The new CBC drama Heartland has started shooting in and around Calgary, turning the best-selling novels by English author Lauren Brooke into a 13 x 60 for the network’s family-aimed Sunday night lineup.

The family saga centers on teenage Amy, played by Amber Marshall (The Elizabeth Smart Story) and older sister Lou, played by Michelle Morgan (Diary of the Dead) who are dealing with the death of their mother while helping their grandfather run the family’s debt-ridden ranch for abused and neglected horses.

Shaun Johnston (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee) also stars as the grandfather, joined by Chris Potter (Blithe and Virginia) and Graham Wardle (In the Land of Women).

Heartland is a copro by Dynamo Films of Toronto and Seven24 Films in Calgary, under showrunner Heather Conkie (Dark Oracle). Malcolm Cross (Code Name: Eternity) is the DOP. Ron Murphy, Dean Bennett, Steve DiMarco and Don McBrearty are directing.

‘The story has universal appeal in that it deals with family relationships,’ explains executive producer Tom Cox of Seven24. ‘But it is also set in a very specific locale, on a fictional horse ranch in Alberta. That combination creates a really vibrant mix that we think audiences of all ages will find appealing.’

Financing for the $1.5-million series, which is being shot on the Super 16 format, comes from the Canadian Television Fund, Alberta’s Department of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Shaw Rocket Fund, plus federal and Ontario tax credits. CBC International is distributing the series.

Production began July 18 on location at a ranch southwest of Calgary, surrounded by a panoramic mountain view. A secondary location is scheduled for nearby High River, and interiors are being shot at Currie Barracks, a military base turned studio, in Calgary. It will wrap by the end of November.

A series pilot was shot last November, which CBC tested on focus groups and also took to MIP last spring to gauge international sales potential, which Cox says was very positive. Heartland is scheduled to air in CBC’s Sunday 7 p.m. slot beginning Oct. 14.

Cox adds that the pubcaster is also investing heavily in a marketing campaign.

‘CBC’s commitment to this show is unprecedented,’ he says. ‘The network has increased resources to market and sell their programs. The series will be promoted in a very conscious and sophisticated way both on network and off network.’

‘The material, the cast and production team are all strong and we have the backing from the network to ensure audiences know about the show, so all the elements are in place.’