Filming is underway in Northern Ireland on new Disney teen musical drama The Lodge, a 10-part series which will air on the Disney Channel in 108 countries later this year.
Featuring an international cast drawn from emerging talent across Europe, each 22 minute episode will see them rock-climb, kayak, mountain bike, sing and dance, with all the action filmed against the backdrop of Ballynahinch, Co Down.
She is joined by fellow Brits 20 year old Bethan Wright (represented by RKA Talent) from CBBC's web series Dixi, Jade Alleyne (represented by Sylvia Young Agency) who stars as Clem in CBBC's 4 O'Clock Club, Luke Newton (represented by RKA Talent) who previously starred in BBC Switch's The Cut plays Ben.
The young international cast also includes Danish actress Clara Rugaard, Dutch actress Sarah Nauta and French actor Thomas Hudson.
Steven Andrew, creative director at Zodiak Kids Studios, said: “It’s a demanding show, requiring our young and talented cast to climb, kayak and mountain bike, whilst occasionally singing and dancing.”
15 year old Skye is trying to make a fresh start in a new location following the death of her mother. However, Skye’s new life will not be without complications as she navigates the everyday pressures of life as a teen; from making friends and ‘frenemies’, to a love triangle and a mystery that will shake her world.
With nine original songs, music is integral to the telling of the story, the central theme of which focuses on courage and staying truthful to who you are.
The series was inspired by North Star, a long-running Disney Israeli drama, that was identified as having potential for a remake in a musical format. It follows the success of 2014’s Cheshire-shot fantasy drama Evermoor, Disney’s first original series to be filmed in the UK and for which a 20-part follow-up series is currently being screened.
Cast by KM Casting, directed by Matt Bloom, The Lodge will complete filming before the summer, and will be shown first on the Disney Channel in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It is then expected to be screened on the channel elsewhere in Europe.