New Local Drama Set In Ponsonby

7 August 2005

New Local Drama Set In Ponsonby

TVNZ has given the green light to a new 12-part local drama set in Ponsonby in Auckland.

The multi-million dollar series – called Rude Awakenings – is the story of two families thrust into unwelcome intimacy through their tenant/ landlord relationship in neighbouring Ponsonby villas.

The usual sources of urban conflict are accentuated by perceived differences in wealth and class, and the whole package is complicated by the two teenage children of the warring families developing a keen interest in each other.

The series will be fully funded from money provided to TVNZ by the Government for the specific purpose of creating programmes that recognise the TVNZ Charter by reflecting New Zealand life and culture.

Rude Awakenings, written by Garth Maxwell and playwright Stephanie Johnson, is to be made by Michele Fantl and Garth Maxwell, through MF Films, with Chloe Smith as Executive Producer.

Garth Maxwell and Chloe Smith are well known in the industry through their connection with Hercules and Xena. Chloe Smith was the NZ producer of Hercules and Xena and Garth Maxwell directed more than 20 episodes of the shows. He also wrote and directed the cult horror feature 'Jack Be Nimble'. Michele Fantl produced Garth's feature film "When Love Comes".

'Rude Awakenings' will be casting shortly, and is expected to go to air next year.

Funding details:

Rude Awakenings $5,497,382 12 x 1 hour TV ONE Producer: Michele Fantl, Garth Maxwell MF Films

ENDS

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