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Production starts on Australia's newest drama series

The Nine Network today announced production has commenced on Australia’s newest drama series ­ Canal Road.

Canal Road is a medical and legal advisory centre where the lives of inner-city professionals and their patients entwine in a story of mystery and intrigue. At the heart of the series are the tragic deaths of the wife and son of central character Spencer McKay. Spencer is the centre’s psychiatrist who is confronted by the killer of his loved ones and sets out on a journey of revenge which will implicate friends, workmates and his darkest demons.

NIDA graduate Paul Leyden (Dragnet, LAX, Law & Order: SVU) has returned from the United States to take the lead role of Spencer McKay. Joining him are Diana Glenn (The Oyster Farmer, Somersault), Brooke Satchwell (Tripping Over, Dangerous), Grant Bowler (Outrageous Fortune, Through My Eyes), Sibylla Budd (The Secret Life of Us), Charlie Clausen (McLeod’s Daughters, Blue Heelers), Patrick Brammall (Home and Away, The Alice), Peta Sergeant (Satisfaction, All Saints) and dynamic newcomers Alyssa McClelland (Small Claims) and Sam Anderson.

“The Nine Network’s objective has been to put good quality Australian drama up on the screen,” said Jo Horsburgh, Nine’s Head of Drama.

“We've sought a very diverse production slate to complement our longstanding successful drama series McLeod’s Daughters, starting with Sea Patrol, which is action and adventure on a navy patrol boat, Underbelly, based on the Melbourne gangland murders, and now Canal Road.

“The cast of Canal Road is incredibly talented and, as an ensemble, they are simply a knockout. I'm very proud of what everyone has achieved.”

Canal Road is produced in-house by the Nine Network under the creative leadership of producer Susan Bower, in collaboration with writers Sarah Smith, John Ridley and Dave Warner, and directed by Kevin Carlin. Filming takes place at Channel Nine’s GTV Studios and on location in and around Melbourne. The 13-part series will go to air in 2008.

May 22, 2007
Nine Network