The Pendragon Cycle Production Diary: Filming in a Hungarian Forest

Week Four Filming in Hungary

• 🌳 The production of "The Pendragon Cycle" moved to a Hungarian forest for week four, utilizing its natural beauty for various scenes.
• 🎯 The primary filming location was a standing stone set within this ancient forest, serving as the backdrop for significant plot points.

Key Scenes and Stunts

• 🐎 A notable scene involved Merlin stopping to water his horse, only to be intercepted by a beautiful woman on horseback, a sequence designed for dynamic action.
• ⚔️ The production also staged the dramatic meeting of Merlin and Ganieda within this mystical forest setting.
• ⛰️ Stunts included a challenging sequence where a rider leaps over a stream, with the actress performing much of the action herself, highlighting the practical effects and skill involved.

The Significance of Standing Stones

• 🗿 The standing stone set evoked imagery similar to Stonehenge, prompting discussion on the historical use of such sites by various cultures, including pagans and Druids.
• 💡 The narrative explores how ancient sites were repurposed and utilized by different groups throughout history.

Exploring Ancient Beliefs and Narratives

• ✝️ The series begins to transition from pagan themes to ideas that would eventually influence Christianity, though the characters are unaware of this at the outset.
• 🎭 The dialogue highlights the characters' search for truth and the contrast between seeking external validation and internal understanding.

Production Challenges and Successes

• 🌲 The forest environment presented challenges, including uneven terrain with many rocks, but the crew managed without major injuries.
• ✨ The visual aesthetic aimed for a fantasy forest look, with hazy light streaming through the trees, enhancing the magical atmosphere of Kellon forest, where Merlin spends 50 years.
• 🎬 The team successfully created a water effect for a stream scene, demonstrating their ability to manipulate natural elements to achieve the desired cinematic look.

Transition to New Locations

• ✈️ Following the completion of week four in Hungary, the production team prepared to move to Italy to film scenes for episode one, focusing on the discovery of baby Talas.
• 🗺️ The Hawk unit would remain in the Hungarian forest for week five, indicating the extensive use of the location.