My name is Stanislav Kopečný and I have been working as a teacher in a kindergarten and in the House of Children and Youth in Pardubice for more than 15 years. My world is creation – especially puppet film, which combines writing stories, making scenes, puppets and animation itself.

Three years ago, I founded the puppet film studio Timber Tales Production, which arose from the need to create meaningful fairy tales for and with children. We have our first project under our belt - "The Fairy Tale of St. Martin", and are currently preparing a full-fledged puppet film "How It Was with St. Nicholas", which will premiere in 2025.

Even though I create the scripts, sets and puppets myself, the filming itself is a team effort. I collaborate with a group of enthusiasts – mostly amateurs, but who share a love for handcrafting and working with children. The exception is our cinematographer Roman Rezek, who brings a professional eye to the team.

Timber Tales Production is based on two fundamental pillars:

1. Love for puppet animation and meaningful fairy tales
   In an age of fast-paced content and digital effects, we want to offer children stories that have depth, moral overtones, and connect them to traditions and annual cycles. Fairy tales that not only entertain, but also teach them to understand the world around us.
   

2. Revival of the Czech puppetry tradition
   Czech film has always had strong roots in puppet storytelling. We want to continue this tradition and show that even today, handwork, a real camera, and honest craftsmanship have their place in the world of film.
   

My journey to puppets started quite simply – I needed to show the children what Saint Martin looked like. And when you are waiting for the last parents in kindergarten in the afternoon with your children, you are looking for a way to entertain them in a meaningful way. And so we started creating. The children sat at the table, helped, gave advice, created – and I realized how much sense this activity had.

Today we have our own film studio. The children come to me, participate in the creation and sometimes even consult on stories – like the one about St. Nicholas, which was created during the afternoon break. And it is thanks to them that my work has direction and heart.