New Zealand television soap opera
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Students and industry experts on the ever changing television, film and advertising landscape in Aotearoa say it's rough out there but there is a lot of opportunity. With advertising budgets getting smaller, 100 percent tariffs slapped on non-US made films and uncertainty brewing for Shortland Street - it's a turbulent time in the industry. Louise Ternouth reports.
Saraid de Silva (she/her) is a Sri Lankan/Pakeha writer living in Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand. Saraid has worked as an actor, theatre-maker, voiceover artist. In 2022, she graduated from Auckland University's Creative Writing Masters and became the inaugural winner of the Crystal Arts Trust Prize. She has also released three seasons of the documentary series Conversations With My Immigrant Parents for Radio New Zealand with co-creator Julie Zhu, and works as a writer for NZ's prime-time soap opera, Shortland Street.Amma has been praised by Diet Paratha, NZ Poet Laureate Chris Tse and Spinoff. It was also nominated for this year's Women's Prize for Fiction. Get the book here or at your local seller. “Annie Ano Fernando doesn't care much for men”And so begins a novel exploring trauma, displacement, queerness over three generations and three continents of the Sri Lankan diaspora.*1951, Singapore. Ten-year-old Josephina kills her abuser.This event becomes the defining moment in the lives of Josephina, her daughter Sithara, and her granddaughter Annie.The effects cascade through generations as Annie sets out across the world to discover what happened to fracture her family.Set in Sri Lanka, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and London, Amma is a novel about how the past lives with us forever, and wherever we are.Written in sensuous, vivid prose, Amma is a story of the rich history and unknown future of the Sri Lankan diaspora - and of one family desperately trying to find peace.
Speculation's flying around about the future of Shortland Street. The prime-time soap opera's lost its head writer to the UK and other staff have reportedly been told to find new jobs. TVNZ hasn't confirmed the show will return next year. Former South Pacific Pictures managing director John Barnett says the show scaled back its set and storylines when it transitioned from five days to three days a week. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's also been tough to attract audiences with changes in viewing habits. Barnett says in the meantime, going to three days a week hasn't been nearly as profitable. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 2 May 2025, Heather and Deborah Coddington pay tribute to their good friend, Sir Bob Jones. Jones passed away today after decades as one of the great characters of NZ politics and business for many decades. There's speculation that Shortland Street might not be coming back next year with TVNZ refusing to confirm that its future. Former Minister for Women Jan Tinetti goes head-to-head with Heather to convince her that the job of Women's Minister shouldn't be done away with. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates why Auckland Council isn't just saying "yes please" to a new stadium paid for by billionaires at Western Springs. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ON THE SHOW TODAY: Megan gets called out for doing this with her hubby at a restaurant! We chat with NZ singer Tina Cross about becoming the voice of the Shortland Street theme song – and whether she ever got credited! Ever wondered how the iconic Country Calendar theme song came to be? We talk to the producer to find out! Ben gets called out as a boomer for his questionable password habits! Our Italian correspondent Daniella reveals a hidden talent that blows us away! Jono’s algorithm is starting to get really weird! Is Megan secretly ashamed of her love for Liam Lawson? Facebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan Instagram: THEHITSBREAKFAST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TVNZ has indicated consultations are under way with Shortland Street staff - and there's growing concern around possible job cuts. It comes as TVNZ made the move to cut the series from screening five nights a week to three, leading to fewer episodes being produced. Former Shortland Street actor Will Hall says the industry is fraught with trepidation and there's limited job security - but he hopes no cuts will be made "I hope we see the light and keep Shortland Street for what it is, there's a great foundation and I'd like to think there's still a place for the soaps, even in 2025." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 March 2025, Donald Trump's former national security adviser Ambassador John Bolton joins Ryan ahead of tomorrow's critical call between Trump and Vladimir Putin. Corrections is investigating after notorious convicted killer Dean Wickliffe claims to have been assaulted by prison guards. Should baby boomers leave more of their inheritance to charities? NZ Players Association Rob Nichol reacts to All Blacks coach Razor's u-turn on the All Blacks eligibility rule. And all about shagging? The listener text about Shortland Street that had Ryan in fits. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Academy doesn't want you to listen to this… Chris hasn't seen a single Oscar-nominated movie but that won't stop him from hating on the whole affair. Join us as we break down the 2025 Academy Awards, the big snubs, the wild controversies, and why Conan O'Brien himself deserves to win Best Actor (even if it's just for his Shortland Street cameo). CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:32) We're semi-back (00:09:17) Let's talk Oscars (00:22:01) Best picture (00:48:46) Acting nominees (00:58:44) Best director (01:00:30) Best visual effects (01:03:07) Best cinematography (01:04:15) Next episodeLINKSSend us an email at 1978podcast@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Letterboxd.Theme by Stanley Gurvich.
FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from the weekend on Newstalk ZB) Don't Bother/When the World Comes Calling/Off to Uni/Weird Coffee/Shorter-land StreetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Featuring Fashun with Pennie Black, an interview with Heidi of Play It Strange and Henri Woodley about the organisations collaboration with Aotearoa's most beloved T.V. serial Shortland Street for their latest season, plus Loose Reads thanks to our friends at Time Out Bookstore.
Shortland Street: New Blood is set to kick off this coming Monday - and this new era is utilising social media to boost viewing numbers. The new series will air three nights a week, with new episodes streaming live on TikTok at the same time it airs on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+. The TikTok stream will feature live Q & A sessions, as well as in the moment reactions from the cast. Series producer Oliver Driver says they needed to adapt to a changing media market. "We're on the TVNZ platform, this is the same platform that has The Day of the Jackal and all these other great international shows that we're watching. Quite often now, you're going from watching a show that has incredibly high production value with film stars playing the leads - and after that, you'll turn on Shortland Street. We have to do everything we can to increase our storytelling, our visuals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of the best bits from today’s show: Harrison calls a mechanic and asks for a rim job? John Aiken from MAFS AU gives us all the tea on the couples. A Greenfield Lane & Shortland Street crossover is in the works… Did you see s celeb and ignore them? Steph has a bone to pick with an NZ clothing retailer. Tap that still hasn’t been guessed… Steph reveals her grotty habits. Harrison comes clean on his ice cream content over summer… E-Z Money! Love ya! Sean, Steph, Harrison, Producer Arun & Intern Lily x Follow us on insta @Edgeafternoons
Welcome to our show catchup podcast! Check out some of our fave parts from today's show below: After the news of Conan O'Brien joining the cast of Shortland Street, Steph makes a Fast 5 list of celebs we'd wanna see on Shorty. Steph was convinced her name is the “nicest name” meaning all people called Steph are nice… The listeners did not agree and had some solid reasons why. In the spirit of National Bartender Day the girls made Producer Arun a DISGUSTAN cocktail consisting of beer, fanta, chocolate and mackerel marinated in tomato juice… We catch up with the listener pal who is wanting to break up with her partner before xmas, although things have taken a turn. Sexologist Morgan Penn joins us on the show to talk about her on sex toy she has created! PLUS HEAPS MORE! AND FIND US ON INSTAGRAM, Cause we are thirsty: Sharyn, Steph & Sean - @Edgeafternoons Sharyn - @SharynCasey Steph - @stephmonksey Sean - @seanhillyman Producer Arun - @arunjamesbeard
Rebekah Randell is a New Zealand actress, best known for her portrayal of ‘Dawn Robinson' on Shortland Street, where she quickly became a fan favorite with her vibrant energy and heartfelt performances. - In this podcast we talked about: Growing up in Whangamata, and the advantages of living in a small town Bringing joy and good laughs to set as an actress Becoming a mum and how differently she sees the world now Navigating stigma and putting yourself out there The mindset of going into an audition, and facing rejection in that process Being content with what you have achieved Even the ins and outs of sneaking off to the dairy in during high school This podcast is full of gold. Out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.
