Many Happy Returns

Media Release

15 August 2008

Many Happy Returns

Five popular local television series will return to the screen thanks to NZ On Air funding announced this week.

“NZ On Air specialises in supporting local content that can’t be produced without our financial support,” says NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson.

“When series are enjoyed by audiences as much as these five have been, it’s a great return on investment,” she says.

The multi-award-winning TV3 drama Outrageous Fortune will return for a fifth season next year.

“This is a blockbuster,” Ms Wrightson said. “Outrageous Fortune has really found a place in the hearts of New Zealanders, and deservedly so. We are delighted to be able to keep it on air.”

Another popular programme set to return is TV2’s Eating Media Lunch. Five episodes of the satirical comedy featuring Jeremy Wells will screen later this year.

Three documentary series have also been renewed. TV3’s popular Money Man, and What’s Really In Our Food? provide useful, well-researched information in accessible way.

“And can you believe TV One’s Country Calendar is about to go into its 43rd year next year?” Ms Wrightson added. “An allocation just short of $400,000 will contribute to the production of a 26-week series in 2009. Outstanding!”

ENDS

Funding details:

Outrageous Fortune 5 $9,107,650
19 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV3
Producer: John Laing
South Pacific Pictures

Eating Media Lunch 8 $181,772
4 x ½ hour and 1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV2
Producers: Paul Casserly, Claire Logan
Great Southern Television

What’s Really In Our Food 2 $569,941
10 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV3
Executive Producers: Vincent Burke, Laurie Clarke
Top Shelf Productions

Money Man 4 $392,016
10 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV3
Producer: Ashley Stuart Coupland
Cream Media Ltd

Country Calendar 2009 $390,000
26 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producers: Julian O’Brien, Frank Torley
TVNZ Production Unit

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