NZ On Air Greenlights Scripted Comedies And A Fan-favourite Crime Drama

A selection of big-name comedian-led Scripted comedies and a returning popular crime series have been given the go-ahead in the latest NZ On Air funding round.

The three comedies will see fresh new content fronted by some of Aotearoa’s most well-known comedians hit our screens, with broad appeal for both local and international audiences.

In total, $7.1m has been allocated for four Scripted projects in this round, with three of the projects looking to access additional finance including the Screen Production Rebate (SPR).

“The shows we have been able to fund in this round have strong local and international potential, and I think Kiwi audiences are really going to enjoy them,” says NZ On Air Acting Co-Head of Funding, Kelly Davis.

“The quality of the stories coming through is increasingly impressive and, alongside access to the SPR, local producers are continuing to find pathways to international co-production finance. It’s exciting to see.”

With NZ-UK-Australian distribution, NZ Spy is a fresh new comedic vehicle for Paul Williams, best known for his role as Jeremy Wells’ loyal assistant on Taskmaster NZ. Set in a 1970s-era New Zealand spy agency, the series follows the hunt for fresh recruits. However, things take a chaotic turn when a less-than-ideal candidate emerges as the country’s best hope of thwarting an attack from its biggest enemy—Australia. NZ Spy will screen on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.

Next, comedian Josh Thomson stars in the comedy Good Bones. For Sky Open, Neon and Sky Go, the inimitable Thomson plays a chronic procrastinator attempting to renovate a rundown house to save his marriage. But when his amateur handiwork uncovers an historic crime scene, he gets more DIY than he bargained for.

Settling is a South Pacific Pictures production for Three and ThreeNow, led by Pax Assadi and Hannah Marshall of Raised by Refugees’ fame. The romantic comedy series follows two disillusioned 30-somethings as they carry out their teenage pact – a platonic marriage – to satisfy family and society’s expectations.

And finally, the gripping crime drama A Remarkable Place to Die returns to TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ for a second season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Queenstown, the story follows Detective Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston Crayford) as she tackles complex cases. This series sees Mallory’s illicit inquiry into Maja Staunton’s death bind her police family closer together but also bring them into the crosshairs of Internal Affairs.

Funding Details

Note: All funding commitments are based on the funding applications received and must be contracted within a specified timeframe. Funding is only released, in stages, as contractual commitments are met. Funds committed but not contracted within the specified timeframe are written back and distributed in future funding rounds.

Settling, 6 x 23’, South Pacific Pictures for viewing on Three and ThreeNow, up to $3,150,000.

NZ Spy, 6 x 22’, Kevin and Co for viewing on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, up to $1,998,000.

Good Bones, 6 x 22’, Luminous Beast for viewing on Sky Open, Neon and Sky Go, up to $1,480,000.

A Remarkable Place to Die 2, 5 x 90 mins, Screentime NZ for viewing on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, up to $500,000.

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