Durham County (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Durham County is a one-hour Canadian
dramatic television series produced by Back Alley Film Productions Ltd. and Muse Entertainment Enterprises
. It stars Hugh Dillon as Mike Sweeney, a homicide detective who finds that moving back home comes with trouble and danger.
as Mike Sweeney, a homicide detective from Toronto
who moves his family to suburban Durham County
to start over after his partner is killed and his wife Audrey (Hélène Joy
) is diagnosed with breast cancer
. However, he soon discovers that his neighbour and childhood nemesis Ray Prager (Justin Louis
) may be a serial killer
.
Set amidst the landscape of new suburban developments, the mise-en-scène
conveys a palpable sense of alienation, being cut off from the rest of the world with shiny new hydro towers looming in the sky. Everything is without history, and homogeneity pervades the neighbourhoods. In this setting, we deal with the aftermath of a serial killer’s impact on his family, his surviving victims and their family. The question is how do the families move on after being so traumatized by the heinous acts of a killer.
and Movie Central
in May 2007. The first season subsequently aired on Global
in the 2007-2008 television season. In Canada, the first season came out on DVD on September 9, 2008 and the second season was released on July 27, 2010.
On September 7, 2009, the series began airing on ION Television, which reaches more than 94 million U.S. television households. The network has secured all U.S. television, digital media rights, internet streaming and video-on-demand
rights for the program. It will be the first original series to air on the network since 2004.
All three seasons were filmed in and around Montreal, Quebec.
has released the first two seasons on DVD in Canada only.
In addition to the DVD releases, all 3 seasons of Durham County became available in Canada on iTunes on August 1, 2011.
Well Go USA has released the first season on DVD in the US. Season 2 will be released on November 23, 2010.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
dramatic television series produced by Back Alley Film Productions Ltd. and Muse Entertainment Enterprises
Muse Entertainment Enterprises
Founded in 1998, Muse Entertainment is a Canadian producer of films and television programs. Muse Entertainment produces dramatic series, television films, mini-series for family programs....
. It stars Hugh Dillon as Mike Sweeney, a homicide detective who finds that moving back home comes with trouble and danger.
Premise
The series stars Hugh DillonHugh Dillon
Hugh Dillon is a Canadian musician and actor.-Music career:Dillon was the lead singer for the Kingston hard rock band The Headstones from 1987 until 2003...
as Mike Sweeney, a homicide detective from Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
who moves his family to suburban Durham County
Durham County, Ontario
Durham County is a historic county in the Canadian province of Ontario. It was named from the English County and city.Durham County was created in 1792. It was composed of the townships of Cartwright, Manvers, Cavan, Darlington, Clarke and Hope, and portions of what is now Peterborough County,...
to start over after his partner is killed and his wife Audrey (Hélène Joy
Hélène Joy
Hélène Joy is an Australian–Canadian television actress. Her credits include roles in the television series MVP, Durham County, The Secret World of Og, An American in Canada, ReGenesis, Pearlie, and Murdoch Mysteries....
) is diagnosed with breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
. However, he soon discovers that his neighbour and childhood nemesis Ray Prager (Justin Louis
Justin Louis
Luís Ferreira is a Portuguese-born Canadian actor...
) may be a serial killer
Serial killer
A serial killer, as typically defined, is an individual who has murdered three or more people over a period of more than a month, with down time between the murders, and whose motivation for killing is usually based on psychological gratification...
.
Set amidst the landscape of new suburban developments, the mise-en-scène
Mise en scène
Mise-en-scène is an expression used to describe the design aspects of a theatre or film production, which essentially means "visual theme" or "telling a story"—both in visually artful ways through storyboarding, cinematography and stage design, and in poetically artful ways through direction...
conveys a palpable sense of alienation, being cut off from the rest of the world with shiny new hydro towers looming in the sky. Everything is without history, and homogeneity pervades the neighbourhoods. In this setting, we deal with the aftermath of a serial killer’s impact on his family, his surviving victims and their family. The question is how do the families move on after being so traumatized by the heinous acts of a killer.
