This sensitively renovated 4,000 m2 industrial space offers filmmakers a wide range of uses: an art studio, a café, exhibition spaces, a large industrial hall, rehearsal rooms, dance halls, and an accessible roof. It has high-quality technical facilities, and the team responsible for the operation of the center can also provide extras. Papirna (Czech for “paper mill”) is situated near the Radbuza River, just a short distance from the city center. It’s connected to the motorway, making it easily accessible.
Photo: Matej Hosek
The Papirna multifunctional cultural center was created by a group of enthusiasts who decided to revive this unique late 19th-century architectural monument. The former Piett paper mill in Pilsen has been reconstructed with respect for its historical values. The new cultural center offers stand-up performances, lectures, debates, theater, food festivals, conferences, bazaars, exhibitions, music events, film screenings, and weddings.
Diverse spaces and technical equipment
On the ground floor of the building is the 200 m2 Café Papirna, which features a raised stage, the size of which can be adjusted on request, as well as its own sound and light equipment. A 280 m2 gallery is adjacent to the café. On the first floor above the café and gallery is an industrial hall measuring 1,220 m2, plus a 113 m2 mirrored ballroom, a 28 m2 photo studio with cloakroom, and four music rehearsal rooms, each measuring 30 m2. Electrical connections and drinking water are available in the facility.
Photo: Matej Hosek
Papirna’s operations team has experience in organizing a wide variety of events and filming and is able to provide production and a wide range of additional services, including technical support, equipment rental, and a set designer.
Extras and catering
Thanks to its connection to the rehearsal spaces for the Zongleros Ansambl new circus and the Getup Gym training center, which is located directly on the Papirna premises, the facility management can easily source film extras. The in-house Café Papirna can provide high-quality catering.
The multifunctional center is located just a short walk from the Radbuza River, 15 minutes’ walk from the center of Pilsen. Thanks to the direct connection to the motorway, it is easily accessible from Prague and parking is possible directly on site.
Photo: Petr Polak
Experienced and responsive operations team
The Papirna team is extremely helpful and ready to negotiate a contract and work together to the satisfaction of all involved.
During its existence, the multifunctional center has gained a reputation as an independent progressive platform open to international projects and has established relationships with the German cultural scene in particular.
Photo: Matej Hosek
Assistance from the Pilsen Region Film Office
Across the river, just a five-minute walk from Papirna, the DEPO2015 cultural center offers filmmakers additional industrial spaces. It is also the seat of the Pilsen Region Film Office, which assists film productions with preparations and filming in the region.
David Brabec of the regional film office sums up the benefits of this location: “The former Pilsen paper mill is particularly attractive for its progressive approach to any new challenges. The extensive premises offer a variety of uses; a huge advantage is the experience of the management with filming and other events, whether directed by them or as part of space rental. Perhaps thanks to the combination of all these factors, the paper mill’s multifunctional space is one of the first locations that comes to mind when film productions demand interesting spaces in Pilsen.”
Contact for filming in the Pilsen Region:
Pilsen Region Film Office, Radka Šámalová (radka.samalova@filmplzen.cz, +420 737 190 798)