NORTH Wales film-makers bring ancient monsters and Celtic myths to life in a major new TV series. Celtic Monsters uses animation from Oscar-nominated Joanna Quinn's Beryl Productions to illustrate banshees, dragons, serpents, demons and omens of death including the ankou. The series is produced by Caernarfon-based Cwmni Da and Ireland's Midas Productions. Celtic Monsters was filmed on location in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall and features inter-views with experts and storytellers. Cwmni Da producer Dylan Huws, said: "Each of the six programmes has a theme such as dragons, sea monsters, fairies and witches and they cover Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Cornwall. "There is an element of storytelling. Some people have had experience of things and recount their stories. "There are mythical stories as well. A lot is left to the viewers' imagination." The 46-year-old said one North Wales man believed in the idea of a "corpse candle". Mr Huws added: "It's supposed to be when the spirit of a person takes the form of a glowing light and travels around. He is convinced he has seen things." Both Dylan Huws and Neville Hughes produce Celtic Monsters which will be broadcast in Welsh, English and Irish. The Welsh series is presented by poet Twm Morys, son of travel writer Jan Morris. Cwmni Da is also working on a children's version of Celtic Monsters for S4C. S4C director of programmes Iona Jones said: "Joanna is a world-class animator and we're delighted to be collaborating with her." The series will be launched at the MIP TV market in France this week alongside two other documentaries. Ancient Discoveries looks at the classical roots of modern inventions while Revealing Gallipoli marks the 90th anniversary of the battle. Joanna Quinn has received two Oscar nominations for animations commissioned by S4C, for The Wife of Bath and Famous Fred. Beryl Productions also produces a range of commercials for clients including Charmin and Whiskas. Joanna Quinn is also working on a new S4C animation, Dreams and Desires, which sees Beryl, the larger-than-life middle-aged heroine created by Joanna, return to the small screen for a third instalment. * Cwmni Da Ltd is also working with Canadian filmmakers on the story of a Welsh crew aboard the vessel Karluk which sank in the Arctic Circle. davidpowell@dailypost.co.uk | 
