NZ On Air Goes Platinum

Media Release for immediate distribution

15 December 2009

NZ On Air Goes Platinum

NZ On Air today announced investments in four significant new television programmes intended for screening in 2010. These projects are supported from the Platinum Fund, the contestable fund created earlier this year for high quality television programming.

Two long-form dramas, a documentary series, and a TV special have been supported, all for prime time screening.

The new projects are:

Tangiwai - a long-form prime time drama for TV One. The story of the Tangiwai train disaster is told through a love story embodying the hope and courage of post-war New Zealand. From the makers of this year’s award-winning Sunday Drama, Until Proven Innocent. Producers Donna Malane, Paula Boock. $2,736,740.

Stolen - a prime time telefeature for TV3 also based on a true story. Producers South Pacific Pictures from a script by Tim Balme. $1,678,000.

Rivers with Craig Potton - an 8 x half hour prime time documentary series for Prime TV. Stories of eight New Zealand rivers through the eyes of one of New Zealand’s most respected photographers Producers South Pacific Pictures. $762,000.

Facing Facts - Tamariki Ora: A New Beginning - a 3 hour prime time special for Māori Television. An examination of violence towards children in New Zealand, seeking positive strategies to help change. Producers Māori Television, EP Carol Hirschfeld. $328,247.

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said the NZ On Air Board was particularly impressed with the calibre of these proposals, all of which will make an important contribution to local content on screen next year. “Each project is ambitious in its own way. None would have been able to be supported without the resources of the Platinum Fund,” she said.

These projects join the four that have already received support from the Platinum Fund - current affairs series Q&A 2010 for TV One, The Nation for TV3, arts documentary Canvassing The Treaty for Māori Television, and four historical docu-dramas for TV One (still in the process of selection after a competitive tender).

Ms Wrightson noted that $10.3m (68.6%) of the Platinum Fund has now been committed. The remainder of the Fund is likely to be used to support projects now in development. Further decisions will be made in 2010.

Other recent funding decisions are also now available to view on the website www.nzonair.govt.nz

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