Production has started on the second season of Saving Hope in Toronto.

The CTV medical drama, produced by Ilana C Frank Films and Entertainment One, will shoot through September 2013 another 18 episodes of the hourlong series.

Jason Priestley and Gregory Smith will each direct an episode, as will fellow directors David Wellington, Ken Girotti, John Fawcett and Jeff Woolnough.

The returning cast for Saving Hope includes Erica Durance, Michael Shanks, Daniel Gillies, Huse Madhavji and Benjamin Ayres.

Erin Karpluk has landed a recurring role in the sophomore season.

The series is executive produced by Ilana Frank, David Wellington, John Morayniss, Lesley Harrison, Morwyn Brebner and Adam Pettle.

Malcolm MacRury and Brebner created Saving Hope.