Filming Wraps on Third Series of BARIAU at Aria Film Studios

Production has officially wrapped on the third series of BARIAU, S4C’s acclaimed prison drama, with the majority of filming taking place at Aria Film Studios in Llangefni.

Since its debut, BARIAU has earned praise for its unflinching portrayal of prison life in modern Wales. Inspired by the lived experiences of former prisoners and prison officers, the series follows the turbulent journey of Barry Hardy as he navigates the harsh realities of life behind bars. The new series promises to take the story even further, with high-stakes decisions and potentially deadly consequences awaiting its central characters.

For the latest production, a purpose-built prison wing was constructed inside Aria Film Studios, featuring two storeys and 24 fully realised prison cells. The set has become a defining element of the series, helping to create the claustrophobic and authentic environment that sits at the heart of the drama.

The scale of the build highlights the versatility of Aria Film Studios and its ability to support ambitious television productions through bespoke set construction and flexible studio space. As demand continues to grow for high-quality production facilities in North Wales, projects such as BARIAU demonstrate the region’s capacity to host major drama productions from development through to delivery.

A number of familiar faces return for the third series, including Gwion Tegid, Iwan Garmon, Rolant Prys and Alicia Forde, while Lisa Victoria and Osian Morgan join the cast as new additions to the world of BARIAU.

The series was written by Ciron Gruffydd, produced by Alaw Llewelyn Roberts and directed by Griff Rowland. Executive producers for Rondo Media were Bedwyr Rees and Ynyr Williams, and it was distributed internationally by APC.

Everyone at Aria Film Studios is proud to have played a part in bringing the latest chapter of BARIAU to the screen, and we look forward to seeing the new series premiere on S4C in 2027.