also rented it out to be filmed

Starting point is 00:35:22 like as a location. It was somewhere down like Canary Wharf or something. maybe like close by and it was really like the place I wanted to live it and I saw a couple of those apartments throughout my career

Starting point is 00:35:39 at this company and I thought Jesus yes this is what people think of when they want to live in London of course the reality then strikes

Starting point is 00:35:49 then once you see those apartments you're like wow that's got like two floors and the beautiful windows and the colors my God. I can imagine, yeah. Sounds also is a good motivation

Starting point is 00:36:03 if you got a chance to go to these places and then you're like, wow, this is what it looks like, need to work hard for it. Yes, yes. And one day, work hard, that's how it goes, but also work smart. That is true, yeah. And out of interest,

Starting point is 00:36:20 when you went to film to these places, was it also up to you to get a permission or to chance to work there? Or was it someone else from the company? Or was it a client? Or how does it work when it comes to this? Well, in this sense, it works. Basically depends on the company.

Starting point is 00:36:39 So if it's a company's property or they lease the place, then obviously they allow you to film there because it's for their cause, for their own good. But sometimes we would book locations ourselves. I was not in charge of that. We had production people for that. but they would always either choose from, like, I don't know, some lists online, you know, like of bookable places or I don't even know if it was ever, I don't think it was Airbnb. Usually it's like places that are specifically for filming.

Starting point is 00:37:13 I was going to say probably not Airbnb. That's not a good idea, usually. But I remember also one time we were filming for like a high profile or maybe not high profile, but like high-profile, but like high-lux. real estate app and I got to see what a 5 million pound apartment looked like in Soho

Starting point is 00:37:36 yes it does look actually would be you know pretty expensive so that was like these kind of things really stuck with me like seeing places

Starting point is 00:37:49 meeting me because like I wouldn't have gotten there otherwise my God like it had its own elevator I'm trying to imagine your room no sorry your your apartment had an illly not the building yeah yeah yeah and especially such a location as soho it's crazy you know central london yeah yeah exactly so that was a lot of fun or i

Starting point is 00:38:13 remember we were filming in there was some like wide street in london and they were implementing charging posts like you have got land posts on the street and they've got like charging plugs for evis i think there was like a first street in London that did that and we were filming like a video for Siemens I think it was. This is their technology. So stuff like that, you know, it was like interesting. Yeah. Sounds like a good memory from that.

Starting point is 00:38:42 Yes. I did not think about these memories for a while. So something we're unlocking them. Bring me some nostalgia. Why did you then decide to pursue different career or to live from there? I think London in general was a little bit too much at some point for me But it was it was also my fault a little bit because I did not I found it hard to find a circle of friends

Starting point is 00:39:09 Because weren't you already working on her extroard skills I was I was I was but it was not only that you know how London is You have friends but then meeting with your friends is an entire different challenge unless you have like a group at work but you know at our company like we were friendly but everyone had their own life kind of thing so then if you weren't working you know the scheduling with people that you want to meet

Starting point is 00:39:42 it was kind of difficult and it felt to me like London was sprawling you know I love the city for many reasons but I felt like maybe maybe I need to just come to a more manageable place I suppose and maybe some nostalgia from my time in Prague kicked in and I don't know, listen, it was just like an emotional decision, although I gave myself a year, a whole year to decide if I want to stay, do I want to go? And I decided to stay, but then one day I woke up and I knew I had to go. Like, it was a weird thing, but like my point is, once you know something that

Starting point is 00:40:21 you want to do it, you know. I think your mind just has to. like process. It takes some time. Especially sleep on it. Yes. Well, I slept on it many, many nights. Yeah. One day I knew. And so, and I think professionally I was also, I guess I wanted to do something else because like filming companies is great and marketing and all that. But I also felt like I wanted to get more in touch with, you know, like, again, music videos. and maybe like

Starting point is 00:40:53 I had a lot of basically I built up more connections in Prague somehow than I did in London but I was in London that was weird and I still don't know why maybe just I don't know anyways the point is

Starting point is 00:41:06 it just felt like a right decision and I'm not regretting I don't regret it you know I want to come back to London just to like visit and see all the places again but not to live again who knows

Starting point is 00:41:19 that is I will never say never because that does not work. We don't know. But it's not like that now you would be like, oh, I miss London, I want to come back. It's not like that. No, I don't regret it. No, no, no. I think, especially, listen, I, you know, just speaking practically, I have a whole apartment for myself, which is unheard of usually.

