Six weeks of principal photography began today on the ITV1 drama, Murderland.

Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter, Cracker) leads the cast as detective Douglas Hain. Written by acclaimed writer David Pirie (Murder Rooms, Woman in White), directed by Catherine Morshead (Ashes to Ashes, Viva Blackpool) produced by  Touchpaper Scotland, part of the RDF Media Group, and commissioned by ITV1, the 3 x 60 min drama will be filmed on location around London.

Coltrane will star alongside, Sharon Small (Mistresses, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries), Lucy Cohu (The Queen’s Sister, Becoming Jane), Amanda Hale (Persuasion), Nicholas Gleaves (Foyle’s War, Robin Hood), David Westhead (Criminal Justice), Andrew Tiernan (Survivors), David Gyasi (Law & Order) and Bel Powley (M.I. High)

Murderland is an emotional and passionate thriller that tells a traumatic murder story through the eyes of three central characters: Carrie the daughter of the murdered woman, Douglas Hain, the detective in charge of the investigation and Sally the murder victim.

Still haunted by her Mother’s murder, the adult Carrie cannot move on from the terrible unexplained events that occurred when she was a child and make a new life, until she uncovers the truth.

Murderland is a knife edge thriller of revenge, redemption and rough justice, where three different perspectives eventually piece together the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Carrie’s yearning to discover who murdered her mother becomes obsessive bringing her closer to Hain. In the end Carrie holds the key to the killer, the past may be better laid to rest when those you trust have the most to hide, and chillingly are now the people from whom you may have most to fear.

Murderland has been commissioned by Director of ITV Commissioning, Laura Mackie and Controller of Drama Commissioning, Sally Haynes.

“Following the success of ITV1’s Monday night thriller season, we’re delighted to commission Murderland.  It’s also a great coup to have Robbie Coltrane return to ITV1 Drama in the role of DI Douglas Hain,” said Laura.

Murderland is produced by Kate Croft and Dave Edwards for Touchpaper, Scotland.

“Robbie Coltrane heads a marvellous cast and combining the talents of David Pirie and Catherine Morshead on this project is a delicious prospect.  Murderland promises to be as much a why-dunit as a whodunit. As much a love story as a murder story,” says Kate Croft.