When 2020 began, the main talking point in the offices of S4C soap opera Rownd a Rownd was how they were going to celebrate its 25th year on screen.
But as the year ends, the long running drama has moved into a new purpose-built studio and had to transform its working practices because of Covid-19.
“It’s definitely not what we had envisioned in January,” said executive producer Bedwyr Rees, from Rondo Media production company.
“We stopped filming completely between March and August and because we used to film in homes and private houses in Anglesey, we decided to take a new building in Llangefni where we’ll build the interior sets from now on.”
Bedwyr Rees admits that taking a new building and investing to transform it into a studio is a risk, but a risk that the company is willing to make, especially with Rownd a Rownd being one of its major strands and because of the economic impact of the series and for employment through the medium of Welsh in north west Wales.
“The production of the series makes a significant contribution to the local economy in the area,” explains Bedwyr Rees.
“Almost all the annual budget is spent locally within Gwynedd and Anglesey, and the series offers work to 27 core cast and over 100 industry workers in the area.
"The commission is incredibly important for so many people’s livelihood and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
To cap the year off, and to celebrate the 25th anniversary year will be a special standalone episode of Rownd a Rownd on Boxing Day evening on S4C.
- Rownd a Rownd: ‘Dolig Mr Lloyd (Mr Lloyd’s Christmas) Boxing Day 26 8pm.