Starting point is 00:41:44 And I guess this is someone who's from the same country as you are. It's just for me understandable that you want to stay there. Like for me. I'm saying that I wouldn't want to be here, but I understand because this is where I grew up. So for me, it's also great and beautiful countries. So I'm like, yeah, I get you. Yeah, also, it's actually ice hockey plays a big part too. I love ice hockey. You play ice hockey? I didn't know. No, I don't play it. I watch it. Oh, okay, okay, yeah, make sense.

Starting point is 00:42:14 You should know, Thomas. No, of course I know. I just wasn't sure. Why is hockey? Because here when you mentioned Aizaki, people are like, what is that? Exactly. It's a big sport to like, really. When does someone watch it, I'm like, well, okay. Exactly. That's my point.

Starting point is 00:42:31 Like, I love that game. And in London, there was no chance to experience it at all, you know? There is a good point. I remember when there is World Championship. I spoke with some people from here. And I think that no one knew that there is like World Championship in Izoquy. It's like, come on guys, and even the UK was playing there. And I think maybe we were playing with them, you know, Czech and the UK.

Starting point is 00:42:55 Where too? Yeah, yeah, we were. I know, I know it's sad because it's sad when people don't even know your sport exists. Yeah. But it's a big sport, but in specific countries, I guess, it's like, like there's countries that don't do it at all, which is like the UK. Like they do it, but like no one knows it because football, right? But, you know, it will be different if it was sport, that would be only, let's say, in our country. But look at how big is it in North America as well. So it's not only ours.

Starting point is 00:43:27 It's in different countries. It's a huge. It's a huge sport. But it's like the sick biggest sport or something in the world. And, you know, England, it just cares about football and maybe cricket, maybe rugby. Yeah, considering the football culture here, there is no surprise. It's so strong that it pushes everything else. pretty much out.

Starting point is 00:43:48 You know, Spain is the same. So, yeah, I mean, I don't know how much we can do about it. I would happily spread the word. Yeah, I was going to ask you before, I guess I know the answer, but if you weren't thinking of going to some different country again, but I guess since you said that you had plenty of connections in Czech Republic or in Prague, it made sense to come back there? Yeah, I mean, Prague was my only aim.

Starting point is 00:44:16 You know, the only other place that I always considered to be attractive was the US. I kind of click with the people, with the culture. And I did actually spend some time there last year. I was filming like two months. So where was it? It was in Miami and close to San Francisco. Wow, sounds nice. Yeah, yeah, it was definitely interesting.

Starting point is 00:44:39 I'm going there again next month to Cali. So, like, that's a lot of fun. but I have to say I still appreciate Prague a lot because, you know, it's a place where a lot of culture meets, and it's a very livable city, very easy to live in, which is a good thing, because it's like, you know, you don't have to stress out as much, but it's also a pretty big city still, so you've got everything that you need, and it's getting quite international, I think. I'm actually working on some videos for the city of Prague to promote Prague, actually, so. you will have a big impact on how Brake will be perceived in the future.

Starting point is 00:45:20 If it gets more tourists or less? I hope so. But, you know, not only tourists, I hope that it gets people from all of the world who come here and make it their home because I honestly think it's one of the most underrated places, currently, at least like in terms of cities. At least we know whom to blame afterwards. Don't you worry. they will come

Starting point is 00:45:45 and out of curiosity are you or were you in the US like for holidays or also some work related stuff or both I was working I was working I was filming really for yeah for a startup for a company and they make it's called Navajo homes and they make

Starting point is 00:46:02 like these futuristic houseboats that some houseboats cannot like cruise on their own but these houseboats actually can cruise they have like engines so I was filming like promotional lifestyle content for them, which was a lot of fun and I got to explore Miami, which was interesting, although I have not explored it to its fullest, but it was a lot of fun.

