International productions helped drive a sharp recovery in the Czech audiovisual industry in 2025, with total sector turnover reaching CZK 11.3 billion, according to new figures from the Audiovisual Producers’ Association (APA). The result marked a 14.5% increase from the previous year, reversing two years of downturns recorded in 2023 and 2024, when production activity fell below record 2022 levels.
The growth was largely fueled by foreign film and television projects taking advantage of expanded Czech production incentives. Foreign production turnover increased by more than CZK 1 billion year-on-year, while domestic film and television production saw only modest growth. The figures highlight the continuing importance of international shoots to the Czech production economy, which relies heavily on overseas investment.
International productions drive Czech recovery
Foreign productions accounted for the largest share of the Czech audiovisual industry’s growth in 2025. According to APA data, turnover from international projects increased from CZK 5.5 billion in 2024 to more than CZK 6.6 billion last year, representing growth of around 20%.
The increase followed changes to the Czech incentive system that came into effect in 2025, including higher cash rebates of 25% to 35% for eligible spending, with higher levels available for animation and digital production. The revised scheme helped Czechia compete more effectively with other European production hubs, where incentives have become a key factor in attracting international film and television projects.
Among the major international productions using Czech production services in 2025 were Netflix projects including the film Resident Evil and the series The Age of Innocence (pictured at top), as well as Amazon MGM Studios’ series Ride or Die, which premieres on July 15. Czech production company Stillking Films provided production services for several of these projects.
Other foreign productions included the third season of Netflix Germany’s The Empress, produced locally by Mia Film, while preparations also began for several large-scale projects scheduled to shoot in Czechia in 2026. These include the continuation of the science-fiction series Foundation, Apple TV+’s Birdwatcher and the Netflix adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel The Secret of Secrets.
The return of international production has a wider economic impact beyond film crews. APA noted that around 60% of spending by foreign productions in Czechia flows into related sectors outside filmmaking, including accommodation, transport, construction, catering and other local services.
Domestic production and industry challenges
While international projects provided the main boost, Czech film and television production also recorded growth in 2025, though at a much slower pace. Turnover from domestic films and series increased by almost 6%, rising from nearly CZK 1.9 billion to approximately CZK 2 billion.
Advertising production also continued to grow, increasing from nearly CZK 2.5 billion in 2024 to CZK 2.7 billion in 2025. However, APA said the rise largely reflected higher market costs rather than significant real growth, with production companies facing increasing expenses and structural changes across the advertising sector.
The overall results came after a difficult period for the Czech audiovisual market. In 2024, production activity declined as the industry faced uncertainty over available incentives and competition from other European countries offering increasingly attractive support schemes.
APA Chairman Vratislav Šlajer said the Czech audiovisual industry is now in a stronger position following reforms to the Czech Audiovisual Fund, which introduced increased support for domestic production and expanded the role of streaming platforms in financing local content.
The Czech Audiovisual Fund distributed a record CZK 2.4 billion in 2025, including up to CZK 1.6 billion allocated for incentives. However, APA warned that even this amount was insufficient to meet accumulated demand from international productions after previous years of limited funding.
The organization said long-term stability remains a key issue for the sector. While the increase in foreign production demonstrates the competitiveness of Czech crews, studios and locations, continued growth depends on predictable funding and the availability of incentives for international projects.
Lead photo: Behind the scenes on The Age of Innocence in Prague © Chris Baker / Netflix