Paddy Gower sits down with Shortland Street actor Bella Kalolo-Suraj to talk about the hurtful messages she receives about her weight and the effect they have on her. Kalolo-Suraj, who was recently named New Zealand's Television Personality of the Year for her role as Selina To'a, told Paddy she's been fat-shamed with online messages that often start with “I don't want to offend, but...”. This conversation featured as part of Paddy's "The F#$%ing News" podcast. Click here to listen to the full episode, or search for "Paddy Gower's TFN" on your favourite podcast player. ### Paddy is touring Aotearoa New Zealand this November and December with a LIVE SHOW, bringing the TFN positivity to your town. He'll share yarns from his book, find a local Good Kiwi, and he's keen to meet you. For tickets go to paddygower.co.nz
Are calls to ban singing at Wicked the movie off-key? The world's largest cinema chain, AMC has caused a stir after officially banning singing during screenings of Wicked. Actor Ava Diakhaby who has starred in Shortland Street and Creamerie reckons singing during the movie is a hard no, she spoke to Lisa Owen.
Auckland rockers Tablefox have just released Where Do I Belong, they called up to talk about Shortland Street, bikes vs trucks and being front row for Pearl Jam this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's podcast, we hear about your stingy workplaces. Who else remember the most iconic line from Shortland Street. Plus, The Voice Australia finalist Jaedyn Randell joins us in the studio. For more, follow our socials: Instagram Facebook Tik TokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rena Owen has cemented herself in New Zealand's pantheon of film and television greats. The award-winning actress has a packed acting career, with roles in everything from Once Were Warriors, to Star Wars, to Whina, to Shortland Street. She stars in productions that create lasting legacies, conveying stories from the culture and history of New Zealand, and her latest work follows suit. Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers tells the story of what became the unofficial Māori theatre company, an ensemble of artists breaking barriers, shattering cultural norms, and pioneering a bicultural partnership. Owen joined Jack Tame to discuss the significance of the theatre, her acting career, and her upcoming film roles. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to our show catchup podcast! Check out some of our fave parts from todays show below: Producer Arun is in TROUBLE! He may or may not have forgot his anniversary today… So we make him call his girlfriend to make it up to her. Degrees of Separation! Tell us your degree of separation from a Shortland Street cast member! Someone somehow has TK's shorts? DOB IN YA SHIT BOSS! We all love a winge about the boss, and holy hecka you guys did not hold back. NAMING AND SHAMING EVEN. Crocs are costing ACC over $2million per year in claims! Producer Arun recently got diagnosed with ADHD and shares his journey on the process of seeing a psychiatrist in New Zealand. PLUS HEAPS MORE! AND FIND US ON INSTAGRAM, Cause we are thirsty: Sharyn, Steph & Sean - @Edgeafternoons Sharyn - @SharynCasey Steph - @stephmonksey Sean - @seanhillyman Producer Arun - @arunjamesbeard
Cassandra is an actress who recently finished her one woman tour of Suzie Miller's one woman show Prima Facie across New Zealand. She trained at Casting House with Jami Rudovsky and Diane Castle at the Imagined Life Studio. Her credits include: Short Film: Every Little Thing, Dir. John Harris Web Series: The Egg Plant and Chloe and The… For TV: Filthy Rich Season 2 Shortland Street, South Pacific Productions Outrageous Fortune Tall Poppies (Lead Role) The Almighty Johnsons Season 3 For Theatre: A regular performer at the Dolphin Theatre, NZ The Dolls House Women Down Under Crimes of the Heart One woman shows, HANNA by Sam Potter, and Prima Facie by Susie Miller Cassandra toured Prima Facie across New Zealand to critical acclaim, her performance was regarded by critics as “nothing short of captivating”. Bringing the story of Tessa Ensler to people in and outside of Auckland to raise awareness of how the law deals with sexual assault and how it needs to change. Cassandra takes me through her journey with both her other one woman show “Hanna” and Prima Facie. How she found Tessa and what the play means to her and the people that came to see it. Furthermore she reveals more reaction from fans of the show, especially those that were helped by this play in more ways than you can imagine. Oliver Gower Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261 Instagram: @goweroliver For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
