Children a Priority for NZ On Air

June 18, 2001

Media Release

Children a Priority for NZ On Air

Children’s television continues to be a priority for NZ On Air with the announcement of funding for two new youth oriented projects, Tulevai and the Sea and Mai Time: Class Clowns

Tulevai and the Sea is the animated version of the much-loved story by New Zealand children's writer, Joy Cowley.

The tale is written in the style of a South Pacific legend and tells of Tulevai’s capture by the Sea and his mother's rescue of him.

Tulevai and the Sea is the third Joy Cowley story to be animated and, with Incredible Creature and The Orchard, will be broadcast together as a half hour programme.

While Tulevai and the Sea is aimed at younger television viewers, Mai Time: Class Clowns will appeal to those people of secondary school age, particularly those interested in stand-up comedy.

Class Clowns will feature as an episode in the Mai Time series and will follow a number of young people taking part in a secondary schools comedy competition, staged as part of the TV2 Laugh Festival. Professional comedians will work alongside the students to provide guidance, support and advice on their performances.

The competition featured in Class Clowns will culminate in the announcement of the winner of Best Young Face for Comedy for 2001.

NZ On Air has allocated $33,869 to TV2 to produce a one-hour special of Mai Time: Class Clowns for broadcast on TV2.

Tulevai and the Sea producer, Bob Stenhouse, will receive $43,650 to produce the seven minute animated children’s story to be broadcast on TV2.

Tulevai and the Sea $43,650
1 x 7 minute programme
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Bob Stenhouse

Mai Time: Class Clowns $33,869
1 x 1 hour comedy competition programme
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Greg Mayor, TV2

ENDS

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