A six-hour television miniseries co-produced by Honolulu-based Hawai'i Film Partners will begin production here next month.

"twentysixmiles" will consist of six, one-hour shows and will be distributed by Showcase Entertainment. No network has committed to run the series, but the producers feel that based on a previous series they produced that "twentysixmiles" will be picked up.

"We believe that based on our success on 'Flight 29 Down' that we can produce a quality product that the networks will like," said Rann Watumull, who owns Hawai'i Film Partners with his wife, Gina. "That's why we're taking the risk to do it and we will be looking for a home for it on a variety of the networks."

Rob Miller of Tower 17 Productions is the co-producer in the project. Watumull said he hopes the shows will air this fall.

Watumull said filming for the six episodes will take about 10 weeks and involve a cast and crew of about 100. He said the lead roles likely will be filled by Mainland talent, but local people will be hired to fill out the remaining roles.

Although set on Catalina Island off California, Gina Watumull said she believes Hawai'i is the perfect place to film the shows.

"(We're) thrilled to take on the challenge of making Hawai'i double for Catalina Island," she said. "While we will be doing backgrounds and second unit on Catalina, we hope that our Hawai'i locations and style of filming will give the audience a seamless encounter."

"twentysixmiles" is about Jack Kincaid, a successful businessman and workaholic who does everything for his children. Suddenly, his wife leaves him and takes their two children to Catalina Island, 26 miles off the California coast.

The shows follow Kincaid as he sets off for Catalina to regain his life and happiness. Watumull characterized "twentysixmiles" as a family-oriented, comedy/drama.

He said the hope is that "twentysixmiles" will be picked up as a regular series.

"We're excited that we're giving opportunities for 100 jobs in this area, we're giving local people great opportunities to be in the crew and also to be in the cast," Watumull said. "It's something that's going to be fun and interesting and hopefully will have a wide audience."

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.