The Pendragon Cycle: Production Diary - Filming in Northern Italy

Relocating to Northern Italy

• 🌍 The production moved from Hungary to the Trento region of northern Italy for week 5.
• 🏞️ This new location offers breathtaking big vistas and large landscapes, resembling Scotland and North Wales, which were unavailable in Hungary.
• 🏔️ Filming took place in Valdumo, near one of the world's oldest glaciers, providing unique scenery for exterior shots.

Production Challenges and Rewards

• ⚙️ The crew utilized techno cranes and rain towers in challenging mountain terrain.
• 💪 Transporting heavy gear was difficult, with a techno crane requiring 15 men to carry it.
• 🥶 Actors endured sub-freezing water, originating from a glacier, leading to significant drops in body temperature.
• ✨ Despite the difficulties, the crew believes the stunning visuals will add tremendous value to the project.

Filming Unique Scenes

• 🌿 Scenes were shot in unbelievable moss-grown caves.
• 🐺 The production featured hawks and four wolves on set, adding unique elements to the filming.
• 🍝 Local Italian producers, Novak and Travis, assisted with logistics and problem-solving.

The Saxon Antagonist: Hingist

• ⚔️ Filming occurred in a Saxon war camp for scenes in episodes 4 and 5.
• 👑 The character Hingist, described as a warlord and the physical antagonist of the show, was featured.
• 🩸 The production aimed to capture the savagery of the Saxon army, including scenes of warriors fighting to the death.

Stunt Work and Action Sequences

• 💥 A battle sequence was practiced, involving Caris fighting seven Irish raiders.
• 🤸 Stunt performers worked on a specific movement called rigging for the scene.
• 🎬 The stunt team's expertise was highlighted, with expectations that the action sequences will look amazing.

Conclusion of Week 5

• ✅ Week 5 in Trento was described as an amazing experience, despite being hot, cold, tired, and wet.
• ✈️ The team is now heading to Fosanova in southern Italy for week 6, with the location details to be revealed later.