A headline in the news this week had me rolling my eyes. Sometimes the arts make it hard for themselves. The headline I'm referring to was about the New Zealand Film Commission spending $16,431 on two farewell and two welcome parties for their outgoing and incoming chief executives. Obviously, no one stopped to think how this particular headline might come across. If they had, the NZ Film Commission might have read the room differently. It's not a good look to have an autonomous Crown Entity, whose job is to distribute public money to the film industry, creating headlines about throwing parties. In the scheme of things, this isn't much money. And if we weren't in the middle of a cost of living crisis, and with a government facing long term fiscal deficits, this may never have made headlines. I'm pretty sure I've been to similar farewells in the private sector which cost a lot more. I should note, these celebrations took place in 2023 before the October election which delivered a new Government hell bent on making savings across the public sector. But you could argue that we were already in a cost of living crisis before the election: a recession was expected, Labour had started tightening the belt and clamping down on costs, and we knew the policies of the potential new coalition partners. They should have anticipated how this would look. This follows news that NZFC paid a former boss well over half a million dollars in leave and severance payments after just nine months in the role when he left in 2022. None of this helps the NZFC garner support from the public. The New Zealand Screen industry is worth a bomb – it contributes $3.5 billion to the economy each year. It is an incredible industry filled with some of the hardest working, most innovative people I have ever worked with – and it's world class. But when it comes to arts, and culture, and public perception, you'll never be able to compete for funding against the need for a better education and health system, more police, and safer roads. These headlines also grate as many organisations have done incredible work over the last 9 months to ensure stability in the struggling industry. SPADA have been lobbying tirelessly to make sure NZ on Air was exempt from having to make the across the board 7.5% cut being asked of Ministry funding. New Zealand's longest running soap, Shortland Street, will air just three episodes a week in 2025, a compromise to keep the long-running drama alive. The CEO of TVNZ proved she got the memo about creating headlines: after Jodi O'Donnell accepted an invitation from the IOC to attend the Paris Olympics, she thought about it and decided it didn't pass the sniff test. She is taking leave and personally paying for the trip, even though she will attend some meetings. A sensible decision, especially considering this week TVNZ also announced it needs to find another $30m in revenue or cuts. I am a huge supporter of the arts, but silly headlines make it hard to encourage others to support them too. Art and culture is pivotal to creating vibrant cities and communities, to fostering a sense of belonging, pride, identity, and connection. And can be a good source of revenue. So please stop making it so hard to sell! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Teuila Blakely is a total bad-ass and this was such a treat.You may know her from her work on the old music channel C4, or Shortland Street, Bro-Town, Sione's Wedding or even DWTS or a zillion other things.But this is less about her career and more about her journey- some pivotal moments that have shaped her personal and professional life.From the challenges of being raised by a very tough mum, to then becoming a teenage solo-mum, humiliating experiences with racism, her beautiful friendship with her ex-fiancé Oscar Kightely, how she went from McDonalds to movies and so much more. Including THAT snap-chat incident.Teuila is a genuine trailblazer, and it was an honor to have her share some of the less glamourous aspects of her life.She is as authentic as it gets and an open book. This episode is brought to you by Generate – award-winning KiwiSaver specialists.If you're like I was, you probably haven't thought much about your KiwiSaver account. Most of us just signed up when we started working and left it at that. But checking if you're in the right fund and making the most of your account can really boost your retirement lifestyle.Thats where Generate can help.Their KiwiSaver advisers can meet with you to go over your options, and make sure your investment is working for you.Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom/ to request a no-obligation chat with one of their advisers.Your future self will thank you for it!A copy of their product disclosure statement is available on their website. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited and past performance does not guarantee future returns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The soap was on the gurney for Shortland Street, due to TVNZ's restructure, but has now been resuscitated with a three million dollar grant from New Zealand on Air, but there was no room for current affairs show 'Paddy Gower has Issues,' NZ on Air CEO Cameron Harland speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.
