HBO Europe mines Czech series

HBO Europe has started production on an original production from Burning Bush writer Stepan Hulik.

HBO Europe’s Antony Root

Principal photography has begun on Pustina (8×60’, Wasteland), which tells the story of a mining village on the verge of extinction. Sitting on huge reserves of coal, foreign companies plan to acquire the village, remove its population and their homes and establish a mining complex.

Czech commercials director Ivan Zacharias will direct four episodes, while Alice Nellis (Ene Bene, Výlet, Perfect Days) will helm four. Shot in the Czech Republic, the series is produced by Nutprodukce and Etamp, who produced Burning Bush for HBO Europe. The drama will air in the fall of 2016.

Antony Root, exec VP of programming and production for HBO Europe, said: “We are proud and excited to be producing this major original piece from one of the most talented young screenwriters in our region.

“Pustina tells a story that goes to the heart of the economic and social changes facing communities in the new Europe. It is also a page-turning mystery. We believe both the story and its themes will resonate strongly with our audiences.”

HBO Europe recently appointed its Nordic chief Hervé Payan to replace outgoing CEO Linda Jensen, who is leaving the company at the end of 2015.

Last month, C21 revealed HBO Europe is planning to double its local drama output as it shifts its focus away from relying on formats.

HBO Europe has a major presence across Central and Eastern Europe, running 11 channels and two VoD services in 15 countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic.