TV pilot on Coast Guard to be filmed in Islands

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"U.S. Coast Guard: HI," a two-hour TV pilot drawing from the post-Sept. 11 headlines of waterway security and drama, is in pre-production here. Its executive producer, a former record industry veteran making his maiden voyage in TV and films, hopes to shop the show to the networks for an eventual primetime slot.

"This is our first TV show," said Stephen Brown, a former Californian who moved his family to Honolulu to form a TV and film production company, Milagro Entertainment, to launch the Coast Guard series and his career in TV and movies. He also is Milagro's chief executive officer.

"We wanted to develop a show for Hawai'i, to take advantage of the picturesque scenery, but we also think the elements of homeland security using the Coast Guard was a concept (worth pursuing)," said Brown.

Brown said his leading players will be cast on the Mainland, but opportunities will be available for local actors, particularly if the pilot is picked up as an ongoing series. Local casting details will be announced shortly.

He has had 10 years experience as a record industry producer and CEO and had produced music video and soundtracks for movies.