NZ On Air Feeds the Documentary Habit

Feeding the Documentary Habit

Hot on the heels of new research that shows 90% of New Zealanders regularly watch locally made television documentaries, NZ On Air has approved funding for almost 40 hours of new documentaries, set to hit our screens in coming months.

"This year’s NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor has told us once again how well New Zealanders love these programmes," said NZ On Air Deputy Chief Executive, Bernard Duncan. "And the proposals that have been given the nod this time look set to deliver excellent viewing.

“The development of our updated documentary strategy in the past year or so through consultation with the industry and the audience has given us a clear steer on what sort of documentaries we should be supporting,” he said.

At its October meeting, the NZ On Air Board approved funding for three documentary series on TV One – the acclaimed Documentary New Zealand series – and new strands, ONE Life and New Zealand Stories. Funding has also been allocated to an eight part documentary strand for screening on TV2.

"There is a real appetite for New Zealand’s stories to be told – and told well – through documentary," said Mr Duncan. “Funding these documentary strands allows us to take a flexible approach, along with the broadcasters, to the programmes’ subjects, and how the programmes can best be delivered.“

Another three documentary proposals have also been given the green light, and in each case the stories of exceptional New Zealanders will be celebrated.

"Six-part series Extraordinary Kiwis will provide an insight into the life of a variety of New Zealanders, both famous, and lesser known, literally following each one through a typical day,” Mr Duncan said. “It’s scheduled to screen on Prime TV next year.

“A one and a half hour programme, Offerings to the Gods of Speed II, promises a Kiwi ‘can-do’ story that shows two well-known New Zealanders fulfilling their dreams.

"And Great Escapes will bring alive the stories of seven brave New Zealanders who faced the horror of World War II, and lived to tell of their heart-stopping escape stories," said Mr Duncan. “Offerings to the Gods of Speed and Great Escapes will both screen on TV One.”

Funding details:

Great Escapes $366,625 7 x ½ hour Broadcaster: TV One Producer: Gary Scott Gibson Group

Offerings to the Gods of Speed II $110,000 1 x 1½ hour Broadcaster: TV One Producer: Ian Taylor Taylormade Media

Extraordinary Kiwis $105,408 6 x ½ hour Broadcaster: PRIME TV Producer: Liz MacLean Execam TV & Video

TV One Documentary Series 2005 $2,185,000 23 x 1 hour Broadcaster: TV One Producer: Various

TV2 Documentary Strand III $760,000 8 x 1 hour Broadcaster: TV2 Various

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