Show And Tell Musical Talent

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New Zealanders will get a rare behind-the-stage-door glimpse of our rising classical singers and contemporary talent in two new music documentaries.

NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall, announced Op' Stars and The Big Time as winners in the latest round of funding for television programmes featuring arts, culture and performance.

"Op' Stars follows our young divas and dons through the gruelling stages of the recently held Mobil Song Quest 2000," said Ms Tyndall.

"It's about hopes and dreams, success and failure, drama, passion, disappointment and triumph. The television documentary will have all the ingredients of the actual event. "

Op' Stars will follow 12 semi-finalists from initial audition, to the selection of six finalists and on to the final moment of the contest and aftermath. It is an intimate view of a diverse cast of characters whose common link is their talent, passion and desire to succeed.

The winner of the 2000 Mobil Song Quest receives a $10,000 cash prize and study scholarship of up to $15,000 plus international air travel. Not to mention the prestige that helped launch past winners Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Christopher Doig and Jonathan Lemalu.

NZ On Air has allocated $85,000 to Gibson Group to produce the one hour programme to be screened on TV One later this year.

The Big Time is another programme based around New Zealand performers, this time aimed at giving popular music an airing.

"It's a series that gives new talent the opportunity to `get a break'. Last year, with NZ On Air support, Pop Stars inspired many girls and young women to look at a career in music. The Big Time will do the same for a wider range of performers, " said Ms Tyndall.

Ten excited contenders will go through the audition, training and re-audition process in a behind-the-scenes frenzy as they vie for a place in the annual Christmas in the Park event. Seasoned campaigner Frankie Stevens encourages the wannabes through their rehearsals, towards the ultimate prize.

The best four acts will perform in Christmas in the Park at Auckland's Domain before an expected live audience of over 200,000. The performance will feature as the culmination of the television series.

"If there are stars to be born, this is where it will happen. And The Big Time will have helped get them there," Ms Tyndall said.

NZ On Air has allocated $240,758 funding to Communicado to produce six half hour programmes, to be screened later this year.

ENDS

For further information:

Jo Tyndall

Chief Executive

NZ On Air

Tel: (04) 382 9524

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

Op' Stars

1 x 1 hour programme $85,000

Broadcaster: TV One

Producer: Gordon Harcourt, Gibson Group

The Big Time

6 x hour performance series $240,758

Broadcaster: TV Two

Producer: Michael Hockley, Communicado

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