Media Release
28 April 2008
Trouble in Paradise
A television breakthrough made possible with funding from NZ On Air has seen Wellington production company Gibson Group
broker a deal to co-produce a new children’s drama to screen on TV2, as well as on the BBC.
“It’s an exciting development,” said NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson. “Paradise Café is set in Rarotonga, and
the key creative talent is from New Zealand.
“We have a strong commitment to supporting locally-produced children’s drama, and the reality is that it simply wouldn’t
be made without the help of NZ On Air funding.”
The series features New Zealand actors and writers, and will be made jointly with UK producers Initial, part of the
Endemol group.
“What we have here is a fabulous opportunity to showcase New Zealand talent, and the beauty of the South Pacific to a
local and international audience,” Ms Wrightson said.
“It’s a great story about of a bunch of young friends running a beach café, who unwittingly let loose a group of sea
ghosts that cause an environmental disaster,” she said. “A classic tale of teenagers facing trouble and saving a
tropical paradise. Plot twists and turns aplenty. Just what the doctor ordered!”
ENDS
This media release is available on the Internet at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz
Funding details:
Paradise Café $2,675,995
13 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Dave Gibson, Christopher Pilkington
Gibson Group