NZ On Air congratulates the local television production community on the top class local content they create.

The finalists for the NZ On Air Best Television Feature category at the NZ Film Awards have been revealed. This is a new category made possible by the unusually high number of quality television features.

“The finalist list reflects a significant investment by NZ On Air over the past couple of years in a number of ambitious one-off dramas and docu-dramas. This is world-beating content that has been appreciated by audiences and critics alike,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

“We set high expectations of our drama and docu-drama projects. The producers have exceeded those expectations with the top quality features recognised here,” she continued.

“In our 25th year, and against an onslaught of global content NZ On Air, together with the talented programme makers and broadcasters, is continuing to ensure local stories engage and stimulate audiences,” said Ms Wrightson.

Four of the five productions were supported from the Platinum Fund. The fifth was able to be supported from the general television fund. The annual budget for Platinum Fund programmes is $15 million.

The finalists for NZ On Air Best Television Feature are:

Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story, Desert Road for TV One (Platinum)
Erebus: Operation Overdue, Rogue Productions for TV One (Platinum)
The Kick, Great Southern Television for TV One
Field Punishment No 1, Lippy Pictures for TV One (Platinum)
Pirates of the Airwaves, Lippy Pictures for TV One (Platinum)

The winner will be announced at the NZ Film Awards on December 12.