Channel 5, Network 10 and Fremantle Australia have announced their second drama collaboration in 2022.
Heat (4 x 60’), is billed as a “premium action thriller” to be filmed in Australia and starring Danny Dyer, along with a “prestigious ensemble of Australian and international actors.” Fremantle will distribute the series internationally.
Cameras roll on Heat this month starring Danny Dyer. He will be joined by Scottish-born actor and presenter, Darren McMullen (Doctor Doctor, Christmas on the Farm), Jane Allsop (House Husbands, Mrs Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries), Pia Miranda (Wentworth, Mustangs FC), Olympia Valance (Informer 3838, Playing for Keeps), Richie Morris (Neighbours), and newcomers Matia Marks, Matteo Annetta and Hunter Hayden.
“Heat unfolds to the backdrop of the looming Australian bushfire season when two families who are long-time friends, venture to a secluded home for a summer vacation. As secrets and lies unravel it becomes a tinderbox – and not everyone will make it out alive.”
Danny Dyer said: “Can’t wait to get amongst this beautiful piece of work in Australia. I’ve always been intrigued about working there. It’s my first gig since my long stint at EastEnders. Really powerful dark script and a strong Australian cast and crew. Let’s have it!!!”
The four-part series was ordered by Channel 5’s Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor of Factual Entertainment and Unscripted for Channel 5 and Paramount+, who also commissioned 2021’s Lie With Me, one of Channel 5’s highest rated dramas. Heat is created by Fremantle Australia’s Jason Herbison, whose credits also include Lie With Me.
More recently, Greg Barnett commissioned the series Riptide, created by Jason Herbison which will star Jo Joyner in the lead role, another joint venture for Channel 5 and Network 10 that will air in the coming months. Kate Kendall (Neighbours, Playing for Keeps), an Australia Directors’ Guild Award winner, will be directing and Natalie Mandel (Lie With Me, Wanted) is on board as producer. As well as Jason, writers include Anthony Ellis and Margaret Wilson, and casting by Thea McLeod.
Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment, Unscripted, Channel 5 & P+: “I’m delighted Danny is joining Channel 5 for his first major drama project post-EastEnders. Heat is a suspenseful and nail-biting thriller and I can’t wait to see him bring his great talent and energy to it”.
Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content & Programming, Paramount Australia & New Zealand, said: “We are thrilled to team up with Channel 5 and Fremantle once again, for another superb drama series. The accomplished cast is fantastic and they will do a sensational job of bringing this gripping story to life on screen. We can’t wait to get started.”
Jason Herbison, Creator and Executive Producer, Fremantle Australia added: “I’m excited to partner with 5 and 10 once again for this tense family thriller and ecstatic to have such an accomplished cast on board to bring it to life, along with Kate Kendall directing and Natalie Mandel driving the production.”
Heat will be filmed exclusively in Victoria, Australia and has received financial investment from VicScreen.
Heat is expected to screen on Channel 5 and Network 10 in 2023.
Jon Creamer
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