Writers Question Lack Of Factual Category In New Television Awards
Friday 24 June 2005
Press release by the New Zealand Writers Guild
The New Zealand Writers Guild today questioned the lack of a factual script writing category in the recently announced
Television Awards. The Awards, organised by the NZ Television Broadcasters' Council, contain only one writing award -
for non-factual script writing.
"Almost all television is scripted in some form or other - including fact based television," said Guild acting Executive
Director Dominic Sheehan. "Factual programmes such as documentaries, magazine and lifestyle shows and even reality shows
are all ultimately script or story based. This work is often overlooked, but like any television, good writing is
essential to the success of fact based shows."
Sheehan pointed out that the Awards do recognise the work of directors in both factual and non-factual shows. "It seems
anomalous to suggest that non-drama shows are directed but not written."
Sheehan applauded the Council for wanting to celebrate New Zealand television but noted that these Awards are out of
step with similar overseas models, like the American Emmys and Canadian Geminis. "Everyone else presents awards for
non-dramatic writing. Good fact based script writing is a specific skill and our local writers deserve to be
acknowledged for their work."
ENDS