SEA OF SOULS NEW TO BBC

Originally posted 2004.

Past life experiences, psychic abilities and voodoo are all in a day’s work for a team of parapsychologists featured in BBC Scotland’s thrilling new investigative drama, Sea Of Souls.

Sea Of Souls is based at the fictitious parapsychology unit at Clyde University, Glasgow, and centres on a team of researchers who investigate extraordinary circumstances surrounding ordinary people.

Scots star Bill Paterson (Danielle Cable: Eyewitness, Doctor Zhivago, Comfort & Joy), Archie Punjabi (East Is East, Bend It Like Beckham, Grease Monkeys) and Peter McDonald (Felicia’s Journey, I Went Down, Captain Jack) make up the research team who endeavour to explain the inexplicable.

Bill Paterson, says: “Since The Crow Road I’ve looked forward to doing another series with BBC Scotland, so I’m delighted that something as intriguing and well written as Sea Of Souls has come along.

“Based on the paranormal obviously anything can happen and it will be exciting to make the extraordinary spring naturally out of the ordinary.”

Michelle Collins (Two Thousand Acres Of Sky, Sunburn) guest stars in the first two-part story in the six episode Sea Of Souls series as single mother Katie who gets in touch with Monaghan (Paterson) and his team after her young son Joe (Sam MacLintoch) starts talking about a past life and keeps asking to meet his “other mummy”.

Their search leads to a remote Scottish community and the discovery of a violent death and when other deaths follow, it seems that Katie and her son may be in mortal danger.

The series will feature guest appearances from the likes of Ford Kiernan (Still Game, Chewin The Fat, Gangs Of New York) and Ellie Haddington (Sons & Lovers, Taggart, Coronation Street).

Sea Of Souls is written by David Kane, whose credits include Born Romantic, This Year’s Love and acclaimed drama, Ruffian Hearts, while Nick Willing (Hypnotic, Photographing Fairies, Alice In Wonderland) directs episodes one and two.

The BBC Scotland production starts filming later this month in Glasgow and also includes locations such as Spain and the Scottish Highlands.

Barbara McKissack, Head of Drama for BBC Scotland says: “It is fantastic to work on this unique new series and it is wonderful to work alongside fine talent like David Kane, Bill Paterson, Archie Panjabi and Peter McDonald.

“BBC Scotland is delighted to be producing this series which is both gritty and different.”

Sea Of Souls producer Phil Collinson adds: “I’m delighted with the cast we’ve put together for Sea Of Souls and feel certain that viewers at home will be gripped by the series.”

Although Sea Of Souls Clyde University is fictitious, exterior shots will be of Jordanhill College in Glasgow while a purpose built set has been constructed within the building of St Andrews College, Bearsden for all interior shots.