10/05/2013 00:00
TW
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By Humphrey Carter

PALMA
AFTER having been sworn to secrecy for weeks by Palma Pictures, the Mediterranean Production Company, the word is out and we can confirm that “Ashes to Ashes” star Philip Glenister is part of the cast of a new Sky1 drama called “Mad Dogs which is set and being filmed here in Majorca.

Glenister stars alongside Max Beesley, John Simm and Marc Warren in the new high definition drama about a group of school friends who get more than they bargained for when they come here to the island on holiday as guests of a retiring colleague, a wealthy expatriate, Alvo, who has made his money in property and is played by Ben Chaplin.

However, the fortysomething's trip to the island for the retirement party turns into a “labyrinthine nightmare of lies, deception and murder”.
Mike Day, the director of Palma Pictures, told the Bulletin yesterday that the shoot starts on May 10 and will last for about eight weeks.
Mad Dogs is due to air on Sky1 and Sky1HD in four, 60 minute episodes next spring.
The drama has been written by Cris Cole and is being made by the award-winning production company Left Bank Pictures which is famous for having produced the film “The Queen” and “The Damned United”, which also shot on location in Majorca, and top TV series such as s “Wallander” and “Strike Back.” Palma Pictures are the local co-producers of the drama and Day said that the production is not only the biggest drama Palma Pictures has worked on, it is quite probably the largest drama production to have been set on location here in Majorca.

Palma Pictures have been at the forefront of the Balearic film industry for well over a decade now and have become one of Europe's leading producers of commercials for top international brand names. However, the Marratxi-based production company has also always been involved with TV series and film production.

When Philip Glenister was signed up by Sky last month, it was front page news in the UK and his new venture was kept a closely guarded secret until yesterday. What is more, he and the cast are already on the island working on their scripts.

Day said that local extras may also be required, so if you are interested, contact Palma Pictures.