Interrogation is Prime's first foray into the important world of local drama and by all accounts a powerful one. The 13-part series, produced by South Pacific Pictures, explores the emotional impact crime has on both its victims and the police. Set predominantly in the claustrophobic surrounds of a police interrogation room, this show is driven by strong performances - I wanted to meet the actors responsible for bringing justice.

I had been summoned, ironically, to a cramped bar on Fort Lane in Auckland mere metres from a downtown police station. Barely avoiding a strip search at the door (maybe next time), I sidle into what seems like a glitzy media event, but no, the fine tailored suits, lip gloss and martinis are just a cover. Underneath it all the actors are reeling from the trauma of playing cops exposed to New Zealand's criminal underbelly.

Scott Wills, perhaps best known for his role in the movie Stickmen, pulls me aside and explains what he went through before filming began for Interrogation. "I hung out with cops from the Auckland Central CIB unit to research my role," he says. "These guys have seen almost everything but they still have a lot of compassion and enjoyment for their job... I had to ride in their cars and listen to their jokes. They're funny but, it's a very black humour." No doubt.

As it happens humour is an important cover for Interrogation's core talent Luanne Gordon who is probably emotionally wrought inside. We meet over tuna: "I'm starving, I'll have two (two pieces not two whole tunas)," she says delicately filling her mouth.

For her new role on Interrogation the former star of The Strip has reinvented herself as a badass cop, and it shows. Before long Luanne is interrogating me with my pen and notepad, obviously forming an in-depth character profile. Shortly after, she offers me a quick lesson in interrogation: "You should check my handbag for incriminating evidence." I oblige and discover, among everyday handbag items, "health" pills and, what, a can of tuna - I knew being in a crime drama was taking its toll.

Putting on brave faces also are John Leigh (formerly Shortland Street's Lionel), Miriama McDowell and newcomer Brian Sagala who's biggest claim until now was being Dei Hamo's cousin. Sagala has an enthusiasm that is contagious and with six kids and a wife of 10 years at home, believes his everyday life and his acting life are two different worlds. "This doesn't feel real to me," he says looking around the busy room - with interrogating eyes everywhere, I know what he means.

Peter Elliot and Jay Bunyan (former Neighbours star) are also working the room but this time our paths don't cross. Instead, Scott Wills returns with more words of wisdom. Wills thinks Interrogation will become the jewel in Prime's crown even though the programme's budget is, according to him, only a third of what Outrageous Fortune got. "Each episode of CSI takes five weeks to shoot and costs $3 million. We take five days to shoot an ep and it costs us 20 bucks." I think he's a little delusional - it must be all that stress he's covering up. I leave him to clean up on the pool table.

Interrogation promises to be a gritty, intense drama that New Zealanders can be proud of - it certainly has all the credentials. As Miriama McDowell points out keenly, Prime's new local drama features, "the best New Zealand talent." Other renowned actors set to make a guest appearance include Joel Tobeck, Tim Balme, Anthony Starr, Claire Chitham, Ian Hughes and Blair Strang.

Premieres on Wednesday, August 31 at 8.30pm on Prime