Part of the Czech Film Commission’s ongoing mission is to let people throughout the country know about the many opportunities which film productions can bring to their regions – and how they can work with filmmakers. The latest expert panel discussion on this topic takes place on 28 April in Pilsen, as a part of the “Industry Days” section of this year’s Finále Plzeň Film Festival. On hand will be a number of film producers and the renown film tourism expert Stefan Roesch, as well as representatives from the Czech Film Commission and the state agency CzechTourism.

The panel will discuss relationships between regional bodies and audiovisual producers, identify their respective expectations and – through what promises to be a lively debate – map out ways to improve communication and enjoy the full potential benefits for regions hosting a film production. Regional representatives will also share insights into their experiences in supporting audiovisual productions while producers will shed light on their specific requirements, both during the pre-production and production phases. CzechTourism representatives will explain how film productions have helped promote Czechs regions as film tourism destinations. Honoured guest, Stefan Roesch – the leading expert on film tourism and author of the book The Experiences of Film Location Tourists – will present marketing strategies for promoting destination through film and TV and give concrete examples of the benefits and potential for the regions. Czech Film Commission head Ludmila Claussová will moderate the panel, which kicks off on 28 April at 15:00 at the Měšťanská beseda in the Pilsen city centre. Also, during the Finále Plzeň Film Festival closing ceremony on 2 May, in cooperation with CzechTourism and the Audiovisual Producers' Association, the Czech Film Commission will have the honour of presenting the first award for “Film Friendly Region”, given to a regional body that has excelled in working together with filmmakers and utilising film tourism. Finally, we would also like to congratulate the Pardubice Region on having launched a grant programme to support audiovisual production there. The grant is for projects completely or at least partially implemented in the region, with the aim of promoting tourism and using the services of the local businesses. The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 April.

Check the behind-the-scenes gallery from the Policie Modrava series shot entirely in the Sumava Region in South-West Bohemia: