NZ On Air congratulates The Factory, the first of the Digital Media Fund's Kickstart projects, on its launch today.
This webisode series is inspired by the popular musical stage show of the same name from the acclaimed theatre company, Kila Kokonut Krew.
It follows the Saumalu family's quest to win a competition to find the best singing group within South Auckland factories. Integral to the project were the live auditions which sought talent, songs and stories for the series.
"This is a fantastic project that already has online followers checking out clips from the inventive audition process" says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson. "We are really looking forward to seeing this series unfold".
The cast is led by experienced actors and Kila Kokonut Krew founders Vela Manusaute and Anapela Polataivao. Nearly half the cast features discoveries from the public auditions held around Auckland
The series is written by writer and director Michael Bennett, directed by Joe Lonie, and produced by Robin Scholes and Janet McIver.
NZ On Air's Digital Media funding is typically directed at audiences who are less well served by mainstream media. The 2012 Kickstart fund called for projects made for Pacific audiences. Another Kickstart project Coconet, is due to launch later this year.
Two episodes of The Factory will be released each week. Watch it here.