It finally happened. The lights were dimmed, the cameras were balanced, and the first "Action!" echoed through the walls of Kreativski Studios. There’s something special about the very first production in a new space. Everything smells like fresh paint and possibility. For our debut session, we couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful project than the short film My Other Sister.
This wasn’t just any shoot; it was a massive international collaboration that brought together talent and vision from Thailand, South Africa, and right here in Austria. At Kreativski Studios, we’ve always wanted to be a hub for global storytelling, and seeing this come to life on day one was a dream come true.
A Global Story in the Heart of Vienna
When we first started talking about the studio, we imagined it as a place where local creatives could find their footing. But My Other Sister reminded us that the film world is incredibly small and interconnected. The project was written and directed by Garland-Waide Bradford, a talented South African director who brought a unique perspective and a deep, personal script to our floor.
The film serves as a bridge between cultures. With production elements and creative input spanning from Thailand to South Africa, and finally landing in Vienna for filming, the energy on set was electric. It’s a testament to how video production in Austria is becoming a melting pot for international artists who need a professional, welcoming home for their projects.
Garland-Waide’s vision for My Other Sister is intimate and evocative. Having a writer-director who is so hands-on meant that every corner of our studio was utilised. From the way the light hit the backdrops to the specific acoustics of the room, every detail was tuned to fit the narrative he had spent so much time crafting.
The First Day Jitters (And Triumphs)
Every filmmaker knows that the first day of production is a mix of high-stakes stress and pure adrenaline. Now, multiply that by it being the first-ever production in a brand-new facility. We were checking cables, testing the filming setups, and making sure the tea and coffee was hot: which, let’s be honest, is the most important part of any film set.
Garland-Waide Bradford arrived with a clear sense of purpose. Watching him work was a masterclass in independent directing. He has this way of communicating with actors that is both firm and incredibly supportive, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere we want to foster here. Whether you are here for a full-scale production or just simple showreel filming in Vienna, that sense of creative safety is paramount.
The story of My Other Sister is one that requires a lot of emotional heavy lifting from the cast. Because our studio is designed to be versatile, we were able to pivot quickly between different setups, allowing the actors to stay in the zone without being interrupted by long technical delays.
Why This Collaboration Matters
You might wonder how a South African director, a script involving Thailand, and a studio in Vienna all end up in the same room. The answer is simple: the creative community is looking for spaces that understand the "freelance" hustle. Michael and the rest of the team at Kreativski Studios built this place specifically because we know what it’s like to need a high-quality space that doesn't feel like a cold, corporate warehouse.
By hosting international collaborations like this, we’re putting Vienna on the map for more than just its historical architecture. We’re showing that the city is a viable, modern hub for video production. Garland-Waide’s choice to film here highlights that when you provide the right tools: like our lighting and tech booth: the world will come to your door.
Behind the Scenes: The Magic in the Details
Michael has been busy snapping away with his camera, capturing the "real" moments of the shoot. These behind-the-scenes (BTS) shots are some of our favorites. They show the messy, beautiful reality of filmmaking: the tangled wires, the whispered notes between takes, and the collective sigh of relief when a difficult scene is finally captured.
One of the highlights of the shoot was seeing how our different "zones" were used. While the main filming was happening, we had space for the crew to prep and for the director to review footage. If you’ve ever worked in a cramped location, you know that having "room to breathe" is a luxury that actually saves you time and money in the long run.
For those looking into rehearsals or prep work, seeing how a professional director like Garland-Waide utilizes a space can be super inspiring. He didn't just see a room; he saw a canvas.
Setting the Standard for Showreel Filming in Vienna
While My Other Sister is a standalone short film, the techniques used on set are exactly what we apply to our showreel filming services. Actors in Vienna often struggle to find footage that looks like it belongs on a cinema screen. By using the same high-end equipment and cinematic lighting that we used for Garland-Waide’s film, we can help local actors level up their portfolios.
If our studio can handle a three-country international collaboration as its first-ever project, imagine what it can do for your next project. Whether you’re a solo actor needing a fresh scene or a director with a global script under your arm, the infrastructure is here and ready.
Lessons Learned from the First Session
What did we learn from our first session?
- Preparation is everything. Having our studio fully prepped meant we could handle the unexpected.
- Diversity strengthens the story. Having South African, Thai, and Austrian influences in one room created a much richer creative environment than if we had stayed in our own bubbles.
- Community is the goal. Seeing the crew bond over a shared love for the craft reminded us why we opened Kreativski Studios in the first place.
We want this studio to be a place where you can fail, experiment, and ultimately succeed. We offer everything from photography to podcasting, but narrative film will always have a special place in our hearts because of this first experience with My Other Sister.
What’s Next for Kreativski?
With the first production in the books, the floodgates are open. We’re already looking at upcoming workshops and more indie film projects. Garland-Waide Bradford has set a high bar, and we can’t wait to see how the local Vienna scene responds to having a space like this available.
If you’re a filmmaker, actor, or creative professional, we’d love to have you over. You can check out our calendar to see when the space is free or book a session directly through our shop. We’ve made the process simple because we know you’d rather spend your time creating than filling out forms.
Final Thoughts
To Garland-Waide Bradford: thank you for trusting us with your story. To the cast and crew of My Other Sister: thank you for bringing such incredible energy to our launch. This is just the beginning for Kreativski Studios.
We are more than just a room for hire; we are a partner in your creative journey. Whether you need a fantasy set for a tabletop game or a professional setup for video production in Austria, we’ve got your back.
If you have a project in mind, don't hesitate to contact us. Let’s make something amazing together. Who knows? Maybe your project will be the next one we’re bragging about on the blog!
See you in the studio,
The Kreativski Team