Seasonal shows and arts events secure funding

Media Release for immediate distribution
22 June 2009

Seasonal shows and arts events secure funding

The televising of several arts events and festive specials, plus a well-loved children’s TV series have all received the go ahead from NZ On Air in their latest round of funding decisions.

The Montana World of Wearable Arts (WOW) has grown from small beginnings in Nelson to become a huge annual extravaganza. As well as capturing highlights of the 2-hour performance, the TV show will also look at the impact WOW has had on Wellington, New Zealand and the world.

“This year the show is being supported by Prime and will air in a prime time slot in November,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Another fashion spectacular, Style Pasifika 2009, will broadcast on TVNZ. The show features highlights of the Westfield Pasifika Fashion Awards, held at the Vector arena. The event began as a West Auckland community initiative and is now a vibrant fusion of music, culture, dance and modern and traditional fashion.

“Style Pasifika is a celebration of New Zealand’s cultural diversity and creativity. It brings a Pacific flavour to our screen and reflects the colourful make-up of our community,” said Ms Wrightson.

The Christmas schedule is starting to take shape with two very different carol concerts. A Country Calendar special Carols in the Caves will feature a choral performance by King Country choir in the Cathedral of Waitomo’s Glow worm caves. The programme will also profile the choir members’ daily rural lives.

“We believe this is a novel approach to creating a Christmas special for the consistently high rating Country Calendar,” said Jane Wrightson.

A Festival of Nice Lessons and Carols filmed at Christchurch Cathedral strikes a more traditional note. The 90-minute show to be shown on TV One will also feature different churches in the region.

For the younger audience, a fourth series of the popular Let’s Get Inventin’ and a one hour documentary on the National Secondary School Songwriting Competition, Play it Strange, have both been given the green light.

Funding Details

Montana World of Wearable Arts (WOW) / $140,983
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: Prime
Producer: Richard Hansen
Media Inc Ltd

Style Pasifika 2009 / $170,000
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Julie Smith & Stan Wolfgramm
Drum Productions

Carols in the Caves / $57,561
1 x 1 hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Julian O’Brien
TVNZ

A Festival of Nice Lessons and Carols / $159,641
1 x 1½ hour
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Robert Hagen
Arts & Entertainment Productions

Let’s Get Inventin’ / $378,898
10 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV2
Producer: Luke Nola & Claire Logan

Play it Strange / $134,868
1 x 1 hour + 4 x 3 min videos
Broadcaster: TVWorks
Producer: Stephen McQuillan
Isola Productions Ltd

ENDS

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