NZ On Air Funds The Famous And Not-So Famous

New Zealanders who enjoy a diverse range of local television won’t be disappointed with the latest line-up of programmes being funded by NZ On Air.

The diversity extends from the Arts, featuring New Zealand musician Neil Finn in Finn for a Day; to pure family entertainment, with World Famous in New Zealand; to educational interest, featuring Kiwis and their body language in The Human Animal.

"NZ On air continually receives hundreds of applications to fund worthwhile television programmes that project a strong New Zealand flavour reflecting who we are and what we do, “ said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall.

"This latest round of funding allocations is no exception and we continue to feel encouraged and excited by the range of original material being produced for our television screens,” said Ms Tyndall.

Finn for a Day was shot during Neil Finn's recent New Zealand tour. During the trip, Finn put together a different band in each town using audition tapes submitted by local musicians. The resulting programme will be a montage of Finn, the chosen local band members, behind-the-scenes action and some segments from the actual gigs.

Local talent will also feature in World Famous in New Zealand, a family entertainment programme where ordinary New Zealanders will be invited to nominate their friends, towns and even themselves to appear on television. Television presenter and bungy founder A.J. Hackett, will host the series as it romps around New Zealand searching for local heroes, regional icons and great kiwi characters.

The characters of all Kiwis will be under scrutiny in The Human Animal, an educational and entertaining documentary special that will explore aspects of New Zealanders' behaviour such as body language. The aim of the show is to challenge viewers to take a closer look at themselves and others, to uncover the myriad of hidden messages that are communicated every day.

NZ On Air has allocated $80,079 to Top Shelf Productions to produce the one hour special of The Human Animal to be broadcast on TV2.

Producers of World Famous in New Zealand, Touchdown Productions, will receive $380,000 to produce 10 x ½ hour programmes to be broadcast on TV2.

Finn for a Day producers, Baldwin Productions, will receive $23,260 to produce a one hour special to be screened on TV One on Monday 4 June.

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