David Ondříček and Martha Issová are raising three children together, but it cannot be said that they have a traditional family. The director himself admitted this to eXtra.cz, who revealed that they rarely meet in full force at home. “Our family is used to the fact that someone is not always there. Filmmakers and actors, or even artists, simply have a period of seeing less, and we are experiencing that right now, ”he said in an interview. And it probably won’t change for a while. David Ondříček is currently preparing for the demanding filming of King of Šumava.
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He hasn’t even managed to enjoy the statues of the Czech Lions, which he won for the film Zátopek, and he is already embarking on another project! David Ondříček he will be shooting the series The King of Šumava. He will shoot a three-part miniseries for Voyo, an adaptation of a novel bestseller The return of the King of Šumava. The story of Josef Hasil, an elusive smuggler from the Šumava borderland in 1948.
Can such a pace of work be reconciled with family life? Not only did David answer that in an interview for eXtra.cz.
Less than 2 weeks after the Czech Lions. How did you celebrate the statuettes you received?
We celebrated it with almost all the winners in the Bokovka wine bar, and very honestly. It made me very happy that a lot of nominated colleagues, but also those who won in other categories, came to us, and it didn’t have the rivalry that a lot of people think. It was very pleasant and collegial. I’m happy we won, but it’s not that important. The important thing is that we love other people in the industry.
So did the party with the other staff members?
Yes, with other cast members and actors. With people who won and didn’t win, in a few hours it didn’t really matter who won or who didn’t. People from other projects also arrived, which was great. I was very happy. Bolek Polívka was also there.
Back at work. You are planning another shoot, according to the actual event. Why did you choose the story of Josef Hasil?
It was offered to me by Michal Reitler, who is originally a producer on Czech Television, now at Voyo. I knew that if Michal did it, he would be involved in the script in a creative way, and I knew I would have a good foundation. I was looking forward to working with him.
You will direct a story directed by Karel Kachyňa in front of you. That’s a pretty big bite. Aren’t you afraid that people will compare these works?
I’m not afraid. Let them compare, it will only be good for the King of Šumava. I really appreciate Karel Kachyna. I knew him from an early age, he was a great friend of my dad, and my dad admired him a lot. Even when I started with the film, for the first time on the spot with Karel Kachyna. I think the movie was called Fools and Girls. I was making a film about a film, which Karel just asked me to do then. I saw his know-how and I think I use him in some way.
You cast the actor Oskar Hes again in the King of Šumava. How did you get you?
I think Oskar is an extremely talented actor. He is very hardworking, nice man. It is important to have an Oscar on the field during such a project, and even when he plays the King of Šumava, at that moment I am much less afraid of the project! I know he can handle it. He doesn’t process the role technically, he goes for it with his heart. That is needed.
Shooting will be challenging. Will it take place in Šumava?
Partly yes, some scenes will take place in Šumava, where the so-called Death Valley is, where about seven border guards and hundreds of people who tried to cross the border died. You can feel the energy in that valley and it’s visually beautiful. But we will also shoot outside Šumava.
When do you start filming?
We start filming in April.
Your family probably won’t see you much at home, how will you compensate them?
Our family is used to the fact that someone is not always there. Marta had been rehearsing in the theater for about three months now, before that she had been with Ivan Trojan for quite some time. Filmmakers and actors, or even artists, simply have a period of seeing less, and we are experiencing that right now.
It wouldn’t be easier for you Marthu cast in your movies?
I occupy it whenever it suits me. In this case, the girls who play there are suitable. I don’t think Marta minds and I’m very happy that we were able to work together at all, and I don’t rule out any cooperation in the future.
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