Careless Begins Filming as Channel 4 Backs New International Thriller

Images: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has confirmed that filming is now under way on Careless, a four part thriller that promises a dark and unsettling character study. The drama is an original project from Australian broadcaster and streamer Stan, produced in association with Channel 4, Nine Network, All3Media International and Screen Scotland, with support from Screen NSW.

The series is led by Solly McLeod, best known for House of the Dragon, alongside Robyn Malcolm from After The Party, Katie Leung from Bridgerton and Richard Roxburgh, whose work includes Rake. They are joined by Mabel Li, Thomas Weatherall and Alison Peebles.

Careless comes from creator Helen Fitzgerald, the author of The Cry, working with writer Louise Fox of Broadchurch. Production is being handled by Easy Tiger Productions and Synchronicity Films, bringing together teams with strong track records in tense, character driven drama.

The story centres on Robbie, a Scottish backpacker played by McLeod, who arrives in Sydney with a clear goal. He wants to secure work as a live in carer for Mike, a notorious rock and roll figure portrayed by Roxburgh, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Robbie impresses at interview and lands the job, seemingly against the odds.

As time passes, Robbie becomes deeply embedded in Mike's world. He also grows close to Mike's wife Angela, played by Robyn Malcolm, acting as a confidante to both of them. What begins as an arrangement built on trust and dependency starts to shift, and it slowly becomes apparent that Robbie is carrying something from his past that could place both Mike and Angela in real danger.

The Stan Original Careless is currently filming across Sydney and Glasgow, reflecting the show's international scope and dual setting. Channel 4's involvement marks another high profile collaboration between UK and Australian broadcasters on premium scripted drama.