Fans of Nothing Trivial will finally get some answers – NZ On Air has agreed to fund a two-hour tele-feature to wrap up the series, after series three ended unexpectedly on a cliff-hanger.
NZ On Air will provide $1.6million for the tele-feature which will trace the lives of the popular characters over a year. Produced by South Pacific Pictures, it is expected to screen on TV One later this year.
“The storylines, acting and production values on Nothing Trivial were terrific. We have supported this tele-feature because there was still a loyal fan base of 265,000 throughout the third series, and we think they deserve the catharsis of a conclusion,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.
Viewers had been left hanging about whether central character Catherine was dead or alive.
“We think it's important to encourage top quality local drama projects. A conclusion may also make the possibility of overseas sales of the series more viable,” said Ms Wrightson.
A second dramatic tele-feature funded in this round will re-tell one of this country’s more bizarre crime cases. The ‘truth-is-stranger-than-fiction’ story Operation Venus and Mars dramatises the true story of Palmerston North cop Brent Garner, who faked a satanic attack on himself as part of an elaborate insurance scam. He was found out thanks to great detective work by a mate.
“We think viewers can’t help but be riveted by such an incredible story. We look forward to seeing how Screentime translates it to the screen,” said Ms Wrightson.
Funding details
Nothing Trivial Tele-feature, 1 x 2 hrs, South Pacific Pictures for TV One, $1,611,635
Operation Venus And Mars, 1 x 2hrs, Screentime New Zealand for TV One, $2,648,397