Exploring the Filming Locations of 'Vigil': From the Arctic to the Persian Gulf

The gripping BBC drama 'Vigil' has captivated audiences since its debut, averaging nine million viewers in its first series. As the series gears up for its third installment, fans are eager to learn about the stunning locations that bring its story to life.

In series three, the action shifts to the Arctic, where Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva, portrayed by Suranne Jones, and DI Kirsten Longacre are tasked with solving a murder linked to a covert British mission. The filming took place between Svalbard and Scotland, with Svalbard's breathtaking landscapes providing a dramatic backdrop. Jones expressed her awe at the remote filming locations, saying, "Svalbard was amazing… we felt like we were just on top of the world." The cast embraced the cold, often layering up to battle the chilly temperatures while enjoying local delicacies like moose stew and visiting a husky café.

Naomi Yang, who plays Shen Jia, recalled a memorable day spent hiking on a glacier, where the crew had to carry a rifle for safety against polar bears. The unique experiences in Svalbard added depth to the characters and their stories. "The glaciers are very blue, and we just couldn’t believe we were in this stunning place," Yang said.

Vigil's second series transported viewers to the fictional Al-Shawka Air Base in the Kingdom of Wudyan, filmed in Morocco. This shift in scenery brought a different aesthetic, as Romola Garai, who plays Acting Squadron Leader Eliza Russell, noted, "We’ve got these vast desert landscapes… a totally different experience for the viewer." The contrast between the vast openness of the desert and the claustrophobic confines of a submarine highlighted the series' evolution.

The first series introduced audiences to the drama aboard the Trident nuclear submarine HMS Vigil, where a crew member's death raises suspicions of foul play. To create the submarine's interior, a full-size replica was constructed in the BBC Dumbarton Studios. Jones described the set as astonishing, emphasizing the intricate details crafted without access to actual submarine blueprints. The production team relied on firsthand accounts from experts to design the replica, which took up an entire sound stage.

As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Vigil, the stunning filming locations—from the icy Arctic to the sun-soaked deserts—promise to continue captivating viewers with their breathtaking visuals and thrilling storytelling.

Source: www.cntraveller.com