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New Zealand producers get development funding for 10 TV dramas

NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission are funding the development of 10 drama series ideas with international and domestic appeal.

The initiative, Raupapa Whakaari Drama to the World, will support each writer/producer team to develop high-end scripted series with an initial grant of NZ$10,000.

Each team will attend a series drama lab held in conjunction with Script to Screen, where international advisers will give feedback on story and market to assist the teams to further develop their concepts and strengthen appeal to the international marketplace.

Following the lab and submission of the re-worked projects, four teams will be selected to receive additional development funding of up to NZ$80,000.

NZFC CEO Annabelle Sheehan said: “There really has never been a better time to tell stories than now, thanks to the global expansion of mega platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and now Disney with Disney+ and its takeover of Hulu this week.

“Drama to the World will support New Zealand writers and producers to develop distinctive projects and stand-out in a crowded global competitive landscape.”

NZ ON Air CEO Jane Wrightson added: “The incredibly high quality of the applications received spoke clearly of the depth and breadth of talent we have working in New Zealand.”

The 10 projects are:

(*Not Her Real Name) Pip Hall / Carmen J Leonard / Deborah Cope

All of Me Daniel Musgrove / Natalie Medlock / Shoshana McCallum / Peter Salmon

Chasing Pure Carey James Carter / Gavin Strawhan / Rachel Lang / Steven Ivan Zanoski

Dreamhunter Roxane Gajadhar / Angela Littlejohn

Drunk Poetry Briar Grace-Smith / Victor Roger / Desray Armstrong

O Donna Malane / Paula Boock / Carthew Neal

Rockburn Hannah Marshall / David de Lautour / Gareth Williams / Kelly Martin

Ruatoria Kath Akuhuta-Brown / Greg McGee / Philippa Rennie / Robin Scholes / Lee Tamahori

The Different Girl Alison Maclean / Philippa Campbell

The Harder They Fall Matthew Saville / Luke Sharpe / Gerard Johnstone