Feeding the Documentary Habit
Hot on the heels of new research that shows 90% of New Zealanders regularly watch locally made television documentaries,
NZ On Air has approved funding for almost 40 hours of new documentaries, set to hit our screens in coming months.
"This year’s NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor has told us once again how well New Zealanders love these
programmes," said NZ On Air Deputy Chief Executive, Bernard Duncan. "And the proposals that have been given the nod this
time look set to deliver excellent viewing.
“The development of our updated documentary strategy in the past year or so through consultation with the industry and
the audience has given us a clear steer on what sort of documentaries we should be supporting,” he said.
At its October meeting, the NZ On Air Board approved funding for three documentary series on TV One – the acclaimed
Documentary New Zealand series – and new strands, ONE Life and New Zealand Stories. Funding has also been allocated to
an eight part documentary strand for screening on TV2.
"There is a real appetite for New Zealand’s stories to be told – and told well – through documentary," said Mr Duncan.
“Funding these documentary strands allows us to take a flexible approach, along with the broadcasters, to the
programmes’ subjects, and how the programmes can best be delivered.“
Another three documentary proposals have also been given the green light, and in each case the stories of exceptional
New Zealanders will be celebrated.
"Six-part series Extraordinary Kiwis will provide an insight into the life of a variety of New Zealanders, both famous,
and lesser known, literally following each one through a typical day,” Mr Duncan said. “It’s scheduled to screen on
Prime TV next year.
“A one and a half hour programme, Offerings to the Gods of Speed II, promises a Kiwi ‘can-do’ story that shows two
well-known New Zealanders fulfilling their dreams.
"And Great Escapes will bring alive the stories of seven brave New Zealanders who faced the horror of World War II, and
lived to tell of their heart-stopping escape stories," said Mr Duncan. “Offerings to the Gods of Speed and Great Escapes
will both screen on TV One.”
Funding details:
Great Escapes $366,625 7 x ½ hour Broadcaster: TV One Producer: Gary
Scott Gibson Group
Offerings to the Gods of Speed II $110,000 1 x 1½ hour Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Ian Taylor Taylormade Media
Extraordinary Kiwis $105,408 6 x ½ hour Broadcaster: PRIME TV
Producer: Liz MacLean Execam TV & Video
TV One Documentary Series 2005 $2,185,000 23 x 1 hour Broadcaster: TV One Producer: Various
TV2 Documentary Strand III $760,000 8 x 1 hour Broadcaster: TV2 Various