City Homicide: articles


Mod squad: Daniel MacPherson, Nadine Garner, Shane Bourne, Damien Richardson, Noni Hazlehurst and Aaron Pedersen will star in City Homicide. Picture: David Caird

City Homicide a killer

THE drought has broken for the local television industry.

For the first time since Blue Heelers was axed last year, an Australian drama is being filmed in Melbourne.

Channel 7's new cop show City Homicide begins filming in South Melbourne on Monday, injecting a spark of optimism into the country's acting fraternity.

For many, the show's title will rekindle memories of the much-loved 1960s Australian television favourite, Homicide.

But the show's co-writer John Hugginson, who has also worked on Water Rats and Blue Heelers, is quick to point out that the only thing the two shows have in common is that they both revolve around a homicide squad.

"It's an intense crime drama that's very much character-driven, as opposed to other crime shows such as CSI," Hugginson said.

"We've developed very strong storylines, the type that haven't been seen before. Combined with a dynamic cast, it's a show that will get people talking."

Daniel MacPherson, Aaron Pedersen, Nadine Garner and Damien Richardson will star as rookie detectives trying to make a name for themselves.

Also starring are Noni Hazlehurst and Shane Bourne, who will juggle the shooting schedule with his hosting role on Thank God You're Here.

He said he was excited to be involved with both a drama and a comedy show at the same time.

"When I'm doing one, I always miss working on the other," he said.

"And this is a project I'm very excited about. It's a classic crime show with an Australian bent," he said.

Hazlehurst, who has concentrated on acting since she left Better Homes and Gardens in 2004, agreed City Homicide would fill a void.

"I've done enough TV to know a good script when I see one," Hazlehurst said.

While the bulk of City Homicide will be shot at Channel 7's South Melbourne studios, the show will also feature Melbourne landmarks, such as trams and Flinders St station.

"People will definitely know we're filming in Melbourne," Hugginson said.

Channel 7 has so far commissioned 14 one-hour episodes.

Filming is expected to finish in mid-September, and the show will air in either the second half of this year or at the start of next year's ratings period.

By Zoe Skewes
April 13, 2007
Herald-Sun