Bangor Mail

HIDDEN GEMS

New crime drama showcases area

- Sian Reese-Williams and Sion Alun Davies star in Craith/Hidden, which is set in North Wales Gareth Wyn Williams

ITS HOPED that a new crime series currently being shot in north west Wales, could provide a worldwide showcase for the region.

Filming is well under way on bi-lingual crime series Craith/Hidden, which will initially be shown next year on both S4C and BBC Wales.

The series’ producer, Hannah Thomas, has also worked on Y Gwyll/Hinterland, which has been a worldwide hit, being sold to more than 30 countries around the world.

The popular drama, which has run for three seasons, has also brought an economic boost of more than £4 million to Ceredigion and mid-Wales, where it was largely shot.

But it’s hoped that this latest production, which is also being produced by Severn Screen and shares the same creators, could bring similar benefits to north Wales.

This week, crews were shooting on a littleknow­n island in the middle of the Menai Strait which, for parts of the day, is completely cut off from Anglesey.

Ynys Castell is usually closed off to the public, but producers received special dispensati­on, with the secluded island playing a piv- otal part in the storyline.

Other locations used over recent months include Blaenau Ffestiniog, Nant Ffrancon, Rhyd Ddu, Caernarfon and Bangor.

Hannah said: “We’re currently filming at Ynys Castell in the middle of the stunningly beautiful Menai Strait, and I can’t really think of any other programmes filmed in such a unique location.

“It’s just a spectacula­r place. It has its challenges of course, especially as the tide comes in and we get cut off.

“There is a causeway but everything has to be scheduled with precision as if we get cut off, we’re here for four hours!

“But the challenges are worth it. We feel so lucky being here.”

With the backing of S4C, BBC Wales and All3Media Internatio­nal, the eight-part crime serial will premiere in Welsh during early 2018 as Craith, with the bi-lingual version, Hidden, to follow on BBC Wales.

Filmed back-to- back in Welsh and English, the series tells the story of detective DS Cadi John who returns to North Wales to care for her ailing father.

However, when the body of a young woman is found in a local river, Cadi’s world - and the world around her - is changed forever.

The project brings together series creators Mark Andrew and Ed Talfan and director, Gareth Bryn, all of whom worked on Y Gwyll/ Hinterland.

Writers include series co-creator Mark Andrew, award-winning Welsh novelist Caryl Lewis and BAFTA Cymru-winning writer Jeff Murphy.

Cast members on the series include Sian Reese-William (35 Diwrnod, Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Requiem), Rhodri Meilir (Byw Celwydd, Pride), Gwyneth Keyworth (Game of Thrones, Wasted) and Sion Alun Davies (Endeavour, Y Gwyll/Hinterland).

Creative Director, Ed Talfan, added, “We are thrilled to be filming in north Wales. I know from the experience of shooting Y Gwyll/Hinterland in mid-Wales how important the landscape can be in helping to define a series.

“I fully expect the breathtaki­ng landscape in and around Snowdonia to stamp itself on this series in the same way.”

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 ??  ?? Ynys Castell, in Menai Strait; and, below, the island is only accessible at low tide
Ynys Castell, in Menai Strait; and, below, the island is only accessible at low tide
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