Airings
The series premiered on The Movie NetworkThe Movie Network
The Movie Network is a Canadian English language Category A premium television service, owned by Astral Media. The service is licensed to operate east of the Ontario-Manitoba border, excluding the territories...
and Movie Central
Movie Central
Movie Central is a Canadian English language Category A premium television service. Movie Central is designated to operate west of the Ontario-Manitoba border, including the territories...
in May 2007. The first season subsequently aired on Global
Global Television Network
Global Television Network is an English language privately owned television network in Canada, owned by Calgary-based Shaw Communications, as part of its Shaw Media division...
in the 2007-2008 television season. In Canada, the first season came out on DVD on September 9, 2008 and the second season was released on July 27, 2010.
On September 7, 2009, the series began airing on ION Television, which reaches more than 94 million U.S. television households. The network has secured all U.S. television, digital media rights, internet streaming and video-on-demand
Video on demand
Video on Demand or Audio and Video On Demand are systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand...
rights for the program. It will be the first original series to air on the network since 2004.
Main cast
- Mike Sweeney (Hugh Dillon) - Mike Sweeney is a veteran homicide detective with trouble coming to terms with his past. He tries to escape it by leaving his old position and life behind after his professional partner is murdered. Sweeney moves his family to a renovated home in the suburb where he grew up, but realizes he cannot escape old demons. As his wife is diagnosed with breast cancer, he seeks solace in a support group with a teacher grieving the death of her daughter.
- Audrey Sweeney (Hélène Joy) - Audrey Sweeney is the emotionally starved wife of Mike Sweeney and is recovering from breast cancer.
- Ray Prager Jr. (Greyston Holt) - Ray Prager Jr. is the self-conscious teenage son of Ray Prager Sr. He struggles to find his place while standing up for himself despite overbearing parents, and is caught in the middle of his parents' disintegrating relationship. He seems oblivious to his father's shady interests and is often silent about his personal aspirations.
Season 1
- Hugh DillonHugh DillonHugh Dillon is a Canadian musician and actor.-Music career:Dillon was the lead singer for the Kingston hard rock band The Headstones from 1987 until 2003...
as Mike Sweeney - Justin LouisJustin LouisLuís Ferreira is a Portuguese-born Canadian actor...
as Ray Prager - Hélène JoyHélène JoyHélène Joy is an Australian–Canadian television actress. Her credits include roles in the television series MVP, Durham County, The Secret World of Og, An American in Canada, ReGenesis, Pearlie, and Murdoch Mysteries....
as Audrey Sweeney - Laurence LeboeufLaurence LeboeufLaurence Leboeuf is a French Canadian actress. She is the daughter of Diane Lavallée and Marcel Leboeuf...
as Sadie Sweeney - Greyston Holt as Ray Prager Jr
- Sonya SalomaaSonya SalomaaSonya Salomaa is a Canadian actor of Finnish descent, known for her performances in The Collector and Durham County.She was born in Sudbury, Ontario. Salomaa grew up in Prince George, British Columbia and attended the University of Northern British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor of Science in...
as Traci Prager - Patrick Labbé as Tom Bykovski
- Kathleen MunroeKathleen MunroeKathleen Munroe is a Canadian actress.Munroe was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and currently resides in Los Angeles. She studied cinema at the University of Toronto. She won the 2010 ACTRA Award for Outstanding Female Performance. Munroe writes and plays music. She speaks fluent French.- Filmography...
as Nathalie Lacroix - Joel KellerJoel KellerJoel Keller is a Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors member, representing District 2. He was elected to that position in 1994. He has served as both President and Vice President of the board...
as Jake Sharpe - Claudia Ferri as Roxy Calvert
- Jean-Nicolas Verreault as Jayson Graves Big Guy
- Danny Blanco-Hall as Caleb
Season 2
- Hugh DillonHugh DillonHugh Dillon is a Canadian musician and actor.-Music career:Dillon was the lead singer for the Kingston hard rock band The Headstones from 1987 until 2003...
as Mike Sweeney - Michelle ForbesMichelle ForbesMichelle Renee Forbes Guajardo , known professionally as Michelle Forbes, is an American actress who has built a career of work in television and independent film and has acted in productions in both the United States and in the United Kingdom...
as Penelope Verrity - Hélène JoyHélène JoyHélène Joy is an Australian–Canadian television actress. Her credits include roles in the television series MVP, Durham County, The Secret World of Og, An American in Canada, ReGenesis, Pearlie, and Murdoch Mysteries....
as Audrey Sweeney - Laurence LeboeufLaurence LeboeufLaurence Leboeuf is a French Canadian actress. She is the daughter of Diane Lavallée and Marcel Leboeuf...
