Network 10, Channel 5 and Fremantle have announced their second drama collaboration in 2022, Heat, an action thriller to be filmed in Australia and starring an ensemble of Australian and international actors.
The four-part series unfolds against the backdrop of the looming Australian bushfire season when two families, 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.
Heading the cast is Scottish-Australian actor and presenter, Darren McMullen (Doctor Doctor, Christmas On The Farm), Pia Miranda (Wentworth, Mustangs FC), Jane Allsop (House Husbands, Mrs Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries) and Danny Dyer, best known for his role on UK soap EastEnders, along with Olympia Valance (Informer 3838, Playing for Keeps), Richie Morris (Neighbours) and newcomers Matia Marks, Matteo Annetta, and Hunter Hayden.
Heat was created by Fremantle Australia’s Jason Herbison whose credits include Executive Producer of Neighbours and mini-series Lie With Me. More recently, Herbison helmed Riptide, a joint venture in the limited drama series for Network 10 and Channel 5 that will air in 2023.
Cameras roll on the production in November with Kate Kendall (Neighbours, Playing for Keeps), an Australia Directors’ Guild Award winner, directing, and Natalie Mandel (Lie With Me, Wanted) on board as producer. As well as Herbison, writers include Anthony Ellis and Margaret Wilson, and casting is by Thea McLeod.
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, executive producer, Fremantle Australia, said: “I’m excited to partner with 10 and 5 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. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally.
Heat is expected to screen on Network 10 and Channel 5 in 2023.