From Children’s Shows to Crime Dramas: Jan Daniel Explores What He’ll Enjoy Most in Television
He goes by the nickname Jéja. He was born in Strakonice but grew up in Prague. He studied film directing in Písek, where he first tried his hand at screenwriting. “I realized that screenwriting comes naturally to me. Once I start writing, it just flows. It’s a wonderful feeling,” says Jan Daniel, a student at the CME Content Academy who contributes to children’s and youth programming at Czech Television.
He works on shows for children aged six to twelve, including the educational programs Tamtam and Zvěd. Alongside children’s shows, however, he would also like to create content for older audiences. “Creating for children feels noble and necessary, but I’d like to understand how stories are told today within the structure of a TV series.”
He initially considered studying abroad, but the opportunity to join the CME Content Academy appealed to him more. “It seemed like a chance that was closer to real-world practice—and still broad enough to encompass my interests.” Studying at FAMU, where the academy is based, has given him a new perspective on how television production works. “After just a few weeks, I felt I was assembling a completely new picture, both artistically and from a production standpoint.” Compared to Písek, which he views as much more craft-focused, he enjoys the daily contact here with people in the industry. “We meet producers, screenwriters, directors, creative executives… People who decide what gets made. That insight is invaluable.”
Beyond directing, he’s increasingly drawn to writing. “I enjoy writing. I can’t separate it from thinking about the subject and the audience. I’m fascinated by how a story takes shape—and how decisions are made about what’s worth telling.” He’s also thinking more and more about the role of a creative producer. “That role attracts me—not because of control, but because of responsibility. I like thinking about a project as a whole—not just what we tell, but to whom, when, and why.”
His heart, however, remains with creating for young audiences. “In the Czech Republic, this area is still somewhat overlooked. And yet these viewers are looking for strong stories… and if they don’t find them here, they turn abroad and may never develop a habit of watching domestic productions.” He’s inspired by projects like SKAM, Sex Education, and Normal People. “I’d like to help create formats here that speak the language of young viewers and offer perspectives on stories and topics they themselves are likely grappling with.”
He’s starting an internship with Braňo Holiček and looks forward to seeing development and production up close. “I want to understand the entire process—how decisions are made, how the team is formed, how communication works across all parts of the broadcaster. I’m interested in everything, from the first idea to the finished show.”
In the future, he’d like to stay in television, ideally somewhere unafraid to explore new paths. “I imagine a Friday-night family series—accessible to a broad audience, yet smart, formally inventive, and socially relevant.”
For now, though, he doesn’t want to rush. “I’m treating this year as a time for experimentation. I want to figure out what I’m good at, what I enjoy—and where I can be useful.”