Production Begins on Season 2 of the Acclaimed Web Series
The Runner
Directed by Canadian Screen Award Nominee Ant Horasanli
Photo: Stillgrab from The Runner – Actor Charles-Hugo Desrochers, who plays Ollie
The Runner Season 2 – Official Trailer
Shooting September 6 – 18, 2024 – in Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario
PRESS RELEASE
N5 Pictures announces the start of production on the highly anticipated second season of The Runner, the critically acclaimed web series that has captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of loyalty, love, and betrayal in the seedy underworld of Toronto.
Building on the success of its first season, The Runner S2 delves deeper into the dark corners of the Greater Toronto Area, introducing new characters and expanding the narrative scope.
The series is once again directed by Ant Horasanli, who earned a 2021 Canadian Screen Award nomination for The Runner S1 for Best Direction in a Web Program or Series. Horasanli is also known for the hit action web-series Petrol, which garnered multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations over its three seasons.
Season 1 of The Runner introduced viewers to Nate, a British ex-pat who, after a tragic personal loss, became entangled in Toronto’s criminal underworld. The season ended with Nate’s mysterious disappearance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Season 2 picks up the story, introducing Nate’s younger brother, Ollie (played by Charles-Hugo Desrochers), and his allies Scarlet and Rejean (Brad Kemayou). Together, they navigate the dangerous waters of organized crime, searching for answers about Nate’s fate.
With a 95% BIPOC cast and crew, The Runner continues its commitment to diversity both in front of and behind the camera. The production team includes Director of Photography Rangga Kusmalendra, Art Director Maria Helena, and Production Manager Aaron Owens.
Season 2 of The Runner is set to feature a dynamic array of locations across Toronto and Hamilton, with key scenes being filmed at Zen Lounge in Hamilton, a downtown Hamilton apartment complex, and Kensington Market in Toronto.
The first season of The Runner was produced with support from the Bell Fund and achieved significant success, including over $125,000 in sales revenue and half a million views on YouTube for its trailer and first episode. The series was widely recognized on the festival circuit, winning multiple international awards and earning critical acclaim.
With production financing from Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund, The Runner S2 is poised to elevate the series to new heights. The upcoming season will also launch on major OTT platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and more, thanks to a partnership with IndieStream.
Fans of gritty urban dramas like The Wire and Top Boy will not want to miss this thrilling continuation of the The Runner saga. Pre-production is now underway, and the team is excited to bring this next chapter to life.
Catch Up on Season 1 of The Runner here.