A section of Prague’s Naměstí míru square went back in time this week. Flower-decorated historic carriages lined up in front of the Basilica of St. Ludmila as dozens of extras in 19th-century period costumes moved about the square. A camera operator slowly raised a crane, to get a shot of the church.
The Age of Innocence, a famous novel by American writer Edith Wharton has been adapted for the screen several times before, most notably in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film. This latest adaptation is highly anticipated. The lead roles in the new series have gone to actors Kristine Froseth and Ben Radcliffe. The role of the beautiful and seductive countess is portrayed by American model and actress Camila Morrone, widely known from the crime drama Marmalade.
News of the filming has spread through Prague and onlookers jostled behind barriers, watching the action and trying to catch a glimpse of the lead actors. However, projects of this scale are tightly guarded and most of the production facilities remain hidden inside white tents and parked vans.
In recent years, streaming platforms have become key clients for Czech production companies. According to Michal Červený, head of production at the Czech company Stillking Films, the Basilica of St. Ludmila is one of Prague’s popular filming locations.
“In this case, we’re looking for places that can stand in for New York, sometimes with minor architectural adjustments. We have a good relationship with the people at ‘Ludmila’. We’ve already completed two projects there, so they know what filming involves — whether it’s blacking out spaces, working with lighting, or furnishing interiors,” Červený explains.
Hundreds of people are involved in the shoot, including many Czechs.
“It’s a lavish period project set in 1870, and you have to adapt absolutely everything to that. You close the street, remove all the cars, bring in carriages and horses, build temporary structures. That means you need a huge crew to take care of it all,” he adds.
Filming of The Age of Innocence has been underway in Prague, with several breaks, since the autumn. In recent months, Liberec has also served as one of the locations. The filmmakers will remain in the Czech Republic until March, using not only outdoor locations but also the Barrandov studios. The crew will then move on to Spain.
Netflix has yet to announce the date of the new series’ premiere.
