10 Heats up new drama co-production

Network 10, Channel 5 and Fremantle have formally announced their next drama miniseries from the team behind Neighbours, Lie with Me and Riptide.

Heat is described as a premium, action thriller starring Darren McMullen (Doctor Doctor, Christmas On The Farm, The Real Love Boat), Pia Miranda (Wentworth, Mustangs FC, Australian Survivor), Jane Allsop (House Husbands, Mrs Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, Blue Heelers), Danny Dyer (EastEnders) Olympia Valance (Informer 3838, Playing for Keeps), Richie Morris (Neighbours). Newcomers are Matia Marks, Matteo Annetta and Hunter Hayden.

The four-part series is set during a 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.

Heat was created by Jason Herbison (Neighbours, Lie With Me, Riptide), with director Kate Kendall (Neighbours, Playing for Keeps) and Natalie Mandel (Lie With Me, Wanted) as producer. Writers also include Anthony Ellis and Margaret Wilson, and casting 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 take place in Victoria in November with financial investment from VicScreen.

It is expected to screen on Network 10 and Channel 5 in 2023.