NZ On Air Turns On The Music

Fans of New Zealand music and entertainment should hold on for an exciting ride next season, as NZ On Air funds three programmes with a pop music focus.

NZ on Air funding will bring the return of the popular Squeeze and Space programmes, and the introduction of a new feature, Mai Live Bands – Best of, according to NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall.

“The three programmes are focused on promoting the New Zealand music scene which is a high priority for NZ On Air,” she said.

Over the past three years, Squeeze, presented by Francesca Rudkin, has earned a reputation for being synonymous with the New Zealand music scene. The new series will follow local bands on tour, visiting some of the country’s smaller towns and meeting a variety of musicians.

Space is another programme with its sights set on local and international music. Initially a sister programme to Squeeze, Space has grown into a youth-focused music, entertainment and arts programme in its own right. The new season of Space will include reviews of the latest CDs, books, magazines, web-sites, videos and movies.

A third music programme will join the new season line-up, adding even greater television exposure for home-grown contemporary music.

“Over the past five years, the Mai Time television slot has built up a substantial archive of original New Zealand music,“ said Ms Tyndall.

“NZ On Air is pleased to fund the programme Mai Live Bands – Best of, which is a compilation of music from Mai Time. The series is targeted at teenagers and has a strong orientation towards Maori and Pacific Island youth.

NZ On Air has allocated $33,682 to Greg Mayor, of TVNZ, to produce eight, one hour programmes of Mai Live Bands – Best of, which will screen on TV2 later this year.

Space producer, Satellite Pictures, has been allocated $678,965 to produce 35 one and a half hour entertainment programmes, scheduled to be broadcast on TV2 next year.

Squeeze will also screen on TV2 next year. Satellite Pictures will receive $270,647 funding from NZ On Air to produce 35 half-hour music programmes.

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

Mai Live Bands – Best Of $33,682
8 x 1 hour arts/culture/performance
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Greg Mayor, TVNZ

Squeeze $270,647
35 x ½ hour music series
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Sam Blackley, David Rose, Satellite Pictures

Space $678,965
35 x 1½ hr live music series
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Sam Blackley, Satellite Pictures

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