02/07/09 

Production commences this weekend on SPIES AND LIES, a new telemovie produced by South Pacific Pictures for TVNZ which features Antony Starr (Outrageous Fortune) in the lead role alongside acclaimed UK actor John Sessions and a stellar local ensemble cast.

Set in 1942 wartime New Zealand, SPIES AND LIES is a ripping yarn based on a humorous true story of conspiracy, incompetence, and an extraordinary hoax that challenged the highest levels of New Zealand government. 

SPIES AND LIES was adapted for the screen by playwright Dave Armstrong and is based on the book The Plot to Subvert Wartime New Zealand by Hugh Price.

Starr, who has won multiple Best Actor awards for his portrayal of twins Van and Jethro West on Outrageous Fortune, plays confidence trickster Syd Ross. Upon his release from prison, Ross makes a phone call and lands himself a meeting with Prime Minister Peter Fraser to whom he tells a tale of sabotage and assassination, of a Nazi plot to take over New Zealand.

Sessions, whose extensive credits include Gormenghast, The Good Shepherd, Whose Line is It Anyway? and The Merchant of Venice, stars as Major Folkes, the British head of New Zealand’s Security Intelligence Bureau who seizes on Ross’ story and gives him a new identity, a car, money and luxury accommodation. Ross is to gather evidence on the ‘Nazi plot’. As he does so, Folkes puts together a secret dossier, embroidering Ross’ lies and building a picture of a country in extreme danger.

SPIES AND LIES is being helmed by award-winning director and producer Simon Bennett (Outrageous Fortune, Maddigan’s Quest, Diplomatic Immunity, Shortland Street) and will be filmed over four weeks in Auckland with location scenes in Rotorua.

“Syd Ross’ story is a fascinating true New Zealand adventure and I feel privileged to be able to bring it to life,” says SPIES AND LIES Producer/Director Simon Bennett.

“TVNZ is delighted to continue our support for New Zealand drama. We have been extremely pleased with the success of our local Sunday Theatres. We believe that Spies and Lies will be another hit. The team at South Pacific Pictures has chosen a fantastic cast and written a strong script. We look forward to working closely with them on this project,” says Andrew Shaw, General Manager of Commissioning, Production and Acquisitions.

The ensemble cast includes: Ian Mune (I’m Not Harry Jenson, Mercy Peak, Once Were Warriors, Fallout), Kelson Henderson (Avatar, Power Rangers, Sione’s Wedding), Ingrid Park (Go Girls, Burying Brian), Steven Lovatt (Go Girls, Neighbours), Antonia Prebble (Outrageous Fortune, Power Rangers), Cameron Rhodes (I’m Not Harry Jensen, Power Rangers), Roz Turnbull (Outrageous Fortune, Mercy Peak) and John Leigh (Diplomatic Immunity, Outrageous Fortune,  We’re Here to Help).

SPIES AND LIES is a 90 minute telefeature and is being shot on HD.  The programme will air in New Zealand on TV ONE in 2010. Sales are being handled by All3Media International.