BBC ends 'docudrama' shooting on Gozo

Filming on Gozo of a BBC docudrama about Greek myths, Gods and Goddesses, was completed last week.

Locations included Mgarr ix-Xini and Fungus Rock, as well as Comino.

Gods and Goddesses was shot in Morocco over one month, and ended with a seven-day shoot in Malta, involving some 50 extras and dancers. The crew consisted of around seven British and 25 Maltese nationals.

Presented by TV star Jonathan Edwards, the series is being aired in June on BBC1.

Maltese assistant director Simon Sansone said it was based on an analysis of two Greek myths: Jason and the Argonauts and The Odyssey, shot more like a dramatic film, than a documentary.

The docudrama was also shot at the water tanks, where a fierce storm was created. The Mediterranean Film Studios (MFS) also provided a Greek boat for filming in the open seas.

With most of the filming occurring at sea, the schedule was totally weather-dependent. But with intelligent planning and a stroke of good luck, filming was completed ahead of schedule, Mr Sansone said.

The series is directed by Jean-Claude Bragard, with Chris Openshaw as director of photography.

The Producer's Creative Partnership (PCP), on behalf of the BBC team, thanked the Maritime Authority, the local councils and the Armed Forces of Malta for their cooperation. Filming was also conducted from a helicopter, provided by the AFM.