TV Finalists In Qantas Film And Television Awards

Media release

Under strict embargo until Wednesday, 11 August 2010, 12:01 a.m.

Finalists In Television Categories For Qantas Film And Television Awards 2010 Announced

The finalists in 41 general television, news and current affairs, and documentary categories for this year’s Qantas Film and Television Awards were announced today.

New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council chief executive and awards organising committee co-chair, Rick Friesen, extended his warm congratulations to all the finalists.

Mr Friesen says the standard and number of entries in this year’s awards was very high, and reflects the quality of New Zealand’s television industry.

“The Qantas Film and Television Awards has grown into New Zealand’s most prestigious celebration of achievement in our local television industry. This year there were 490 entries for the 41 television categories and, as always, it was an extremely challenging job for the judges to select the 120 finalists.

“This year saw a diverse range of entries from across all the major television networks. The top three programmes receiving the highest number of finalist nominations - The Cult, Outrageous Fortune and Kaitangata Twitch - demonstrate the strength of our local programming across New Zealand's free to air channels.

The Awards programme is jointly organised by the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council.

The finalists in the film categories will be announced on Thursday, 12 August.

The Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards will be announced over an industry luncheon at the Auckland Town Hall on Friday, 17 September. The red carpet Qantas Film and Television Awards Gala will be held at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, 18 September, followed by the 42BELOW After Party at the Auckland Town Hall.

The public are also encouraged to get involved and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Details on how to vote can be found in New Idea magazine.

ENDS

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