Hit Disney show returns to Ballynahinch for new series

Hit Disney show returns to Ballynahinch for new series

1 March 2017

DISNEY is back in Ballynahinch with filming for the second season of hit show The Lodge underway at the Montalto Estate.

In another boost for the local film industry, the children’s musical drama is back for a longer series after the first became the highest rated series debut on Disney Channel UK in the last four years, with strong performances also in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

The second series of The Lodge will run for 15 episodes, with production in Down expected to be completed in April.

And aside from the 400 acre Montalto Estate itself, eagle-eyed viewers can also catch a glimpse of Castlewellan Forest Park in the upcoming season.

The Lodge follows the story of Skye, a 15-year-old city girl who travels with her father to live in a rural holiday lodge following the death of her mother. The second season will see the core cast face new challenges, attempt to solve a new mystery and navigate emotional relationship and friendship stories.

A large part of the show’s appeal are its musical tropes, with the cast performing a dozen original songs, allowing The Lodge to capture its part of the music as well as the television market.

With some funding from Northern Ireland Screen supported by Invest NI, the Disney show has brought in just under half of its cast and crew from Northern Ireland.

The cast includes British actors Sophie Simnett who plays lead character Skye, Jade Alleyne, Thomas Doherty, Luke Newton, Jayden Revri, Joshua Sinclair-Evans, Bethan Wright, as well as Martin Anzor, Marcus Garvey, French actor Tom Hudson, and Dan Richardson.  Mia Jenkins joins the cast as a new series regular.

Steven Andrew, Executive Producer on The Lodge said: “We are thrilled to be back in Northern Ireland making series two of The Lodge for Disney.  We have a fabulous cast, a terrific local crew led Producer Ray Lau and definitely one of the most beautiful settings for any children’s drama. This year expect mystery, romance, action and adventure.  Find out if there really is gold at the the North Star Lodge, and just who did Skye end up picking, Sean or Ben?”

David Levine, General Manager at Disney Channels UK and Ireland, said: “It’s been great to see our audience embracing The Lodge, both on-air where it became the best rated series debut in four years in the UK, and online, where videos from the series have attracted almost two million views to date. For season two we want to continue to deliver a show with relatable characters and authentic stories, told both on our linear channels and digitally. I’m confident that we’re back even bigger, bolder and more exciting than before.”