Chris Haddock committed to filming in Vancouver
"I really think that we are not seeing enough Canadian life on screen," says The Romeo Section creator
The new espionage drama The Romeo Section is not only filmed in Vancouver but it is also set in Vancouver.
It's a big deal for a city that is one of the largest film production centres in North America but rarely plays itself on screen.
But for the award-winning Canadian screenwriter and producer, it was important to have a local story, cast, and crew.
"I really also think that we are not seeing enough Canadian life on screen [...] I am concerned about all those affairs," said Chris Haddock, creator of the show.
The new series uncovers the city's criminal underbelly by delving into a world of spies. The drama follows a veteran secret agent who manages a group of spies, either Romeo or Juliet spies.
One such Romeo is Rufus, played by Juan Riedinger. The character has an affair with the girlfriend of a major Vancouver drug dealer in order to infiltrate the operation.
A big part of the filming took place at the Canada Post building on West Georgia Street.
"You get to see Vancouver as Vancouver on the screen. It is very comforting, safe, and proud," said Jemmy Chen, one of the stars of the drama.
The Romeo Section debuts tonight at 9 p.m. PT on CBC Television.
To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled The Romeo Section, a new espionage show set in Vancouver with the CBC's Rick Cluff on The Early Edition.