Filming has begun on the new six-part psychological thriller The Ridge for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals.
Shot on location between New Zealand and Scotland, The Ridge stars BAFTA Scotland award-winning Scots actress Lauren Lyle (Karen Pirie, Outlander) in the lead role of Mia, who is fleeing addiction and leaving behind a professional life in tatters in Scotland. She accepts a wedding invitation from her estranged sister in New Zealand – only to find the would-be-bride dead upon arrival.
Caught up in grief and pulled by a dark attraction to her late-sister’s fiancé Ewan played by New Zealand star Jay Ryan (Territory, Top of the Lake, It Chapter 2), Mia soon finds that familiarity among a small community breeds secrets and tensions, endangering the brittle fabric of the town itself.
Speaking on location at the start of the shoot, Lauren Lyle said: "I'm very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life. Mia is such a fascinating character in a very weird world which is quite delicious to play. It feels like something very bad is going to play out.. in a good way!! New Zealand is also a second home to me so it's a joy to be back."
Jay Ryan added: "I couldn’t refuse a trip back home for this production that brilliantly weaves our cultures and folklore together in a tense and riveting series. This really is an ambitious work with characters that will leave you guessing at every turn."
Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland said: “We’re delighted that The Ridge has started filming. This is a hugely exciting commission for BBC Scotland and is an example of our ambition to look beyond borders to bring high end quality drama to audiences not just in Scotland but across the world. The Ridge has a first class international team bringing it to life which we are proud to be a part of.”
Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals said: “Sky NZ Originals is extremely proud to team up with BBC Scotland on this co-commission. With Great Southern Studios at the helm, and Lauren and Jay leading the cast, The Ridge is sure to be an unmissable, world-class drama.”
Created by acclaimed novelist Nora Chassler and BAFTA Scotland-winning producer David Murdoch and co-written with Alan Campbell and award-winning New Zealand writers Kate McDermott and Jess Sayer.
Directed by BAFTA-winning Scottish director Douglas Mackinnon (Good Omens, Line of Duty, Doctor Who) and Emmy-nominated New Zealand director Robyn Grace (Sweet Tooth, Power Rangers, Spartacus). The series’ executive producers include Boat Rocker’s Ivan Schneeberg (Beacon 23) & David Fortier (Slip), Jon Rutherford (Bet), and Erik Pack (Video Nasty). The Ridge was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland and Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals.
The Ridge is produced by New Zealand’s leading drama makers Great Southern Studios and Glasgow-based Sinner Films for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals. Boat Rocker will manage global sales.
It is being made with the support of New Zealand On Air, the NZ Screen Production Rebate and Screen Scotland.
The Ridge will be available to audiences on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open and NEON later this year.
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Image credits: Image courtesy of the BBC