By Charlene Gatt
SEDDON’S iconic Mona Castle Hotel will hit TV screens around the country later this year with its bit part in Network Ten’s new police drama Rush.
The Austin St pub was packed with lights, cameras and a star-studded cast this month.
It is one of many locations around Melbourne being used as a backdrop for the series.
The Southern Star production, which is based in Footscray, has also filmed in St Albans, Williamstown, St Kilda and Collingwood.
Starring Underbelly actors Rodger Corser and Callan Mulvey, as well as Catherine McClements (The Secret Life of Us) and Claire van der Boom (Move My Way), the series is set in a new critical police unit.
The squad is expected to reach anywhere in Melbourne in 10 minutes and aim to prevent crime rather than catch the bad guys after the deed is done.
The show’s original pilot was originally shot in 2004 under the name Rapid Response but was later left on the cutting room floor.
Network Ten spokeswoman Lauren Bockholt said the new pilot was very different from its predecessor.
“The only similarity between the two programs is the premise of each show being based around a tactical response team – RUSH is an innovative drama set in and around Melbourne with original casting and scripting,” she said.
Rush will go to air later this year. The first series will have 13 one-hour episodes.
