NZ On Air will make a significant investment in a fresh new drama series screening two nights a week in prime time.
Filthy Rich will follow the lives of three young people who find they are the illegitimate off-spring of one of New Zealand’s wealthiest men. He’s just died and they stand to share in his fortune – but not if his legitimate family have anything to do with it.
The new drama will be made by a new production company, Filthy Productions, for TV2 as 20 one hour episodes. Helmed by respected writer/producers Rachel Lang and Gavin Strawhan (Outrageous Fortune and Go Girls) the series will be produced by Steven Zanoski (Shortland Street).
“Multi-night formats are currently drawing strong audiences. Prime time drama is one of our key goals and one we are prepared to make significant investment in when the right projects come along,” says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.
NZ On Air’s contribution to the project will be just over $8 million. Due to careful budget planning, the cost per hour is less than the majority of series drama funded in recent years.
“In an environment where it is cheaper to buy overseas content, our role is to preserve a space on local screens for local stories. The multi-night approach is cost-effective on a per hour basis, and more frequent installments should result in higher audience engagement,” says Ms Wrightson.
Funding details
Filthy Rich, 20 x 1 hr, Filthy Productions for TV2, $8,125,000