Bath’s stunning architecture and breath-taking landscape will star in an international television drama being filmed in the city next week.
Cameras will be rolling in Bath for ten days from 24th February on the first episode of a 22-part international TV series ‘Herbert’s Dream’ being made for the Middle East by Cairo-based company, El Gabry Studio. In the leading role of Herbert is Dr Yehia El Fakharany, one of the Arab world’s leading actors.
The Bath Film Office has been working with the UK facilitators for the last few months, to set up the filming which takes place in a variety of locations, including several central city streets, where they will be re-enacting a World War II scene.
Jenni Wagstaffe, the Council’s Film Commissioner, said: “The filming arrangements have involved some quite complicated special effects, but with strong support from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Highways and Parking Services teams, along with the Police and Fire Service, we are confident that everything should run smoothly on the day. In keeping with our Code of Film Practice, the production team has been diligent in keeping local residents and businesses in the areas concerned, informed of the filming.”
Councillor Cherry Beath said: “Filming brings substantial economic benefits and can boost the city’s tourism potential, especially with such a large audience being anticipated. That’s why we’re always very pleased to host drama in Bath.”
The production, due to be released across the Pan-Arab area, will be seen on television by an audience of over 300 million people.
Phil Rowlands, Creative Director of Funky Medics, the UK facilitating company, commented: “Although El Gabry Studios, have produced several classic co-productions such as ‘Kartoum’, ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, this is the first time that they have filmed in the UK.
“The producers fell in love Bath when they came on a recce in October and felt that the glorious architecture and situation of the city would contrast well with the simple rural villages of the Sudan and Upper Egypt.“
