Vojta Kotek: New Role Shocks Fans | Czech News

Vojtech Kotek stars in the upcoming comedy Když se zhasne, portraying a character named Mirek, a chef who runs a unique dining establishment. The film, based on a successful stage play originating in Olomouc, promises a blend of culinary chaos and comedic timing, with Kotek revealing a surprisingly immersive experience during filming.

Behind the Scenes of a Culinary Comedy

Kotek describes his character as a generally good person, though his co-star Petra Hřebíčková jokingly suggests Mirek’s only flaw might be that he “nibbles.” The film’s menu, inspired by the seven deadly sins, was crafted by Michelin-starred chef Oldřich Sahajdák and brought to life on set by chef Marco Christov, who plays Kotek’s right-hand man.

While Kotek is capable in the kitchen himself, the demands of filming required a team of professional cooks. “The biggest difference is that when I cook in real life, I actually have to do it,” he explained. “On set, I had professionals and just pretended I was doing it.” Safety was paramount, with crew members quick to intervene whenever hot water was involved.

Did You Know? The film features a stunt sequence involving cars, executed by Jindřich Klaus, a recipient of the Taurus World Stunt Award – often referred to as the “kaskadérský Oscar.”

Embracing the Chef Life

Despite not regularly working in a kitchen, Kotek quickly adapted to the culinary environment. He found himself using “we” when discussing the cooking process, feeling like part of the team. He even picked up some practical skills, notably becoming proficient at cleaning clams.

The Name Game and Personal Preferences

The character of Mirek only has a first name in the script, prompting Kotek and Hřebíčková to brainstorm potential surnames. Kotek suggested “Mirek Dusil,” believing a surname related to cooking would be fitting. When it comes to his own palate, Kotek favors venison with chestnut purée, while firmly drawing the line at sardines.

Expert Insight: The collaborative process of character development, as evidenced by Kotek and Hřebíčková’s surname brainstorming, highlights the importance of actor input in shaping a believable and engaging on-screen persona. This attention to detail can significantly enhance the audience’s connection to the story.

Martin Pechlát, who plays Čenda, a historian and somewhat impractical character, faces a challenging task in the film: seducing Nina, portrayed by Petra Hřebíčková. Pechlát described the difficulty of finding the right balance between humour and believability in the scene, needing to portray Čenda’s “inner beast” without overstepping boundaries.

Filming Locations and Future Possibilities

Much of Když se zhasne was filmed in Olomouc, with the restaurant scenes taking place in the Telegraph multifunctional space. The city also served as the backdrop for the aforementioned car stunt sequences. Kotek has also been appearing in the show Máme rádi Česko.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vojtech Kotek’s character’s name in the film?

Vojtech Kotek’s character is named Mirek, and currently only has a first name in the script.

Who created the menu for the film, inspired by the seven deadly sins?

The menu was created by Michelin-starred chef Oldřich Sahajdák and prepared on set by chef Marco Christov.

What food does Vojtech Kotek personally dislike?

Vojtech Kotek does not like sardines.

As Když se zhasne approaches its release, will the film’s blend of comedy and culinary themes resonate with audiences, and could this role open new doors for Kotek in the genre?