Production Begins on New Bell Media Drama Series

TORONTO: Production has commenced on Highland Gardens, a new original drama series from Bell Media.

The 6×1-hour scripted series has begun shooting in Toronto and will continue in Hollywood in the fall. Highland Gardens is about six young people searching for fame in Hollywood starring Joe Dinicol (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), Chelan Simmons (Supernatural), Jewel Staite (Flash Forward), Cassie Steele (Degrassi) and Benjamin Watson (Todd and the Book of Pure Evil). It is produced by Epitome Pictures and executive produced, written and directed by Martin Gero.

“It’s so exciting to be starting production on a brand new series with our friends at Bell Media,” said Linda Schuyler, the executive producer and CEO of Epitome Pictures. “I’ve always enjoyed telling stories about the adolescent experience. Now, I am looking forward to exploring a more adult point of view.”

“After an exhaustive six-month, three-country search with thousands of auditions, I’m very proud of the ensemble cast we’ve put together,” Gero said. “I feel incredibly lucky that Bell Media has given us an opportunity to make a character-based series and we hope to shed some light on a side of the entertainment industry that is rarely seen.”

“Bell Media is thrilled to partner with Epitome Pictures once again on another exciting series,” said Corrie Coe, the senior VP of independent production at Bell Media. “Highland Gardens has strong characters and storylines that will allow audiences to follow the hopes and dreams of young Canadians trying to make it big in L.A.”