Film / bottle yard studios
First Bristol-made show to restart filming during pandemic hits TV screens
The first show that restarted filming at the Bottle Yard Studios during the coronavirus pandemic has now hit TV screens.
Andy’s Aquatic Adventures, a children’s TV show where Andy explores oceans all over the world, began shooting its 15 episodes in February 2020 but production was halted weeks later due to the first national lockdown.
Filming then was able to resume in July 2020 following Covid-safe protocol, making it the first title to begin filming again at the Hengrove-based studios.
“Almost a year ago to the day we were back at the Bottle Yard starting our second block of filming; little did we know what lay ahead,” series producer Mark Jones said.
“I’m proud to say that with the help of footage from the magnificent Blue Planet II archive, engaging scripts and editing, superb cinematography and out-of-this-world VFX, we’ve undoubtedly created some of Andy’s best adventures ever – even with the odds stacked against us.”
Mark stepped in as director, assistant director and script supervisor on set, while adhering to strict social distancing rules and using PPE. The team also made their own “green screen pool” at the Bottle Yards’s studio two, to simulate presenter Andy Day moving on the surface of the water.
Andy Day filming with the “green screen pool” at The Bottle Yard Studios. Photo: BBC
“It’s a significant moment to witness the launch of the new series of Andy’s Aquatic Adventures,” says Laura Aviles, senior Bristol film manager at Bottle Yard Studios.
“The Bottle Yard team put so much work into getting the right safety protocols in place for the Studios to be granted ‘Covid-secure’ status that made it possible for productions to restart.
“Mark and his team were faultlessly professional and resourceful throughout and when their cameras were the first in the Studios to start rolling again, it was a really positive, landmark moment.”
Andy’s Aquatic Adventures is available on CBeebies at 4:30pm every weekday and on BBC iPlayer.
Main photo: BBC
Read more: Planned £11.8m expansion of Bottle Yard Studios on track
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