TV3 series ‘The Guards’ is currently in post-production in London’s Four Corners. The series, made by Legend United productions in association with October Eleven Pictures has seen its director, Graham Cantwell (Anton) distance himself from the project citing his unhappiness “with how it was being steered” as his reason for leaving.
’The Guards’ explores the real-life gritty workings of Ireland’s law enforcement officers as experienced through three young characters – Diarmuid, Donal and Aiden. Ambitious and ruthless, the threesome will do anything to get the job done and secure a conviction. The series is being produced by Jonathan Figgis (3 Crosses) and was written and executive produced by Steven Aldridge (Soul Traces, Bedlam) for Legend United productions in association with October Eleven Pictures.
’The Guards’ stars Emmett Scanlan (The Phone, The Clinic), Steven Aldridge, Chris Patrick Simpson (The Magdalene Sisters, Fifty Dead Men Walking), Aisling McLaughlin (The Clinic, Fair City), Amy Joyce Hastings (The Tudors, Fools of Fortune), Rachel Rath (Savage, Anton) and Gordon Mahon (The Clinic). The series’ director of photography was Nicolas Schroeder (Care Giver, Sunshine).
Director Graham Cantwell is no longer connected to the project and reflects on his involvement with the series with mixed emotions: “In terms of the production itself we had an incredibly talented and committed cast and crew and I was delighted with what we filmed with very limited resources,” he tells IFTN. “But there are so many directions a project can take in post production and I just wasn't happy with how it was being steered.”
Graham explains that it was the edit of the series that drove him away, telling us: “I'm not up to speed with the latest developments and I haven't been involved in the edit. Because of creative pressure from Steven Aldridge, the writer/exec producer/actor, to alter the direction the edit was taking, I decided to step aside and he's finishing the edit himself.” The director does, however, wish the team the best with the project, saying: "I would like to wish the production well and hope it has a successful outing.”
Executive producer and ‘The Guards’ star, Steven Aldridge commented on Graham Cantwell’s departure from the project, telling IFTN that: “Graham has completed his work on the episode and is currently engaged on other projects.” He further added that: “The creative direction of the edit and all final decisions on the production are made by TV3, not myself. I agree fully with their direction for the programme which remains true to the original concept, and we look forward to delivering the final piece.”
Producer Jonathan Figgis commented on the project’s post production work, telling us that: “Regarding my own thoughts on the show; it is shaping up to be something really good. It'll all depend on the edit which I'm awaiting.”
Steven Aldridge remains positive about how the series will be received by audiences: “We are grateful for all the interest and support the project has had to date and hope TV3's audience will enjoy the programme,” he tells us. “We're looking forward to release, and are hopeful for its future with the network.”
The production was initially announced at the launch of TV3's autumn schedule in August 2009 and a transmission date is expected to be confirmed shortly. TV3 representatives declined to officially comment on Cantwell’s departure but insiders voiced their overall happiness with the series to date.
Post production has taken place between Dublin and London.
