Chris Haddock committed to filming in Vancouver

The new espionage drama TheRomeo Sectionis not only filmed in Vancouver but it is also set in Vancouver.

It's a big deal for a city that is one of the largest film production centresin North America but rarely plays itself on screen.

But for the award-winningCanadian screenwriter and producer, it was important to have a localstory, cast, and crew.

"I really also think that we are not seeing enough Canadian life on screen [...] Iam concerned about all those affairs," said Chris Haddock, creator of the show.

The new series uncovers the city's criminal underbelly by delving into a world of spies. The drama follows a veteran secret agent who manages a group of spies, either Romeo or Juliet spies.

One such Romeo is Rufus, played by Juan Riedinger. The character has an affair with the girlfriend of a major Vancouver drug dealer in order to infiltrate the operation.

A big part of the filming took place at the Canada Post building on West Georgia Street.

"You get to see Vancouver as Vancouver on the screen. It is very comforting, safe, and proud," saidJemmyChen, one of the stars of the drama.

The Romeo Sectiondebuts tonight at 9 p.m. PT on CBC Television.

The Romeo Section: new CBC-TV drama airs tonight

9 years ago

Duration 2:26

Actors Andrew Airlie and Juan Riedinger star in the new Chris Haddock spy thriller where agents must uncover secrets by means of seduction

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelledThe Romeo Section, a new espionage show set in Vancouverwiththe CBC's Rick Cluff onThe Early Edition.