Cameras have started rolling on an ambitious new psychological thriller that bridges two continents, with filming now underway on “The Ridge” – a six-part drama co-produced by BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals.
BAFTA Scotland award-winner Lauren Lyle (“Karen Pirie,” “Outlander”) leads the cast as Mia, a Scottish professional fleeing addiction and a career in ruins. The plot follows her journey to New Zealand after accepting a wedding invitation from her estranged sister, only to discover the bride-to-be dead upon arrival. Complicating matters further, Mia develops a disturbing attraction to her late sister’s fiancé, Ewan, played by New Zealand actor Jay Ryan (“Territory,” “Top of the Lake,” “It Chapter 2”).
“I’m very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life,” Lyle said from the set. “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!”
The international production will split filming between dramatic locations in Scotland and New Zealand, utilizing both countries’ stunning and often foreboding landscapes to enhance the show’s psychological elements. The series explores how a small community’s familiarity can breed secrets and tensions, threatening to unravel its social fabric.
Ryan, who returns to his native New Zealand for the role, 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.”
Behind the camera, the show brings together an impressive creative team spanning both hemispheres. BAFTA-winning Scottish director Douglas Mackinnon (“Good Omens,” “Line of Duty”) and Emmy-nominated New Zealand director Robyn Grace (“Sweet Tooth”) will direct the series. The writing team includes creator Nora Chassler, a noted novelist, alongside BAFTA Scotland-winning producer David Murdoch, Alan Campbell, and award-winning New Zealand writers Kate McDermott and Jess Sayer.
The production represents a significant international collaboration for BBC Scotland. Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor for BBC Scotland, described “The Ridge” as “a hugely exciting commission” that demonstrates the broadcaster’s “ambition to look beyond borders to bring high-end quality drama to audiences not just in Scotland but across the world.”
Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals, echoed this sentiment: “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.”
The series is being produced by New Zealand’s Great Southern Studios and Glasgow-based Sinner Films, with financial support from New Zealand On Air, the NZ Screen Production Rebate, and Screen Scotland. Boat Rocker, whose executive producers include Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (“Beacon 23”), will handle global distribution.
“The Ridge” is expected to air later this year on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open, and NEON in New Zealand, with international distribution details to follow.
