Filming is underway on a new eight-part crime drama, Blue Murder Motel, for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
Shot around greater Auckland, Blue Murder Motel sees multi-award-winning actress Michala Banas reunite with McLeod’s Daughters co-star Brett Tucker.
Banas and Tucker lead an all-star cast as married police detectives Vanessa and Peter Coleman, who are hanging up their badges and taking early retirement from the Australian police force.
Their next chapter, investing in their dream – a 13-room motel in a sunny, oceanside New Zealand town. But only one week into their new adventure, paradise takes an unexpected turn when a body is discovered in Unit 3.
A versatile powerhouse
Banas is celebrated for her work across television, film and theatre, earning a reputation for versatility, strength in drama and comedy and her willingness to take on challenging roles.
She is widely recognised for her performances as Kate Manfredi in McLeod’s Daughters and Amber Wheeler in Upper Middle Bogan. Her television credits also include well-known series such as Nowhere Boys, Winners & Losers, Bad Mothers and Halifax: Retribution.
Banas has most recently appeared in A Remarkable Place to Die, and alongside Liam Neeson in feature film Ice Road Vengeance.
“This project has such a great energy, with an incredible cast and crew,” says Banas.
“We’ve created a really lovely family unit here on set. Reuniting with Brett on this show has been loads of fun. Because of our longstanding friendship off screen, we have a great chemistry and trust with one another as actors, so that makes the work all the more special.”
An international talent
Tucker, also an acclaimed actor with an international career spanning television, film and theatre, is best known to audiences for his roles in McLeod’s Daughters, Troppo and The Saddle Club.
Tucker has also established himself over the past 14 years in the US with standout performances in Mistresses, Station 19, Castle and Netflix series The Residence.
“The writing is clever and full of surprises, and filming in New Zealand has been an amazing experience,” says Tucker.
“Filming again with Michala has been a highlight. We’ve always had a great connection, and it’s exciting to explore that again in such a different story.”
A stellar cast
Joining Banas and Tucker are renowned New Zealand actors Jayden Daniels, Stephanie Tauevihi and Jaime McDermott, along with a standout guest cast that adds depth and star power to the show.
Created by award-winning New Zealand writer Kate McDermott and producer Steven Zanoški, Blue Murder Motel is produced by Great Southern Television and will be distributed globally by About Premium Content.
Executive producers for Great Southern Kathleen Anderson and Philip Smith say: “It’s an absolute privilege to be working with Michala Banas and Brett Tucker on Blue Murder Motel. They’re very popular amongst the cast and crew and their onscreen chemistry is unmissable”.
Another brilliant project
Emmanuelle Guilbart and Laurent Boissel, joint CEOs and joint founders of APC say: “We are proud to partner with Great Southern and TVNZ for the first time and thrilled to participate in the financing of this brilliant project. We are confident that Blue Murder Motel perfectly fits the current international market’s growing appetite for glossy, warm and funny light crime series.”
Brent McAnulty, TVNZ’s acting chief news and content officer, says: “We are thrilled to see another outstanding local drama series moving into production, featuring such a stellar cast and being filmed right here in our own backyard.
“The continued investment in New Zealand storytelling enriches TVNZ’s line-up of local content, and we are proud to showcase the talent and stories that resonate so strongly with our audiences.”
With support from NZ On Air and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, Blue Murder Motel will premiere on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ in 2026.
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