DO I NEED A WORK VISA TO WORK IN PRAGUE?
No, not if you are an American citizen. If you have a passport from another country, a visa may be required, but obtaining one is not difficult. Entering and leaving the Czech Republic is extremely easy and tourists are warmly welcomed.

IS THE LANGUAGE A PROBLEM?
No. We have put together a team that is fluent in English, both in the control room and on the stage.

IS THE ORCHESTRA A PICK-UP ORCHESTRA?
No. The core players are musicians from the Czech Philharmonic and Czech Radio Orchestras. We use the same group of players on all our sessions. They have extensive experience with film, and understand the western music approach.

WHAT ABOUT A CONDUCTOR?
The musicians are very experienced with outside conductors. We have done sessions where the composer conducted, or another conductor was brought in on the project. There are also three fine English-speaking Czech conductors easily available.

DO THEY HAVE HEADPHONES?
Yes, we have wireless headphones for all the players if they need to hear a pre-record or click track. Like all musicians, they would prefer to be conducted, but the use of headphones is never a problem.

WHAT ABOUT TUNING?
Their A is 443. The musicians prefer to use the tuning they have used throughout their classical careers, but they have no problem tuning down to 440 when the occasion calls for it.

WHAT ABOUT RECORDING FACILITIES?
There are a few options here:
1) Dvorak Hall: a huge concert hall with an SSL control room,
2) CNSO: a newly built large studio for 100+ musicians,
3) Czech TV: a smaller studio for up to 50 players,
4) Smecky Studio: An older large studio that has had its Neve control room recently renovated
5) Czech Radio: A large vintage studio that is primarily used for stereo recording but can be configured for multitrack recording if needed.

WHAT IS IT LIKE RECORDING IN DVORAK HALL?
Dvorak Hall in The Rudolfinum is an acoustically magnificent space, which is used for concerts by the Czech Philharmonic. It is difficult (but not impossible) to book many consecutive sessions there because of their schedule. It is a perfect place in which to record orchestral or symphonic scores. There are no booths or gobos, so separation is limited, but this can work in your favor. The hall is truly an historical site, with a fascinating history.

WHAT ABOUT CNSO STUDIOS?
CNSO studios are newly built, and about twenty minutes outside of Old Prague. It is a large studio, also built for recording symphonic music, with built in risers and an excellent piano. Communication are a bit easier here then in Dorvak Hall. The room is live but not overly so. Although there are no booths and only a few primitive gobos available, a surprising amount of separation can be worked out. The control room is a good size and has an Otari desk.

DO THEY HAVE PROTOOLS?
Yes. CNSO and Czech TV each have a Protools HD system. Smecky studios have a Protools Mix Plus system, and Dvorak Hall presently brings in an HD system when needed.

CAN WE WORK WITH NTSC?
Yes. They have the ability to work in PAL or NTSC.

WHAT ABOUT COPYING?
You can have your copying done in Prague for a much lower cost than in the US. Our copyists can create parts from your handwritten score, or extract them from your Finale or Sibelius files.

HOW ARE THE FINANCES HANDLED?
You will be given an accurate breakdown of all costs connected to your job. We need a 25% deposit to book the studio and musicians. The balance, which has to be paid to us before the sessions, is held in the US until the job is properly done, and finally wired to Prague five days later, thus giving our clients recourse in the unlikely case that a problem should arise.

ARE THERE ANY REUSE COSTS?
No. The recorded music is yours to use free and clear, any way you wish, as many times as you wish, with no extra costs.

IS AIRFARE EXPENSIVE?
If you stay over a Saturday night, we can get a very good rate on Czech Airlines. They have direct flights that arrive early and are about eight hours in the air from NY.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I HAVE TO BE IN PRAGUE?
Usually we leave in the evening and land in Prague the next day. That day is free to setup the studio, check music and get everything needed for the session. We record the next day (or days) and go home the following day. For a one-day session you will be in Prague for two nights.

DOES PRAGUE USE THE EURO?
No, they use the Czech Koruna. Like all currencies, this Kc changes in value against the dollar on a daily basis.

WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION IN PRAGUE?
Prague Recording will supply car service to pick you up at the airport and deliver you to your hotel, and your return at the end of your stay. While in Prague we also supply car service to bring people to the studios for the sessions and back to their hotel.

WILL WE HAVE A PROBLEM AT THE AIRPORT WITH EQUIPMENT?
We have never had a problem bringing any equipment in or out of the Czech Republic.

IS PRAGUE A NICE PLACE TO WORK?
Prague is a wonderful place to work or visit. It is a city rich in culture and architectural beauty, with friendly people and great European restaurants. There is always much to do in the romantic city of Prague.