Funding for Popular Comedy and Children's Shows

16 November 2005

Media Release

Funding for Return of Popular Comedy and Children’s Programmes

New Zealand television’s comedy hit, bro’Town, has been given funding for a third series.

The animated series, which follows the antics of five Auckland teenagers, has just completed a second run. Its stand-out success, especially with young people, has given NZ On Air the confidence to contribute $1,800,000 towards the cost of a third series of seven programmes.

Acting Chief Executive, Bernard Duncan, said recent NZ On Air research into audience attitudes to comedy confirmed that bro’Town has broken new ground.

“It has had quite an impact on New Zealanders’ belief that our writers and producers can create funny, well-made local comedy,” said Mr Duncan.

“In an essay competition NZ On Air recently ran for school students bro’Town was a very popular target for praise, criticism and analysis. It was evident our teenagers love characters, storylines, accents and jokes that reflect New Zealand culture.”

Five consistently well-liked children’s television series return to TV2 next year with funding totalling $6,556,486. They include What Now?, on-air now for 24 years, Studio 2, Mai Time, Stage Challenge and Squirt. Squirt will undergo a makeover for the new season.

NZ On Air audience research shows that more than three quarters of people surveyed said it is important to fund local children’s programmes. As well, these programmes are watched in six out of ten households, significantly more than a year ago.

“New Zealand is very fortunate to have a number of highly experienced producers who encourage children’s participation, creativity and learning. The loyal following proves local shows are relevant to our children’s lives and interests,” Mr Duncan said.

“The long-running What Now? has continued to have appeal. In recent research it was named the second most watched programme NZ On Air funds,”

bro’Town, along with the five children’s television projects funded in the latest round, will ensure there is plenty for children and teenagers, with comedy, magazine style shows, viewer interaction, music, arts, animation and general knowledge.

ENDS

This media release is available on the Internet at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Funding details:

bro’Town $1,800,000
7 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TV3
Producer: Elizabeth Mitchell
Firehorse Films

What Now? $2,500,000
40 x 2 hours
Broadcaster: TVNZ
Producer: Janine Morrell
What Now Ltd

Studio 2 $1,735,956
208 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TVNZ
Producer: Annette McFadyen
Taylormade/TVNZ

Squirt $1,261,167
40 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TVNZ
Producer: Dayle Spavins
Taylormade Media

Mai Time $802,488
40 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TVNZ
Producer: Anahera Higgins
TVNZ

Stage Challenge $256,875
6 x ½ hour
Broadcaster: TVNZ
Producer: Janine Morrell
Whitebait TV

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