Czech animation studio Krutart is building a global business by producing family and children’s animated films specifically designed for the curved domes of planetariums worldwide, according to studio co-founder and head Martin Jůza. While traditional studios focus on flat theater screens, Krutart targets the niche yet lucrative one-billion-dollar global planetarium box office market, securing distribution deals spanning Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Building a Global Fulldome Content Business from Prague
According to Martin Jůza, Krutart currently reaches audiences across 35 territories, with Germany serving as its largest market with films featured in approximately 40 planetariums. The Czech Republic follows closely, accounting for roughly one-sixth of the studio’s revenues, alongside deployments in the United States—including two planetariums in Hawaii—as well as Japan and South Korea. To maintain these international ties, studio representatives regularly attend global industry gatherings, such as planetarium conferences in Fukuoka, Japan, and annual events held in Brno, Czech Republic.
Strategic distribution partnerships have anchored the studio’s international footprint. Japanese astronomy and visualization giant Goto invested in and distributed Krutart’s production 3–2–1 to the Moon!, while Japan’s largest fulldome producer D&D Pictures invested in and distributes the studio’s title Curious Eva. According to Jůza, such backing from century-old technology leaders serves as concrete proof of the studio’s industry relevance.
Comparing Prague Planetarium Technology with Las Vegas Sphere
Despite international acclaim, Krutart executives maintain that Prague’s planetarium in Stromovka boasts superior technology compared to the massive MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, according to Martin Jůza. When management from the Las Vegas Sphere contacted Krutart after viewing the studio’s film 3–2–1 Lift Off! at a Los Angeles festival, discussions regarding potential content collaborations quickly revealed structural differences. Jůza notes that while the Las Vegas venue functions primarily as an immense display and live concert arena accommodating 18,000 attendees, venue evaluations by Krutart co-founder Filip Veselý—who served on the procurement commission for the renovated Prague planetarium—showed that the Prague facility utilizes superior control software to eliminate visible LED panel seams and manage high-speed motion without causing viewer discomfort.
Did you know? Krutart operates with an internal team of approximately 20 people, deliberately rejecting rapid studio expansion in favor of a lean operational model inspired by game developer Amanita Design, according to Martin Jůza.
Production Budgets and Financial Projections
Krutart’s fulldome productions operate on distinct financial models compared to standard theatrical films. According to studio data, the production 3–2–1 to the Moon! carries a budget of 25 million crowns, while Curious Eva finished with a budget of 12 million crowns, ending up at 20 million. Funding sources combine internal investments, pre-sales, international partnerships with Japanese firms, and public grants from the State Fund of Audiovisual and regional authorities. Jůza notes that strong advance pre-sales for 3–2–1 to the Moon! aim to secure profitability by the time of its scheduled 2027 premiere.
The studio is also expanding beyond individual films by offering planetariums subscription packages for its complete portfolio of children’ and family content. Additionally, Krutart is adapting existing properties into traditional media, including a forthcoming feature film titled Kosmix: Secret Mission, set for release after seven years of development, alongside plans for an animated series titled Alma and Kory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fulldome film?
A fulldome film is an animated or live-action movie specifically formatted and rendered for projection onto the curved, hemispherical ceilings of planetariums rather than flat cinema screens, requiring specialized storytelling and pacing.
Where are Krutart’s planetarium films shown?
According to studio data, Krutart distributes its content to 35 territories globally, with major markets in Germany, the Czech Republic, the United States (including Hawaii), South Korea, and Japan.
How much do Krutart’s fulldome films cost to produce?
Production budgets vary, with recent projects such as Curious Eva costing 12 million Czech crowns and ending up at 20 million, and 3–2–1 to the Moon! operating on a budget of 25 million crowns, funded via pre-sales, grants, and partners.
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