Reluctantly, I think saving Shortland Street was the right thing for now. The news on Shorty today is that it's been saved, but it will go down to three episodes a week. What's saved it is taxpayer money: $3 million from NZ On Air and then be eligible for a rebate from the Screen Production Grant which must be about $6 or $7 million. Which means we're pumping in around about $10 million in taxpayer money to save a soap opera. I'm reluctant about this because I generally don't think we should prop up failing businesses. If they can't make a buck it's because not enough people like the product, in which case it should be allowed to die. But... I think there's an exception this time. Because it might just be possible that Shorty may be able to pay its own way again... maybe. The reason I say that is because it's not that Shorty is unpopular, it actually has a lot of people watching. The last figures that I can find are from last year, 79K people in their key demographic watched it on TV2, which doesn't sound that impressive, but then you add in the streaming numbers of TVNZ+: 455K a week. And well, that is impressive. By comparison, at the same time TVNZ News only earned 180K streams, even though the news has got two extra episodes a week, Shorty was beating it by 2.5 times. The problem isn't that it's unpopular. The problem is that TVNZ hasn't figured out how to actually make enough money from the people watching it on TVNZ+. It knows how to get money from TV2 ads, but it doesn't know how to properly monetise online yet. So... Shorty street is only guaranteed for another year. I dunno if that's enough time for TVNZ to figure out how to earn more money on the app, but I hope it does. Because it would be a pity to lose a show that is still watched by that many kiwis, and that has trained some of our best acting talent: Temuera Morrison, KJ Apa, Thomasin McKenzie, Craig Parker, Martin Henderson, Robyn Malcolm. And which is, frankly, is one of the few shows left actually reflecting us back to ourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's thought Shortland Street should make up a big part of TVNZ's new digital strategy. Our longest running soap will drop from airing five nights a week in February, to three. It will now continue with support from NZ On Air and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant. South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive, Kelly Martin told Heather du Plessis-Allan the show is streamed more 20-million times annually on TVNZ Plus. She says linear ratings also remain strong, as well as its engaged audience. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday July 5 2024, we get the latest from the UK as the Labour Party sweeps to power in the general election. Heather speaks to both Auckland councillor Richard Hills and Mayor Wayne Brown after the council voted against the government's proposed speed limit changes. Kelly Martin from South Pacific Pictures speaks about Shortland Street being cut to three nights a week. And the Sports Huddle previews the All Blacks first test of the year against England in Dunedin. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 2 July 2024, the Government has announced it's plan to help the struggling media industry. Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Heather why Facebook may boycott NZ media as a result and how he's trying to help Shortland Street. Wairoa mayor Craig Little is calling on Hawke's Bay Regional Council to apologise for its part in last week's devastating floods in the town. US law professor Randy Zelin speaks to Heather after the US Supreme Court ruled Donald Trump would have immunity on any official decisions he made as president. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Kainga Ora boss Andrew McKenzie should have been paid $365,000 to leave his job. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ON THE SHOW TODAY Explaining fax machines to a Gen Z... Throwback to developing photos Posters we had on our wall! Shortland Street legend Angela Bloomfield Devastating school lunches! Jono still hates Hector's dolphin... Facebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono and Ben Instagram: TheHitsBreakfastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This book made me think about how my relationship to myself is lifelong.Today, we meet Saraid de Silva and we're talking about the book that saved her life: Paul Takes The Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor. And Andrea joins us for the conversation!Saraid de Silva is the author of Amma and is a screen writer on the TV series Shortland Street.Andrea Lawlor teaches writing at Mount Holyoke College and has received the Whiting Award for Fiction. Their publications include a chapbook, Position Papers.Paul Takes The Form of a Mortal Girl takes place in 1993 and follows Paul Polydoris who tends bar at the only gay club in a university town thrumming with politics and partying. He studies queer theory, has a dyke best friend, makes zines, and is a flaneur with a rich dating life. But Paul's also got a secret: he's a shapeshifter. Oscillating wildly from Riot Grrrl to leather cub, Paul transforms his body and his gender at will as he crossed the country––a journey and adventure through the deep queer archives of struggle and pleasure.Connect with Saraid and Andreainstagram: @saraiddesilvaSaraid's linktree: linktr.ee/ammasaraiddesilvaAndrea's website: anderlawlor.cominstagram: @anderlawlorOur BookshopVisit our Bookshop for new releases, current bestsellers, banned books, critically acclaimed LGBTQ books, or peruse the books featured on our podcasts: bookshop.org/shop/thisqueerbookTo purchase Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl visit: https://bookshop.org/a/82376/9780525566182Become an Associate Producer!Become an Associate Producer of our podcast through a $20/month sponsorship on Patreon! A professionally recognized credit, you can gain access to Associate Producer meetings to help guide our podcast into the future! Get started today: patreon.com/thisqueerbookCreditsHost/Founder: J.P. Der BoghossianExecutive Producer: Jim PoundsAssociate Producers: Archie Arnold, K Jason Bryan and David Rephan, Natalie Cruz, Jonathan Fried, Paul Kaefer, Nicole Olila, Joe Perazzo, Bill Shay, and Sean SmithPatreon Subscribers: Stephen D., Stephen Flamm, Ida Göteburg, Thomas Michna, and Gary Nygaard.Creative and Accounting support provided by: Gordy EricksonMusic and SFX credits: visit thiqueerbook.com/musicQuatrefoil LibraryQuatrefoil has created a curated lending library made up of the books featured on our podcast! If you can't buy these books, then borrow them! Link: https://libbyapp.com/library/quatrefoil/curated-1404336/page-1It's our two-year anniversary and we have new episodes and live events all month long! Check back for the links for the live events!Support the Show.
