Funny Bone Binge For Local TV Audiences

Media Release From Nz On Air

NZ On Air is funding two new comedy programmes in a funny bone binge that shows Kiwi comedy is coming of age.

“Our research tells us that New Zealanders favour local comedy that is ad-libbed and incidental to the action, rather than scripted,“ said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall. “We are supporting these programmes in response to this demand.”

One programme that won’t be scripted will be The Great Comic Debate, a new take on the tried and true debate format.

A two team line up will include some of New Zealand’s most articulate debaters and comedians who will battle out current issues in a familiar debate style.

“The Great Comic Debate is a pilot programme for other televised debates that may be filmed in regional centres. The pilot will be held in Auckland,” said Ms Tyndall.

“This is an opportunity to make the tricky business of comedy successful in primetime and we’re looking forward to seeing the results flow on to regional New Zealand.”

Still in Auckland, the popular stand-up comedy series Pulp Comedy makes a return, recorded at the Powerstation and hosted once again by Mike King.

The previous five series have brought together the talents of over 80 stand-up comedians, many of whom had never been on television before, and those who have gone on to forge careers in comedy.

“We’ve seen Pulp Comedy emerge as a training ground for television comedy talent and our research shows us that New Zealanders appreciate this wide range of performers and styles,” Ms Tyndall said.

NZ On Air has allocated $257,475 to Phoenix Television to produce 13 half hour episodes of Pulp Comedy VI. The series will be screened on TV2 early next year.

Imagination Television has been allocated $98,560 for the production of The Great Comic Debate, to screen in prime time on TV3.

ends

For further information:
Jo Tyndall
Chief Executive
NZ On Air
Tel: (04) 382 9524

This media release is available on the Internet, at
http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Pulp Comedy V $257,475
13 x ½ hour series
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Mandy Toogood, Simon Sinclair of Phoenix
Television

The Great Comic Debate $98,560
1 x 1 hour programme
Broadcaster: TV3
Producer: Bettina Hollings, Imagination Television

© Scoop Media