Production is currently underway in Brazil on police drama Rio Heat, the first TV copro between Canada and Brazil to go into production under the countries’ new treaty.

Rio Heat was co-created and written by Canadians Ken Gord and Dean (Hamilton) Bornstein of Tayrona Entertainment. Both serve as executive producers alongside high-profile Canuck John Cassar (24), who will also direct the bulk of the series, save the pilot, which is to be directed by Stephen Campanelli. Antonio de Andrade, Raul Geyer Aguinaga, and Eduardo Villela are executive producers on behalf of Filmes do Serro of Brazil.

The series, while taking advantage of the newly inked Canada-Brazil copro treaty, will also be the beneficiary of a unique releasing strategy.

The pilot episode is be released theatrically by 20th Century Fox Brazil in a number of Latin American territories, starting with Mexico and Brazil. Fox Pay-TV Latin America will be airing the first 13 episodes of the series. Super Channel will air the two-hour pilot as a movie. Worldwide distribution of the series outside Latin America is handled by Global Genesis Group.

All 13 episodes will be shot in Brazil, including a two-hour pilot that started production on March 7.

The series stars Calgary native Victor Webster (Continuum), who is repped by Innovative Artist and Leland LaBarre.

According to Telefilm’s coproduction directory, other countries currently with Brazil participation on copros include Breakthrough, Rhombus and Quebec’s Attraction Média.

Photo: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com