Petra Ondřejková

Why do directors like you?
Because the result is not the only thing I care about. I want everyone to feel good throughout the whole process. I’m perceptive. And I have balls.

What don’t they like about you?
You must ask them. But I guess my honesty can be an issue. I can’t lie. And I don’t want to.

What do you like about your job?
People, of course, as I’m an extrovert. And the creative process. I love when the haze of abstract ideas starts to take shape.

What don’t you like about it?
Conference calls. And the rush. It became standard that everything has to be done immediately. In a way, it’s disrespectful towards the creative process.

What’s most important to you in your job?
Trust.

What’s good about the Czech industry?
We’re a small but skilful nation. In terms of film craft, we rank among the best, and everyone knows that. There’s a lot to be proud of, sometimes we just forget that and look up to others.

Who do you like to work with?
With people who have depth – not just creative but human. People who know who they are and value professional ethics.

How do you remember your beginnings?
With a smile. I was curious and enthusiastic, and that stuck with me; that’s my essence.

What’s your vision for Amazing?
Community of creative people.

What’s your favourite project you’ve produced?
Short film with the legendary Czech singer Hana Hegerová – Where the Lamps Roam (Kde lampy bloudí). I watched it recently after she passed away and I was amazed that we, so young at the time, were able to make such a decent and timeless tribute. From the commercial projects, it’s the four-part film for Budweiser. We travelled half of the world with the 16mm camera and film cans in the backpack.

Petra comes from Ostrava. If this city doesn’t ring a bell to you, the next ones might: Prague, where she founded Bistro Films in 2004, and New York, where she moved five years later. In 2012, Petra became a managing director of the Caviar’s Prague office. And in 2015, she established Amazing. Her scope is infinite – she can produce anything from a motion picture to a book, often winning awards for it (Cannes Lions, Golden Drum, Clio Ad and others). All that caring about what matters: educating aspiring creators in Young Directors project and educating herself at the College of Psychosocial Studies where she might grasp her insanely creative spirit.

If you are waiting
you are not swimming.
Hana Hegerová
Dark Black