Spotlight+ | Issue 00: Breaking the Silence

Dear Gentle Reader…

Or should I say, dear producer? Forgive me—I got a bit lost in writing my Bridgerton fan-fiction. Sure, I do watch that series. And the fan-fiction? Well… some secrets are better left unspoiled, aren't they?

Anyway, it’s been some time since we last talked—more than three years, to be exact. Much has changed, and I’ve learned, first-hand, how life can take us in directions we have never anticipated, and how quickly can anything, and everything, change. Today, I want to start sharing with you where I’ve been, the lessons I’ve learned, and why now feels like the right moment to reconnect. I also have some exciting (but also scary, at least for me) plans for the months ahead. But before we look forward, let’s take a moment, acknowledge the gap and let me give you some context.

What happened?

Three years ago, I hit a wall. I was really burnt out, for the first time ever, and I was struggling to find my place in society. After 9 long months of unemployment, and a series of postponed or cancelled projects, I found myself questioning everything, reevaluating. It was a really tough time for me, both in personal and professional life. Time that forced me to think about taking several steps back, moving back to Moravia, perhaps going back to IT. But then, fortunately for me, I was recommended through a student of mine (thanks, Nela!) to Cirk La Putyka and Jatka78. The first one is a contemporary circus company and the second a theatre venue, but operated by the same people. And even though I did not know anything about theatre production, nor circus one, I took the offer without ever really thinking about it. It just felt right–and I needed both the job and the paycheck, to be perfectly candid.

This leap of faith brought new challenges and a fresh perspective, but it also demanded every ounce of my energy, and then some. First I had to take a step back to learn everything from the ground up, about circus and theatre, and then I moved to other items on my list. As a new Head of Production, my job was not only about rebuilding the production team, but also about navigating through a critical time of the company and not only managing day-to-day operations, but also strategic planning for years ahead, became my sole focus. But in doing so, I lost touch with the creative outlet that writing provided. I thought, several times, of getting back to it, but never really done it. Over time, I acknowledged, more than realised, that my avoidance of writing wasn’t about being busy or exhausted; it was rooted in fear.

In fear of not measuring up, fear of being judged, and fear of having nothing valuable to say. Yet, the frustration of not doing what I truly enjoyed kept gnawing at me. A few months ago, I started talking about writing again (yes, some of you might have been exposed to it), about creating something of my own, something I have dreamed of since high school. I even wrote a full newsletter at one point, but couldn’t bring myself to hit send. I was too worried of what my peers might think.

I’m still scared, to be honest, but I know I have to do this—and I have to do it now—because the time will never be perfect. And I refuse to spend the next chapter of my life wondering “what if?”. So yes, I am back, but this time, I understand who I am, and I have both the vision and a deep respect for the process. I’m humbled by the experiences I’ve had and the mistakes I’ve made, and I’m ready to share those lessons with you. And while I still have much to learn, I’m eager to document this ongoing journey and, in doing so, hopefully help others navigate their own paths.

What's coming next? 

As we move forward, I want to clarify the direction I'm (well, we are) taking. I’m building a community through Producer’s Playbook. A community of like-minded people—like you and me—where we don’t just follow the same old rules. We bend and break them. We push boundaries, and we figure out how to not just survive, but to thrive, in an industry that often leaves people burnt out and broken. This is about building something sustainable, something better, together. And it's not just about me. It’s about you as well. It’s about all of us who refuse to settle for the status quo. I want us to write this next chapter together.

In the upcoming months, you can expect some candid conversations, actionable advice, interviews and case studies, as well as documenting my own work. And, finally, a playbook designed to help you navigate the chaos of production. 

So for those of you who feel similar like I do, please, stay tuned—Issue 01 is coming in two weeks, and we’re diving deep from the get-go. Until then, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me (or ask me) anything. Reply to this e-mail, write me on social media, and let's chat a bit. Your feedback and your notes are vital to this process, and I appreciate every single one of you, reading these lines. 

And with that, I shall say goodbye (except for the second part of this newsletter).

Sincerely, Jiří

Snapshots

• Let’s face it—financing can be a bitch, no matter where you are in your career. But don't worry, I've (well, technically somebody else) got you covered with a comprehensive list of grants, labs, and fellowships to help you fund your next project. 
• And then there’s Sundance. The festival’s shaking things up. By 2027, the iconic event could be heading to Boulder, Cincinnati, or staying close to its current home with a Salt Lake City/Park City collaboration. On which one do you bet? 
• And to finish this off, here’s something for the data nerds (like me). Film festivals, by the numbers—my favorite statistician has broken it all down. Dive into the stats and refine your strategy.

Handpicked

Fighting for Change: Grit, Resilience, and the Relentless Pursuit of More

I haven’t seen these films yet, but they've already catched my attention. Each of them captures the relentless fight that resonates with what I secretly love and live for: pushing boundaries, fighting for what’s right, and unapologetically owning the story (well, this I have to work on).