as Sadie Sweeney - Greyston Holt as Ray Prager Jr
- Cicely Austin as Maddie Sweeney
- Patrick Labbé as Tom Bykovski
- Romano OrzariRomano OrzariRomano Orzari is a Canadian actor. He has appeared in TV shows such as Bugs, Mutant X, Durham County, and Banshee and has appeared in films such as Punisher: War Zone, Immortals, The Last Hit Man, and One Way Out....
as Ray Prager - Geordie Johnson as Jonathan Verrity
- Alex Cardillo as Mark Verrity
- Michael Dopud as Glenn Stuckey
Season 3
- Hugh DillonHugh DillonHugh Dillon is a Canadian musician and actor.-Music career:Dillon was the lead singer for the Kingston hard rock band The Headstones from 1987 until 2003...
as Mike Sweeney - Michael NardoneMichael NardoneMichael Nardone is a Scottish actor born in 1967 in Fife, was raised in Ballingry and trained at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. He starred as Mascius in the BBC/HBO/RAI TV series Rome and appeared as DCI Richard Whiteside in BBC Scotland drama River City.-Selected Filmography:* ...
as Ivan Sujic - Hélène JoyHélène JoyHélène Joy is an Australian–Canadian television actress. Her credits include roles in the television series MVP, Durham County, The Secret World of Og, An American in Canada, ReGenesis, Pearlie, and Murdoch Mysteries....
as Audrey Sweeney - Laurence LeboeufLaurence LeboeufLaurence Leboeuf is a French Canadian actress. She is the daughter of Diane Lavallée and Marcel Leboeuf...
as Sadie Sweeney - Greyston Holt as Ray Prager Jr
- Krista Bridges as Sabina Leung
- Bénédicte Décary as Eva Arcady
- Andreas Aspergis as Miro Çercu
- Cicely Austin as Maddie Sweeney
- Shannon Kook-Chun as David Cho
Distribution
All three seasons of Durham County are distributed in Canada by Muse Distribution International and internationally by ITV Global.All three seasons were filmed in and around Montreal, Quebec.
DVD releases
Anchor Bay EntertainmentAnchor Bay Entertainment
Anchor Bay Entertainment is a U.S. based home entertainment and production company and is a division of Starz Media, which is a unit of Starz, LLC. It was previously owned by IDT Entertainment until 2006 when IDT was purchased by Starz Media. Anchor Bay markets and sells feature films, series,...
has released the first two seasons on DVD in Canada only.
In addition to the DVD releases, all 3 seasons of Durham County became available in Canada on iTunes on August 1, 2011.
Well Go USA has released the first season on DVD in the US. Season 2 will be released on November 23, 2010.
| DVD Name | Ep# | Release Date (CAN) | Release Date (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | September 9, 2008 | January 19, 2010 |
| Season 2 | 6 | July 27, 2010 | November 23, 2010 |
Durham County - Season 3
- Gemini Award Wins
- Best Achievement in Casting - Marissa Richmond, Libby Goldstein, Andrea Kenyon, Suzanne Smith, Randi Wells
- Gemini Award Nominations
- Best Direction in a Dramatic Series - Charles Biname
- Best Sound in a Dramatic Series - Steve Moore, Alex Bullick, Yann Cleary, Christian Cooke, Andrea Higgins, Jill Purdy, Marilee Yorston
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Lead Dramatic Role - Hugh Dillon
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series - Michael Nardone
- Best Performance by an Actress in Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series - Benedicte Decary
- Director's Guild of Canada Award Nominations
- Best Direction - Television Series - Adrienne Mitchell
- Best Sound Editing - Television Series - Jill Purdy, Alex Bullick, Rose Gregoris
- 2011 EMPixx Awards
- Platinum Award - Entertainment Category - Janis Lundman, Adrienne Mitchell, Michael Prupas and Laurie Finstad Knizhnik
- Platinum Award - Writing - Laurie Finstad Knizhnik
- Platinum Award - Art Direction and Set Design - Donna Noonan
- Platinum Award - Cinematography - Eric Cayla
- Platinum Award - Editing - Teresa De Luca
- Platinum Award - Editing - Michele Conroy
- Platinum Award - Directing - Adrienne Mitchell
- Platinum Award - Music Composition - Peter Chapman
- 2011 WorldFest-Houston Remi Awards
- Winner of a Gold 2011 Worldfest Remi Award in the category of TV Series - Dramatic.
- WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival 2011
- Nominated for 5 awards including: Outstanding International Producers (Janis Lundman, Adrienne Mitchell, Michael Prupas), Outstanding Actor (Hugh Dillon, Michael Nardone) and Outstanding Actress (Hélène Joy, Laurence Leboeuf).
- WorldFest-Houston Remi Award Nominations
- Nominated for a 2011 Worldfest Remi Award in the category of TV Series - Dramatic.
- Interactive Media 2010 Award
- Best in Class - Television in recognition of Durham County - Season 3 Website www.durhamcounty.ca
- WGC Screenwriting Award
- Script for "Distance, Hunting and Home", written by Laurie Finstad Knizhnik, was chosen as a finalist
Durham County – Season 2
- Gemini Awards
- Best Achievement in Main Title Design - Kevin Chandoo
- Best Achievement in Make-Up - Eva Coudouloux and Adrien Morot
- Gemini Nominations
- Best Dramatic Series
- Best Direction in a Dramatic Series - Adrienne Mitchell
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role - Helene Joy
- Best Achievement in Casting - Andrea Kenyon, Wendy O'Brien, Marissa Richmond, and Randi Wells
- Monte-Carlo Television Festival
- Winner of 2010 Golden Nymph Award
- Outstanding Actress- Michelle Forbes (Drama TV Series)
- Monte-Carlo Television Festival Nominations
- Outstanding Actor – Hugh Dillon (Drama TV Series)
- Outstanding International Producer – Janis Lundman, Adrienne Mitchell, Laurie Finstad Knizhnik and Michael Prupas (Drama TV Series)
- Directors Guild of CanadaDirectors Guild of CanadaThe Directors Guild of Canada is a Canadian labour union, founded in 1962, which represents more than 3,700 professionals from 48 different occupations in the Canadian film and television industry. The DGC represents directors, assistant directors, location managers, production assistants and...
Award Winners- Best Direction- TV Series - Adrienne Mitchell
- Best Production Design- TV Series - Donna Noonan
- Directors Guild of CanadaDirectors Guild of CanadaThe Directors Guild of Canada is a Canadian labour union, founded in 1962, which represents more than 3,700 professionals from 48 different occupations in the Canadian film and television industry. The DGC represents directors, assistant directors, location managers, production assistants and...
Award Nominee- Best Picture Editing- TV Series
- EMPixx Awards
- Platinum Award for Best National Cable Program in the Entertainment Category
- WorldFest – Houston International Film Festival
- Winner of the Platinum Award - Best TV Series – Drama
Durham County – Season 1
- Gemini Awards
- Best Writing in a Dramatic Series
- Best Direction in a Dramatic Series
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role
- Best Sound in a Dramatic Series
- Gemini Nominations
- Best Dramatic Series
- Best Photography in a Dramatic Program
- Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Program
- Best Costume Design
- Best Achievement in Casting
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Series
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Role
- Directors Guild of CanadaDirectors Guild of CanadaThe Directors Guild of Canada is a Canadian labour union, founded in 1962, which represents more than 3,700 professionals from 48 different occupations in the Canadian film and television industry. The DGC represents directors, assistant directors, location managers, production assistants and...
- Nominations
- Best Editing – Dramatic Series
- Best Direction – Television Series
- Nominations
- Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA)
- Indie Award - Best Dramatic Series
- 2008 WorldFest – Houston International Film Festival
- Winner of Gold Award
- Best TV Series - Dramatic
- Directors Guild of CanadaDirectors Guild of CanadaThe Directors Guild of Canada is a Canadian labour union, founded in 1962, which represents more than 3,700 professionals from 48 different occupations in the Canadian film and television industry. The DGC represents directors, assistant directors, location managers, production assistants and...
Award Nominations- Team Television Series – Drama
- Production Design – Television Series
- Writers Guild of CanadaWriters Guild of CanadaThe Writers Guild of Canada represents more than 1,800 professional writers working in film, television, radio, and multimedia production in Canada...
Award Nomination- Best Writing in a Dramatic Series
- Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists
- Montreal Awards Nominations
- Outstanding Female Performance
- Outstanding Male Performance
- Leo Awards Nomination
- Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
- Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series