There will be lots to laugh about next year with two new and three returning television comedy series funded by NZ On Air.
In its latest funding decisions, NZ On Air has committed support for a new sketch comedy series that will give local female comedians a platform. Funny Girls will be written by and predominantly feature women. Made by Mediaworks it will screen on TV3.
The second new series is Word Up which will be made by South Pacific Pictures for TV One. With a quiz show format, three comedian-led teams will compete for laughs.
NZ On Air will also fund new seasons of the popular 7 Days and Jono And Ben At Ten on TV3 and Best Bits on TV One.
“Locally made comedy is performing well on TV right now. We are happy to see new concepts coming through, as well as continuing to support existing series that have built faithful audiences. In particular it is good to see a show specifically written for our excellent female comedians,” says Ms Wrightson.
Funding details
Jono And Ben At Ten, 26 x 30 mins, MediaWorks TV for TV3, $1,326,135
7 Days 2015, 32 x 30 mins, Mediaworks TV for TV3, $947,692
Best Bits 3, 13 x 30 mins, The Downlow concept for TV One, $357,502
Word Up, 13 x 30 mins, South Pacific Pictures for TV One, $337,265
Funny Girls, 6 x 30 mins, Mediaworks TV for TV3, $278,997