Cutting Edge provides weighty grade for new psychological cops drama Secrets and Lies

New paranoia fuelled psychological / cops drama Secrets and Lies, via production company Hoodlum, has made its much anticipated debut on Network Ten this week with Cutting Edge lending its grade skills for the new show.

With a gritty British drama style, it explores what happens when a house painter discovers a murdered boy when out for his morning run through the bush.

The feel is dank and oppressive; the story is seductive and unpredictable. And, according to director Kate Dennis, a part of achieving the tempestuous nature of the series was the work done in the grade by Cutting Edge.

Says Dennis: “Cutting Edge really understood what we were trying to achieve on Secrets and Lies. The grade was superbly crafted and it helped capture the sense of narrowing destiny and mania that we were after.”

DOP Robert Humphreys ACS, worked closely with Cutting Edge colourist Justin McDonald to set the mood in the grade early in the piece.

Says Humphreys: “We wanted the grade to be edgy and dark, and we wanted the audience to feel the heat of a deep Queensland summer. Given it was shot in the middle of winter, I certainly appreciated Cutting Edge’s efforts and collaborative approach.

“Secrets and Lies is outstanding local content; I’m very proud of the industry in Brisbane for what they have achieved here.”

McDonals said that one of the challenges was making a wet winter look like a hot and sweaty summer.

The interiors had to be dark and dank, and the light coming in the windows needed to be hot.

Says McDonald: “A highlight for me was the work we put in on making Ben (Martin Henderson) always appear ‘sweaty’ and under a constant state of stress. His skin was affected by multiple keys and windows to bring out the sweat in his face.

“It was a pleasure to work on Secrets and Lies; I really got to explore the grade. Kate, Bob and the team were brilliant.”

Production Company: Hoodlum

Grade: Justin McDonald