Starting point is 00:46:27 And how did you find Miami? Is it like in films, beautiful beaches, palms or weather? Dude, it's a crazy place. It's like grand theft odor. People drive like crazy. And like they don't indicate. So, you know, I spoke to a person to like a guy, he was like 60 years old, like a Canadian guy. He sat next to me in a cafe and he's just like, that's the culture. They just start talking to you. Like maybe they overhear you on the phone and they ask a question. So I was talking to one of my friends and then he asked me a question, you know, related to the call and I was like, okay. Yeah, let's talk. It's fine. Let's talk. Let's explore this. And we talked and he was like, you know, I lived here for 20 years.

Starting point is 00:47:13 now. I'm originally from like, I don't Toronto, whatever. And every single day that I drive here, I think it's my last day. Oh, that's what he said. That's what he said. I'm like, yes, I can feel you. You never know. You have to always like watch out. So that was, that was an interesting experience. Although I did love the, you know, it's got like the huge lanes, like four lanes in one direction, the huge highways. It is such an overwhelming experience, especially coming. from Europe where you have like half a lane, maybe. And so suddenly it was like overwhelming and I really felt like this is the American way. Then I realized that you cannot really walk anywhere much because it's like no...

Starting point is 00:47:57 Distances. Distances and it's not made for pedestrians usually. Oh, okay. You're out. So the car culture is very strong there. But in general, like it's a tropical place, warm and it's full of, like, like, it's a and girls shaking their booty on yachts. Yeah, there's a lot of money, I guess, right?

Starting point is 00:48:19 Yeah, that's actually where I understood the real meaning of luxury and wealth. Because, you know, like we think when someone has a Bugatti or Rolls-Royce, we think, oh yeah, he's rich. But then I saw like the same Rolls-Royce just like an accessory to the boat. It was covered in like plastic sheets because a person just has it there and maybe uses it a couple times. here. It's just like you own a watch. They have like one. Yeah, out of their money. Yeah, so that was kind of interesting in that sense. Can you imagine living there? I tried. I tried and I don't know. It has its charms definitely. And I was always adamant about trying to live there or in the US in general. But I don't know. Maybe if I tried it, it would work. Who knows? It's always about the people, right? If you are

Starting point is 00:49:13 there working on something and you meet people every day and you have a group of people that you interact with and it's so much easier but i don't know i would find it difficult to come to a place that i don't know at all where i don't know anyone and suddenly like starting from ground zero yeah i've done that couple times in my life and it kind of gets tiring right no it's understandable it's much easier to start and it's not so overwhelming you don't feel lost if you're not on your own. So something I can also relate to and understand you. Right, yeah. But there's a lot of good things about the US.

Starting point is 00:49:51 You know, Europeans versus US, we sometimes have arguments. We are better. They are better. You know, guns, oh, this, that. Oh, yeah. I think it's like in any place in the world, there's any kind of type of person. Yeah, you just got to find your people. That's it.

Starting point is 00:50:11 It doesn't matter where. I was also going to ask you about California, but we've got three minutes left. So, as I said before, and to respect your time, I would suggest to finish for today and to do second part if you were up for it, because it will be two calls. And there is still plenty of stuff to discuss. I know we didn't discuss your music career and after moving to Czech Republic, so I'm sure there will be plenty of stuff to discuss. discuss in the second part. All right, sounds good. So thank you a lot.

Starting point is 00:50:42 Thank you for Janus and I will be looking for part two. All right. Thank you very much, Thomas, for inviting me. Thanks. My pleasure. Thank you for listening to Produce Bye. Subscribe to our podcast in your favorite podcast app, leave a review or send us your feedback.

Starting point is 00:51:00 For more information about the host, links from the episode and ways to connect with us, visit the show notes. If you know someone who would be an ideal guest for our podcast, please get in touch. Thank you and see you soon.

Produced By - #9 - Vladimir Spicka: Directing Experience from London Brought to Prague, Czechia

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