Nat Geo to film scripted series Genius in Prague

Genius is planned as a multi-season production looking at history’s most renowned innovators, with the first series looking at Albert Einstein.

“Having already worked with National Geographic on Breakthrough and currently in production on MARS – our exciting unscripted and scripted hybrid series that tells of our journey to colonise Mars – I look forward to their support as we tell this ambitious but intimate and revealing human story behind Einstein’s scientific brilliance,” said Howard.

“I hope that his story, as well as those of other geniuses, will both entertain and inspire the next generation of Einsteins.”

Prague is a major eastern European production hub, partly because the Czech Republic offers a 20% filming incentive. Recent high-profile international productions to have shot in Prague have included sci-fi feature Underworld: Blood Wars and period drama Interlude in Prague, while historical series Britannia is also scheduled for this summer.

Barrandov Studios is a major filming facility in the capital, offering ten sound stages on its main site, as well as an expansive backlot.

Ron Howard has recent experience of shooting in the region, having filmed his new Dan Brown movie Inferno in neighbouring Budapest, which offers a competing 25% filming incentive.

National Geographic’s shift into scripted TV follows a similar move from The History Channel, which has had huge success with long-running drama Vikings and the western saga Hatfields & McCoys.

For more on filming in the Czech Republic see our production guide.

Image: Simon Mein / Columbia Pictures