Ashes and Diamonds
Having the screenplay accepted, Wajda prepared for the development of "Ashes and Diamonds" within the "KADR" Film Unit. At first, the director intended to shoot the film in Łódź. However, he finally chose an atelier in Wrocław, the decision made due to possible savings and to prevent the policymakers from intervening too much in the film development. On 3 February 1958, the acting Chief of Cinematography Jerzy Lewiński decided to start the production of "Ashes and Diamonds", without consulting the authorities. The contract for the commission guaranteed Wajda a salary of 69,000 Polish zloty, whereas Andrzejewski received 31,500 Polish zloty. The overall budget of "Ashes and Diamonds" is estimated at 6,070,000 Polish zloty.