For the first time since almost everything shut down in March, filming is starting to resume on some TV series and movies. As a matter of fact, one of those series just wrapped filming of their second season. Variety reports that Carnival Row has wrapped production on their season in the Czech Republic.
The series, starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, actually began filming in November of 2019 but had not quite finished before everything shut down on March 12th of this year. Cast and crew were tested for COVID-19 before entering the country and immediately upon arrival. Amazon Studios and Legendary Television also tested everyone several times a week while filming. The Czech Republic actually opened to filming on May 7th, but it was not until a deal was reached between studios and unions in Hollywood that U.S. productions were able to resume.
How much of a massive undertaking was this? You remember how vast those sets were for Season 1 of Carnival Row. In a statement to Variety, Season 2 showrunner Erik Oleson said, “The craftsmanship of our Czech crew is second to none, among the best I have ever seen in 30-plus years in the business. The massive sets of ‘Carnival Row’ are built out in such meticulous detail that you wouldn’t know you’re on a back lot. You can walk its streets and alleys and directly into buildings that are functional working sets of their own. What would be prohibitively expensive to construct and film elsewhere is not only possible in the Czech Republic, the locals make it happen for a reasonable price and with a smile.”
No release date has been given, but now that filming has wrapped, hopefully we can expect Season 2 of Carnival Row to hit Amazon Prime Video in 2021.
Photo Credit: Jan Thijs