Production is now underway in and around Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada for the new CBC and Netflix family adventure series NORTHERN RESCUE. This week additional cast members and guest stars were revealed. Amalia Williamson, Spencer MacPherson, Taylor Thorne join series leads William Baldwin and Kathleen Robertson, with guest stars Michelle Nolden, Michael Xavier and Peter MacNeil.
The series follows John West (William Baldwin), who uproots his three children from the big city to return to his hometown to take command of the local Search & Rescue service after the death of his wife. As the family comes to terms with their loss, the series explores the effects on their individual lives.
The children’s Aunt Charlotte (Kathleen Robertson), struggles to help John and his children heal as she copes with the loss of her sister and her desire to have a family of her own. Along the way, John faces many situations that challenge him professionally and personally. As the family members work on rebuilding their lives, they will come to meet many colorful characters living in their northern community.
Joining the series are Amalia Williamson (Level 16) as Maddie West, John’s 16-year-old daughter; Spencer MacPherson (DeGrassi: Next Class) as Scout West, John’s 14-year-old son;, and Taylor Thorne (Odd Squad) as Taylor West, John’s 10-year-old daughter.
Also joining the cast are Michelle Nolden (Saving Hope) as Sarah West, John’s wife, Michael Xavier (Bitten) as Paul Simmons, a volunteer member of the SAR team; and Peter MacNeill (Call Me Fitz) as Harry, John’s retired SAR commander.
“NORTHERN RESCUE puts a new spin on the saying, ‘You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family,’ as it examines life, love, laughter, loss, healing, second chances and the meaning of what it truly means to be a family today,” said William Baldwin. “I’m thrilled to be working with Netflix again, the CBC, my old pal Bradley Walsh and the lovely Kathleen Robertson.”
“Given the world we live in today, a show like NORTHERN RESCUE feels incredibly timely,” said Kathleen Robertson. “The series centers around a complex family coming together to repair and rebuild after a loss. It’s a true exploration of what it means to live, survive and find oneself in the face of tragedy.”
“We are excited to start production with such a fantastic cast and talented crew in a beautiful region of Canada and even more thrilled to bring this series to audiences both at home and around the world in partnership with Netflix,” said Sally Catto, general manager, programming, CBC. “With its focus on the resilience of family and community combined with action and adventure, NORTHERN RESCUE is a strong addition to CBC’s slate of original dramas.”
“We are extremely pleased to be working yet again with our good friends at Netflix,” offered Executive Producer and DCTV Chairman, Don Carmody. “This production also marks the beginning of what we see as an equally great partnership (for us) with the CBC and look forward to presenting this terrific, action-packed, family drama together with such an amazingly talented cast.”
Created by Mark Bacci (Between, Real Detectives), David Cormican (Tokyo Trial, Between) and Dwayne Hill (Peg + Cat, Billable Hours), NORTHERN RESCUE is produced by Don Carmody Television (DCTV) for CBC and Netflix with the financial participation of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Independent Production Fund. Executive Producers are Carmody (Goon, Polytechnique, Chicago), Cormican, Bradley Walsh (Flower Shop Mystery, Kaya), Bacci, Hill, and Baldwin. Producers are Carmody and Cormican. Walsh will also direct four episodes. Gail Harvey (Lost Girl, Heartland), Eleanore Lindo (Ransom, Murdoch Mysteries) and Michael McGowan (Between, Reign), each direct two episodes. The cinematography is by Brett Van Dyke (Bitten, Dark Matter) and Production Design is by Tony Cowley (Dexter, Jigsaw). Casting is John Buchan and Jason Knight (Titans, American Gods). For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Programming; Helen Asimakis is Senior Director, Scripted Content; and Deborah Nathan is Executive in Charge of Production.
