Filming wrappes September 21 on Child 44 after 71 days of filming in the Czech Republic.
Produced by Ridley Scott, the film is an adaptation of Tom Rob Smith’s novel of the same name, based on the true story of a serial killer in the former Soviet Union.
Tom Hardy stars as a state security agent investigating a series of gruesome child murders. Other key cast members include Noomi Rapace, Gary Oldman and Vincent Cassel.
Czech locations stand in for Moscow. The production shot at Barrandov Studios and on live locations including Prague’s National Theatre, National Museum, Rudolfinum, Ministry of Transport and in the city’s underground metro tunnels.
“Given that the story is a period film which takes place in 1953, filming anywhere, even Russia, in 2013 would be difficult,” line producer Adam Merims said. “Prague and the Czech Republic had the best mix of varied locations within one hour of the city center and a highly experienced crew base.”
Merims said the Czech Republic’s Cinematography Fund was also a key factor in bringing the production to Prague. “Cheaper locations had less experienced crew and no real federal subsidy. Russia doesn’t have any real subsidy program.”
Of the roughly 300-member crew, 256 were Czech film professionals. “The Czech crew was great, very experienced. Extremely high level of English fluency,” Merims said. “The camera, grip, and electric crews are top notch. Very hardworking and very pleasant to work with.”
Director Daniel Espinosa worked with DOP Oliver Wood, who filmed the Bourne trilogy and numerous other action-thrillers, including Die Hard 2.
The film is produced by Summit Entertainment and Scott Free Productions, with Prague-based Stillking Films as the local partner.