Filming commences on psychological thriller The Ridge

Filming has begun on psychological thriller The Ridge for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals.

Shot on location between New Zealand and Scotland, the series features Scots actress Lauren Lyle as Mia, a woman trying to escape her addiction and a troubled professional life back in Scotland. She heads to New Zealand for her estranged sister’s wedding, only to arrive and discover that the bride-to-be is dead.

As Mia grapples with her grief, she finds herself drawn to her late sister’s fiancé, Ewan, played by New Zealand actor Jay Ryan. Mia soon finds that familiarity among a small community breeds secrets and tensions, endangering the brittle fabric of the town itself.

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.”

Created by Nora Chassler and David Murdoch, and co-written by Alan Campbell, Kate McDermott, and Jess Sayer, the six-part series will be produced by Great Southern Studios from New Zealand in partnership with Glasgow’s Sinner Films for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals.

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.”

The Ridge will be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open, and NEON later this year.