New stories on screen for audiences of all ages and interest

13 December 2016

New stories on screen for audiences of all ages and interests

A new children’s drama series, a family feature film, and a returning favourite series are set to bring more diverse stories to local TV screens.

For children and young teens, new drama series Wilde Ride is the story of a young girl raised in a wealthy horse-loving family who is taken in by Westie relatives after she is orphaned. Suddenly she is adjusting to a whole new world of dirt bike racing and new relationships. The Platinum fund series will screen On Demand and on TVNZ 2.

Also for family viewing is a feature length story inspired by a true-life heroic rescue of a beloved dog. Herbert: The Brave Sea Dog is a story of friendship and adventure, based on the true events of the daring rescue of a dog swept off a yacht at French Pass at the tip of the Marlborough Sounds.

And amateur sleuths will welcome the return of the classic Kiwi murder-mystery series The Brokenwood Mysteries on Prime. The small town with the highest murder rate in the country but beautiful scenery and committed cops is back on screens for a fourth season.

Also back on TV3 in 2017 will be the scripted comedy Funny Girls for a third season and local comedians will be in the spotlight in Comedy Gala.

“We are delighted to have a new drama series and a feature length production for young audiences who we know appreciate local stories. Stories by and about New Zealanders are important to our cultural connection, especially for children,” said Jane Wrightson Chief Executive of NZ On Air.

Funding details:

The Brokenwood Mysteries 4, 4 x 2 hrs, South Pacific Pictures for Prime, $3,636,000
Wilde Ride, 6 x 30mins, Tomorrowland for TVNZ 2, $974,798
Funny Girls 3, 6 x ½ hr, MediaWorks TV for TV3, $394,587
Herbert: The Brave Sea Dog, 1 x 2hrs, Virtue Entertainment for TVNZ 2, $199,999
Comedy Gala 2017, 2 x 1hr, MediaWorks TV for TV3, $114,164

ends

© Scoop Media