The Pendragon Cycle: Behind-the-Scenes of a Challenging Bull Leaping Sequence

Executing a Complex Bull Leaping Scene

• 🎬 This production diary covers week nine of filming "The Pendragon Cycle" at Chinichita Studios near Rome, Italy, focusing on the bull leaping sequence.
• ⚠️ The sequence is described as the biggest and hardest in the film, requiring every available resource and presenting significant technical challenges.
• 🐂 Filming involved two main approaches: "tricks" with Spanish bull leapers jumping over live bulls, and "stunts" using wire rigs for performers to jump and ride bulls.

Special Effects and Stunt Work

• 🛠️ A dedicated splinter unit worked with multiple cameras to capture all necessary shots for the complex sequence.
• 💥 The stunt team performed multiple takes of performers being thrown and bucked off bulls, using buried mats for harder impacts.
• 🐂 A life-sized rubber bull head with horns was used to simulate bulls hitting stunt performers, driven at high speeds.
• 🎬 Even small insert shots, like those involving the bull head, required significant time and resources, similar to longer shots.
• 🐂 A one-to-one animal prop bull was created and used in the arena for realistic hits.

The "Lamborghini" Animatronic

• 🤖 A specialized prop called the "Lamborghini" was developed: an RV with a cable-controlled animatronic bull attached.
• ⚙️ This prop featured leg, head, and mouth motion, along with a gallop, operated by a team of five people.
• 🎥 The animatronic allowed for realistic shots with talent without the need for an actual bull on set.

Character Relationships and On-Set Bonding

• 🤝 A key scene filmed this week involved Miran and Pelus, highlighting their meaningful relationship and close bond.
• 💖 Pelus is described as Merlin's loyal steward and closest ally, having given up his life to serve Merlin, demonstrating deep loyalty, protection, and trust.
• 🎭 The cast's off-camera bonding is noted, with actors becoming like family, mirroring the on-screen relationships.

Production Challenges and Wrap-up

• 🌧️ The production faced challenges including changing seasons, rain, and working with wild animals, requiring the sequence to be shot out of order.
• 🗣️ The team also had to manage dialogue in Atlantan, an entirely different language.
• ✅ Despite difficulties, spirits remained high, and the team successfully completed the Italian portion of the production, preparing to move to Budapest for week 10.