MediaWorks TV has announced it has commissioned a prequel to the top-rating local drama series Outrageous Fortune which will screen on TV3.
Produced by South Pacific Pictures and created by Rachel Lang and James Griffin (Outrageous Fortune) the NZ on Air funded six-part series which has the working title West Side Story, will commence production in October.
The series will be set in the 1970s against a backdrop of real-life historical events and will tell the story of legendary safe cracker and career criminal Ted West, his wife Rita and their son Wolfgang.
TV3 Head of Commissioning and External Production, Sue Woodfield, says: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the iconic West family and friends back to TV3. Outrageous Fortune provided some of the best moments on New Zealand television and we’re sure our viewers will be as excited as we are about this project.”
South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive, Kelly Martin adds: “Ten years ago – almost to the day – I recall the excitement at TV3 when the first series of Outrageous Fortune was green lit and it was a thrill to watch that show grow to become both beloved and acclaimed. Everyone at SPP is looking forward to taking fans back to where it all began – actually… to before it all began!”
Casting of the series is yet to be announced.