Filming has just begun on a new 6-part psychological thriller, which will take place in Scotland and New Zealand.
The Ridge is a coproduction between BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals and stars 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.
“I’m very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life,” said Lyle.
“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.”
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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.”
The drama has been 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.
“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,” added Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland.
“The Ridge has a first class international team bringing it to life which we are proud to be a part of.”
It’s 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 Ridge is produced by New Zealand’s 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.
