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EMERGING PRODUCERS 2019

Anna Herza Tydlitátová • Producer, Telekinetic

“As a producer, I insist on having fun and fuelling my curiosity”

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- Interview with Anna Herza Tydlitátová, producer for Czech outfit Telekinetic and selected for the 2019 Emerging Producers programme

Anna Herza Tydlitátová • Producer, Telekinetic

Interview with Anna Herza Tydlitátová, producer for Czech outfit Telekinetic and selected for the 2019 Emerging Producers programme.

Why do you produce documentaries? Do you understand documentary film as an instrument of social and political change?
Anna Herza Tydlitátová:
I like to work as a producer, because to me it is mainly about searching for the best way how to tell stories, and this can be both in fiction and documentary. There are probably 3 aspects that I consider well before dedicating to a project. I start by building a personal connection within the team, get excited by a subject I can relate to strongly – and insist on having fun and fuelling my curiosity on the way as well.

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One of my long-time favourite storytellers is Andrea Culková. Her film Sugar Blues [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
is a great example, how you can shoot a catchy documentary that addresses masses but still keeps its artistic level high. Another one I think is really persistently worth mentioning is A Woman Captured [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile
]
, produced by my fellow Emerging Producer Viki Réka Kiss. These documentaries were and are definitely instruments of change and I must say I admire the teams for their work. 

What qualities should a documentary producer have these days?
This will be different for everyone, but I am slowly recognising a dream structure that works for myself – setting regular stretches of time aside for research and getting inspired, later linked to deep focused work. It’s such a blessing when you can really dive into work without distractions – i.e. followed by diving into rest as well. Spending less time reading emails and more time coming up with stuff with your team. 

What projects do you have under way (including in the area of fiction film and other projects)?
Within our writers room we developing a TV series called Grit, which contains two things I love: an amazing leading female character and dark humour (think Fargo). Can’t say too much yet, but I’m really looking forward to it!

For years, I’ve also been flirting with the idea to start a project aimed at children. I’ve grown up in a world where the anarchism of Pippi Longstockings was (and still is) my huge heroic fantasy. If there’s a woman who doesn’t give a damn about conventions, I think it’s her. I really admire where the Scandinavian tradition of children’s genres are leading and never miss an opportunity to visit their projects at the Generation section at Berlinale. Bouncing around looney mad ideas about these scripts with my great friend, colleague and talented director Jan Vejnar is one of the most favourite parts of my job. 

Recently I have also joined Serial Killer – the 1st online TV series festival in Cent-East Europe – as Head of Industry, and these days are busy with preparations for our next edition. We will showcase thrilling TV projects and emerging talents from the region, so don’t forget to save the dates September 24 – 29, 2019 for Brno. Oh, and by the way, the Industry Days start on my birthday!

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Emerging Producers is a promotional and educational project, which brings together talented European documentary film producers. The programme is organised and curated by the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival.

Deadline for applications to the Emerging Producers 2020 edition is 15 March, 2019. Click here.

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