"The Fire Inside", a powerful story of Claressa Shields, a young boxer navigating a brutal life both inside and outside the ring. Reading about her journey, I can't help but think of the extraordinary athletes I see daily—working themselves to the bone, day by day, yet fighting tooth and nail just to get by.

Morrison's film doesn’t glorify and romanticize the victory in the ring; instead, it zeroes in on the aftermath—on the real battle, hidden in plain sight. Athletes celebrated for only a brief moment, only when they are winning. But forgotten the moment the spotlight fades. Morrison’s directorial debut pulls no punches, just as the protagonist, Claressa Shields. And she’s not just battling opponents—she’s fighting to change the rules altogether, not just for herself, but for any other female athlete out there. 

"The Last Showgirl", a career-defining performance of Pamela Anderson, portraying Shelley, an ageing Vegas dancer, grappling with both her life and career choices at the end of her career. This film lays bare the sacrifices we all know a bit too well–the things we had to do, as well as the ones we had to miss or give up entirely. The film speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they’re running out of time, fighting to stay relevant in a world that seems to be moving past them. It’s about resilience and the cost of dedicating your life to something fleeting. And Anderson’s deeply personal connection to the role makes it all the more real​.

And lastly, we have "The Order" on the list. Dark, gritty and unfortunately, realistic. Rewinding back to 1980s in America, Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult push us to confront the ugliest parts of human nature. The film is a brutal, uncompromising exploration of how radical ideologies take root and spread across society. And given the current climate in the world, this just might be a movie to watch, to remind ourselves, that disruption doesn't have to always be about bringing something new, but it's also about leaving behind things and systems that are wrong, harmful and dangerous. 

Generative AI in Film – Disruption or Deception?

AI is revolutionising the film industry faster than we can catch up—but are we using it to enhance our storytelling, or to distort the reality and compromise the truth? Similar questions sparked heated discussion amidst filmmakers, and one group in particular, the Archival Producers Alliance (APA), came with a list of ethical guidelines on how to use this powerful tool responsibly. 

As AI-generated voices, images, and videos are becoming indistinguishable from reality, we are now forced to confront an ethical crossroads: how do we ensure our viewers can still trust what they see on screen? We've seen where and how legacy media failed, tarnishing their trust. And if we're not careful, we could follow the same path, and much faster than them. APA's new guidelines draw a line in the sand, reminding us that the truth isn’t negotiable—especially in documentary filmmaking, where authenticity is everything.

Therefore, they emphasise the following ideas: transparency, historical accuracy, and respect for the authenticity of sources. Filmmakers are urged to ensure that any AI-generated content is transparent to the audience, be it through visual cues or explicit labelling. Best case scenario? Use original materials whenever possible. 

Personally, I love challenging the status quo and looking for better ways to do my job. But us being the next generation of producers, we have to hold ourselves to higher standards than ever. And integrity is non-negotiable. As filmmakers, we hold the responsibility to use AI properly, ensuring that truth is never sacrificed in the name of innovation. Because what is innovation without accountability but just another shitstorm in waiting? Transparency, as the APA guidelines emphasize, is the line we can’t afford to cross. The documentary community is setting the standard now, and we should all take note–disruption without ethics is just chaos. 

So as we venture into this AI-driven future, the choice is clear—lead with transparency or risk throwing everything we’ve worked for straight into the fire.

The Watchlist: Screened & Vetted

All of the above being said, I have two recommendations for you this week, and for both we're going down the memory lane. Here are two amazing movies that left a mark in the industry. 

Whiplash (2014)

Sometimes, the pursuit of greatness consumes everything in its path. "Whiplash" is that pursuit in its rawest form—a brutal reflection of what it takes to reach the top.

Watching it feels like going through the grind of production: sleepless nights, endless hustle, and a constant drive to push beyond the edge, sometimes not considering the pain we cause to our closest. It's a raw, unforgiving film that resonates with anyone who’s ever fought tooth and nail to be the best, no matter the cost.

The Big Short (2015)

This is not just a movie; it’s a wake-up call. This film rips apart the financial system and shows the chaos that came when greed overtook integrity. And that’s a perfect example of disruption—spotting what others don’t and using that knowledge to shake the world.

First Looks

The Fire Inside (2024)

This isn’t just a sports film—it’s a mirror held up to the brutal truth that female athletes face every day. Shields’ fight extends far beyond the ring, into a world where female athletes earn a fraction of what their male counterparts make. You ask what are the real numbers? Only 1% of global sports sponsorships go to women, despite them making up 40 % of all athletes. The coverage of women's sports? Barely 4 % of media attention. 

This isn’t just one story–it’s a struggle that countless women fight. Fight for recognition in a system rigged against them. "The Fire Inside" exposes the raw gap between fleeting moments of victory and the harsh, enduring battle for survival in a world that forgets athletes as soon as the lights dim. Take a good look at that fight to remember that the hardest battles aren’t always in the arena—they’re in the fight for equality.