About Me

The Man Behind the Camera: Michal Škach

Hello. My name is Michal Škach, and I am the genealogist and filmmaker ready to bring your family history to life. I was born 45 years ago and still live in Kladno, a city whose history is deeply intertwined with that of my own family.

A Lifelong Dedication to Roots

My journey into genealogy began over 25 years ago, sparked by my grandfather, who had compiled the basic records of our ancestors. I took his work, validated and corrected every piece of information, and embarked on my own extensive research.

My family, the Škach lineage, originates from the Hořovice region, where they served as subjects on the Hořovice Castle estate in the 18th century. They were laborers, cottagers, and, most notably, blacksmiths. This trade eventually led my family to Kladno in the late 19th century, drawn by the world-famous ironworks. I have successfully traced my own direct family line back to 1580, a testament to the dedication and rigor I bring to your project.

Local Expertise, Global Standard

As a native Czech, I don't just research your family from a distance; I have a profound connection to the land and the archives. I am a member of the Czech Genealogical and Heraldic Society and actively support research communities, serving as a Top Contributor in prominent Facebook groups like Czech Bohemian Ancestry/Genealogy.

While I rely on the deep historical knowledge of my esteemed colleagues, my personal strength lies in advanced information retrieval, archival proficiency, and register searching. My proven ability to master complex information systems (I am a member of Mensa Czech Republic with an IQ of 148) ensures I leave no stone unturned in the archives. I am a true local patriot who loves the Czech Republic and its history.

Cinematic Excellence Meets Modern Technology

My background includes studying business focused on marketing, which I combine with a deep passion for technology and visual media. I am a dedicated proponent of high-end gear: Canon cameras, Sony cameras, and DJI drones, alongside specialized equipment like 360-degree cameras.

I am committed to providing an authentic experience. Beyond the film itself, I can capture 360-degree virtual tours of churches or cemeteries, allowing viewers in America to virtually "walk through" the town and immerse themselves in the landscape your ancestors knew.

My work today is defined by the unique combination of decades of genealogical experience and the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. AI allows me to work with unprecedented efficiency and affordability, making me a unique one-man production team capable of delivering professional quality without the costs of a large agency.

Passion, Family, and Future

My personal life—as a husband and father of two—means family is everything to me. The initial impulse to offer this service came from wanting to create a definitive documentary for my own children. What started as a personal quest to leave a legacy became a professional mission to help others do the same.

In the future, I dream of expanding this mission with a fully equipped mobile production van, allowing me to devote myself to research and filming across the country non-stop. I love traveling, exploring new places, enjoying the silence in church halls, and walking through historic cemeteries, reading the names on the stones that whisper the stories of the past.

I sincerely hope that I will have the opportunity to create this fantastic and enduring cinematic legacy for your family as well.