Shaftesbury, Pope Productions, and Citytv announced today that production has begun on new drama series REX (wt). Centred on the partnership between a police detective and his hardworking dog, REX is a procedural drama with a twist. Starring John Reardon (Van Helsing, Continuum), Mayko Nguyen (Killjoys, Fahrenheit 451), and Enrico Colantoni (Bad Blood, Flashpoint), the eight-episode, 60-minute series is based on the long-running, international hit series Rex, a Cop’s Best Friend. Executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, and Paul Pope, the series has begun shooting in St. John’s, Newfoundland and will continue through December 2018.
Set in St. John’s, Newfoundland, REX is an action-packed police procedural dramafocused on the partnership between a dedicated detective and his extraordinary former K9 dog. Rex and Charlie are a detective team that combine their individual skills to solve the most puzzling crimes. This is the first English-language adaptation of the highly successful European format that has aired in 125 countries around the world for 18 seasons.
“Citytv is proud to add Rex to our robust slate of original series,” said Nataline Rodrigues, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media. “Now with dramas in production from coast to coast, we are proud to be truly reflective of our unique viewers across the country with premium Canadian content that we think will connect with audiences at home and abroad.”
Starring John Reardon as Detective Charlie Hudson, Rex’s partner; Mayko Nguyen as chief of forensics Sarah Truong; Enrico Colantoni as Superintendent Joseph De Luca; and Diesel (a Canadian Kennel Club Grand Champion) as Rex.
“We have wanted to make Rex for a number of years and are overjoyed to now be making this with our partners Rogers Media, Pope Productions, and Beta Film, and in beautiful Newfoundland,” said Christina Jennings, Executive Producer, REX / Chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury. “The original series was a ratings hit around the world and we think Canadian and international audiences will delight in the antics of Charlie and Rex.”
“Rex is part of our initiative to enlarge our involvement of English language productions. We are thrilled to partner with Shaftesbury, Pope Productions, and Rogers Media, sharing the same vision for this great contemporary re-imagination and the potential for a new addition to this successful franchise. Rex has a cult following and as long-established brand it delivers a unique and steady prime-time success throughout Europe. We are convinced that we can build on the extensive fan-base and enlarge its footprint internationally, especially in North America,” said Oliver Bachert, Beta Film EVP International Sales and Acquisitions.
