The Gone in the Works for RTÉ, TVNZ

Kingfisher Films and Blinder Films, in association with Southern Light Films, are working on the six-part mystery series The Gone for RTÉ and TVNZ.

Ireland’s Richard Flood and New Zealand’s Acushla-Tara Kupe will lead the cast. Flood (Grey’s Anatomy, Crossing Lines, Killing Kennedy) stars as Theo Richter, an Irish detective who teams with Kiwi cop Diana Huia, played by Kupe (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Unu, Ngāti Kahu-pungapunga), to find a young Irish couple who have vanished from an infamous rural North Island New Zealand town.

The six-part New Zealand/Ireland co-production commenced principal photography on location in Auckland and Te Aroha, New Zealand this week with further shooting in Dublin, Ireland in late 2022.

It is being made with support from Te Puna Kairangi, the New Zealand Government’s Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund and New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant, Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann, RTÉ, TVNZ, NZ On Air and the BAI Sound & Vision Fund.

Global distribution is being handled by Red Arrow Studios International.

Executive Producer Karl Zohrab said: “What an adventure it’s been so far, working across Aotearoa New Zealand and Ireland with our colleagues at Blinder Films on the development of this gripping mystery. We can’t wait to see these scripts brought to life by series directors Peter and Hannah, along with our terrific cast and crew.”

Executive Producer Yvonne Donohoe added: “The process of bringing The Gone to screen has been a true international cultural collaboration and a journey of learning, challenging, sharing stories and ideas and merging brilliant writing, directing, acting and creative talent from Ireland and New Zealand, two countries full of beauty, complexity and with many similarities. We’re so thankful for the immense support from all our partners, and we can’t wait for audiences to spend time with our characters, fall into the mysterious web of our story and be immersed in the two contrasting worlds of the series.”

Producer Reikura Kahi said: “The Gone series transports us to a picturesque small town with characters and storylines that reflect how culturally unique Aotearoa is. Te reo Māori is weaved organically through the series, reflective of a nation that is on a journey toward embracing the Māori language.”

Dermot Horan, director of acquisitions and co-productions at RTÉ, said: “RTÉ is really excited to be working once again with Blinder, together with Kingfisher and Southern Light, on The Gone. It promises to be a cracking drama and one which will hopefully have viewers glued to their seats both in Ireland and New Zealand. We are particularly happy to be working with our fellow national broadcaster, TVNZ and with Red Arrow, which will be distributing this high-end drama to international broadcasters and platforms.”

Cate Slater, TVNZ’s director of content, added: “We’re delighted to be continuing our commitment to co-productions to bring the very best premium content to TVNZ. The Gone is a thrilling concept that is sure to resonate with our viewers across TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.”