More creative new local content for TV and online audiences

More creative new local content for TV and online audiences

As audiences in New Zealand continue to look around on new platforms for content, NZ On Air funding is moving with them.

A TV programme for children with an online component, and comedy series both for television and the web are new projects funded in the latest decisions from NZ On Air.

An inspiring new pre-school series, Māia The Brave, will mix live action and animation to engage children with stories that empower them to overcome their fears. With the help of respected animators Mukpuddy Animation, the producers will create a world where children learn how to deal with difficult situations. The TV2 programme will be complimented with online interaction to allow children to be more involved.

A new comedy documentary series, presented by comedian Leigh Hart will take viewers around the country, as Hart performs as a “one man multi media machine”. Hartland is a satirical view of life in New Zealand today – a ‘kiwi as’ show for the video on demand site WatchMe on NZME.

Meanwhile, not-just-for-the-girls comedy show Funny Girls will return to the TV3 Fridaynight line up after a successful debut season in 2015. As well as meeting critical acclaim, the programme is providing a talent development opportunity for women in comedy.

And the teen music talent search Smokefree Rockquest will return, this time airing direct to a music audience on The Edge TV, with a repeat on TV3 and webisodes shared on social media.

“While the largest audiences are still on linear television, we are increasingly looking for projects that also engage online audiences. This is especially important for younger audiences,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

“At the end of the day the content must be engaging and reflect us as New Zealanders – no matter where it is viewed. These projects all do this for different audiences.”

Funding details

Māia The Brave, 20 x 10 mins, Pickled Possum Productions for TV2, $495,426

Funny Girls 2, 6 x 30mins, MediaWorks TV for TV3, $366,432

Smokefree Rockquest 2016, 4 x 30 mins & 1 x 60 mins, Commotion for The Edge TV,$319,050

Hartland, 10 x 15 mins, NZME for NZME, $149,156

ends

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