Behind the Scenes of The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Production

Production Kick-off and Vision

• 🚀 The production of "The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin" officially begins, marking the culmination of years of planning and dreaming.
• 💡 The project is deeply personal for the creator, who was impacted by Steven Lawhead's books over 25 years ago and is now bringing them to life.
• 🎬 The team is embarking on 140 unit production days, with 70 days on the calendar, to create the series.

Filming Locations and Set Design

• 📍 Principal filming is taking place near Budapest, Hungary, utilizing a beautiful lake that serves multiple purposes, including representing Cay Lake and Summerlands Lake.
• 🏛️ Historical buildings are being used as inspiration for set designs, with a focus on accuracy, even for smaller, important sets.
• ✨ Intricate details, like a specific shrine, require significant time and effort, with daily work taking 2-3 hours to perfect.

Stunts, Special Effects, and Action

• 🤸‍♀️ The production emphasizes rigorous training and stunts, with a fast-paced environment where safety is a top protocol.
• 🌊 Special effects, defined as anything physical like rain, snow, or wind, are crucial, with water cannons being used for a scene by the dock.
• 🐎 A significant riding stunt sequence is being filmed in the Hungarian mountains with numerous horses and actors against a sunset backdrop.

Wardrobe and Character Portrayal

• 👗 Wardrobe is handmade and designed by a dedicated team, with specific pieces reflecting characters' vulnerability, such as Caris's.
• ⚔️ Costumes include elements like handmade armor and battle scars to characterize the actors and their roles.

Production Pace and Crew Dedication

• 🎯 The team is working at a quick pace, with one day involving around 50 setups, highlighting the crew's hustle and efficiency.
• 🌟 The cast and crew are delivering amazing performances, with a special mention of the director's efforts on the first day of shooting.
• 🎬 The diary promises more behind-the-scenes content, including a major battle sequence in the next installment.