The Brand New with the Tried-and-Almost-True
NZ On Air's August funding decisions will see almost $7 million invested in a range of locally produced television drama
that includes the return of a popular Mâori supernatural series, alongside two feature films and a new drama series
revolving around the lives of six seemingly disparate characters.
"The Insiders' Guide to Happiness and Prosperity is an exciting new series that's full of twists and turns," said NZ On
Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall. "The premise is intriguing and entertaining, and the characters are very believable.
The idea comes from a bright new writing talent, Peter Cox, who's fresh out of a creative writing course at Victoria
University. From NZ On Air's perspective, that adds to the anticipation.
"Another story that will be sure to grip New Zealand television watchers is Spooked. It's a conspiracy thriller,
inspired by a true story, about a computer dealer who happens upon some information that he comes to wish he hadn't.
Accomplished director, Geoff Murphy – who also wrote the screenplay – has made sure there's a good twist to this tale,"
she said.
The August NZ On Air meeting also approved funding for a third series of the critically acclaimed Mâori drama, Mataku.
"We are delighted with the success of Mataku," said Ms Tyndall. "It created a buzz when it first appeared on screen, and
at the New Zealand Television Awards a couple of weeks ago it took away four awards. It's great to be able to support
another series.
"And on a less spooky note, we'll be contributing funding towards a feature film set in Auckland's Samoan community, and
featuring the talents of the comedy group, Naked Samoans. Sione's Wedding is an engaging drama that is uniquely New
Zealand, and we're certain it will strike a chord with anyone who has behaved badly at a wedding, or suffered the
results of someone else behaving badly.
"All in all that's a strong line up, " Ms Tyndall said, "and it's a huge contribution to NZ On Air's drama stable for
the year."
This media release is available on the Internet at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz
Funding details:
The Insiders' Guide to Happiness and Prosperity $4,823,000 13 x 1 hour Broadcaster: TV2 Producer: Dave
Gibson/Jan Haynes The Gibson Group
Spooked $ 300,000 1 x 2 hour Broadcaster: TV3 Producer: Don
Reynolds/Merata Mita/Geoff Murphy Silverscreen Films/Ora Digital
Mataku III up to $1,487,500 7 x ½ hour Broadcaster: TV ONE
Producer: Carey Carter/Brad Haami 4 Winds Films
Sione's Wedding $ 300,000 1 x 2 hour Broadcaster: TV3 Producer: James
Griffin/John Barnett South Pacific Pictures