Sequel to 'Dune' mini starts 17-week shoot
Sarandon, Berkoff join skein; Newman, Cox return
Richard Rubinstein and David Kappes return as executive producer and producer, respectively. Greg Yaitanes ("Double Tap," "Plan B") directs the script by John Harrison.
Comprising the second and third books of the Frank Herbert series, "Children of Dune" stars Susan Sarandon as Princess Wenescia, Stephen Berkoff as the desert tribal leader Stilgar and Alice Krige. Reprising their roles from "Dune" are Alec Newman as Paul and Julie Cox as Princess Irulan.
The miniseries shoots through July 19 at Prague Studios, Barrandov's Hostivar stages and the converted warehouse CKD stages.
Reteaming
"Dune," which was filmed two years ago at Prague Studios, won Emmy awards for cinematography and special effects. The special effects team Ernie Farino and James Healy are lined up for "Children of Dune."
Kappes, winner of the Emmy and Peabody for "Anne Frank" which was filmed in Prague last year, has been working in the city since 1999.
"It's become a very comfortable place to work, filled with familiar faces and skilled crews," he said.
"Children of Dune" is being filmed on high-definition video. "We're breaking new ground here," Kappes said. "We're probably the first miniseries shooting in hi-def, certainly the first in Europe."
