Channel 5, Network 10 and Fremantle Australia recently joined forces to develop their second drama collaboration this year, "Heat." The four-part premium action thriller is scheduled to be in filmed in Australia. The film is expected to screen on Channel 5 and Network 10 in 2023. “We are thrilled to team up with Channel 5 and Fremantle once again, for another superb drama series," Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content & Programming, Paramount Australia & New Zealand, said. "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.”
"Heat" was ordered by Channel 5’s Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor of Factual Entertainment and Unscripted for Channel 5 and Paramount+, who also commissioned 2021’s Lie With Me, one of Channel 5’s highest rated dramas. More recently, Greg Barnett commissioned the series Riptide, created by Jason Herbison and will star Jo Joyner in the lead role, another joint venture for Channel 5 and Network 10 that will air in the coming months.
Kate Kendall, an Australia Directors’ Guild Award winner, will be directing and Natalie Mandel is on board as producer. The title is created by Fremantle Australia’s Jason Herbison, whose credits also include "Lie With Me." The writers who contributed include Anthony Ellis and Margaret Wilson, while casting was handled by Thea McLeod. “I’m delighted Danny is joining Channel 5 for his first major drama project post-EastEnders," Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment, Unscripted, Channel 5 & P+ said. '"Heat' is a suspenseful and nail-biting thriller and I can’t wait to see him bring his great talent and energy to it."
"Heat" will be filmed exclusively in Victoria, Australia and has received financial investment from VicScreen. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally. “I’m excited to partner with 5 and 10 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," Jason Herbison, Creator and Executive Producer, Fremantle Australia said.
The title follows two Australian families, long-time friends as they 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. The four-part series stars acclaimed UK actor Danny Dyer, along with a prestigious ensemble of Australian and international actors.“Can’t wait to get amongst this beautiful piece of work in Australia," Dyer said. "I’ve always been intrigued about working there. It’s my first gig since my long stint at EastEnders. Really powerful dark script and a strong Australian cast and crew. Let’s have it!!!”