Our bookmarks guest today is Wellington born, Auckland raised film makes James Napier Robertson He began his career as an actor, with parts in Shortland Street, Being Eve and Power Rangers before stepping behind the lens.
A former Shortland Street actor is starving himself in protest at the war in Gaza and says he may well become a casuality of the conflict. Will Alexander speaks to Lisa Owen.
Fans fear Shortland Street's 32 years of soapy drama could be coming to a close if TVNZ's cost-cutting knife hovers over it for too long
In the face of an unwanted scene change, the makers of Shortland Street want the government to help out financially by extending its cash back scheme for local productions. The future of Aotearoa's longest running drama is up in the air, with TVNZ and production company South Pacific Pictures are in ongoing discussion as the broadcaster looks to slash yet more costs.
This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast's Lorna Riley and senior PR consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week- and more! There's growing concern locally produced Kiwi content could be facing more difficulties. On top of the Newshub and TVNZ cuts, there's fears TV shows like Shortland Street could be scrapped. Should we do more to save Kiwi content? World Athletics recently confirmed it plans to offer gold medallists a cash prize in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Is this the right decision? Rage rooms- would you pay to go somewhere to work out your anger? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's growing concern that the cuts across TVNZ and Newshub won't be the last for locally produced content. As the nation's biggest broadcasting companies struggle with falling advertising revenue, the fate of Kiwi favourites such as Shortland Street remains uncertain. NZ Screen Producers' Guild President Irene Gardiner says local content plays an important role in keeping audiences together. "It's our identity, it's our humour, it's what we are - and I think local content, both the more serious news and current affairs kind and the more entertaining kind, is very important." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former South Pacific Pictures boss John Barnett speaks to Lisa Owen about the future of Shortland Street.
A former Shortland Street actor says the long-running hospital drama has a vital place in New Zealand's cultural landscape, and she doesn't want to see it axed. Actor Tandi Wright spoke to Corin Dann.
Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Shortland Street is the latest program set to be cut, as TVNZ considers the fate of the series. Is this proof our viewing habits have changed? Could it be saved? Labour's Willie Jackson has fired off against Minister Melissa Lee in the House today- what do we think of this? Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shortland Street is now apparently in trouble. TVNZ has just confirmed it is reviewing whether it carries on with Shortland Street. It's still a popular show, but unfortunately it's very expensive to make and very expensive for TVNZ to buy. And given TV audiences are down to about a third of what they were about 15, 25 years ago -it won't be bringing in the advertising dollars it used to. It's not always obvious, when you're in the middle of a moment in history, just how important that moment is. Sometimes it only occurs to you afterward, when you look back, just how much changed at that moment. New Zealand is in a moment like that. We are eradicating in the next few weeks some of the biggest TV shows that we make in New Zealand- about New Zealand. Newshub, the AM Show, Ryan Bridge's due-to-be-launched 7 o'clock show, Newshub Nation, Paddy Gower Has Issues, Newshub late, Sunday, Fair Go, the TVNZ midday bulletin, the TVNZ late news and maybe even Shortland Street now- or maybe reducing how much it plays out in a week. And look, that doesn't mean there are no New Zealand-made TV shows left. There's still Seven Sharp, Motorway Patrol, The Casketeers- the list goes on. But the dynamics that are killing those other shows at the moment will, in the end, probably get the rest of them too. And what that means is that we see less and less of ourselves as Kiwis on screen. And that is a loss, because there is consensus that hearing and seeing your culture and your accent and your way of life reflected back to you on screen is affirming. It makes you proud of who you are. So remember this- because this isn't just another day in the media sector. This isn't normal, what's happening right now. In this moment of time, we are losing something we will probably never get back to the same extent, which is hours of Kiwi voices and faces on screen every day. And kids being born right now will probably grow up pretty much exclusively watching international content and hardly any New-Zealand made content. I'm not arguing this should be stopped. Frankly, if we want to keep New Zealand on screens, we need shows that New Zealanders want to watch, and that's clearly not happening. I'm just pointing out this is a big thing - and an unusual thing - that is happening right now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shortland Street has been running for an impressive 32 years, and Jayden Daniels played one of the most popular characters in its entire run. After graduating from Toi Whakaari in 2014 Daniels picked up the role of Curtis in 2015, using that role as a stepping stone to enter the screen industry proper. He starred as Gabriel in the 2023 film Evil Dead Rise, and Cyril in Whina, the biopic of Dame Whina Cooper. Daniels' is now making the switch from screen to stage, going back to his roots and theatre training with Auckland Theatre Company's production of The Effect. The play follows two people who meet during a clinical drug trial and fall in love, asking the question of whether the love is real or just a side effect of the medication, written by multi-award winner Lucy Prebble. “There's love, there's sorrow,” Daniels told Newstalk ZB's Jack Tame. “She writes it way better than I'm explaining it now.” A majority of Daniels' training was theatrical training at drama school, but since he's been working on screen since his graduation there's been a bit of an adjustment. “The whole time I've been trying to pull down, be smaller and more subtle,” he said. “If I'm on screen, I can drop right down and talk to you like this,” Daniels lowered his voice in example. “Whereas on stage I'm having to project. Even if I'm talking to you close, I have to be big and loud.” “That's been a challenge for me.” Daniels has worked in both mediums, and while he used to think he had a preference, he's recently discovered that theatre has a lot to teach him. The techniques he can rely on when acting for camera aren't applicable to stage performances, as audiences can't hear softspoken voices or see the minute expressions on actors' faces. And while he doesn't prefer one over the other, he told Tame that there are benefits to working in theatre. “You can take more risks in theatre. You're rehearsing for a very long time, which is a luxury in acting, especially on screen.” “I feel like I put a lot of pressure on the product on screen because you get there, you don't have long to shoot the scene and its done. Whereas here you can try this, it didn't work, I'll just throw it to the complete other end.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wil is joined by a new TOFOP friend, Taskmaster NZ's Paul Williams! They chat about the benefits of accidentally running late to a show, banana bread vs banana cake, and replication versus creation in comedy. Also, Wil and Paul recount some near-death experiences, and Paul's dramatic appearance on Shortland Street. See Paul in Melbourne: https://www.livenation.com.au/artist-paul-williams-1470004 See TOFOP live in Melbourne on April 7: https://www.trybooking.com/CPJHP See Wil live: https://comedy.com.au/artist/wil-anderson/ Everyone Relax merch, Patreon, and more: https://linktr.ee/TOFOP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
First it was Newshub, now it's TVNZ. We are still waiting on the details- staff have been told there will be 68 job losses, but the rest they'll find out tomorrow. The speculation in the media is that half of those job cuts will be in the newsroom. Fair Go and Sunday reportedly will be merged, Breakfast and Seven sharp are affected, as is the late bulletin. Shortland Street will be cut down to three nights a week at some point, and the main news bulletin will reportedly be cut down to 30 minutes, but nothing is confirmed right now. To be honest, if they want to save the ship, that is how brutal they need to be, particularly with that bulletin. That thing needs to be cut in half. When I first started working at TVNZ slightly less than 20 years ago, senior news bosses were already talking about needing to do that. It is well overdue. And it's actually not unusual internationally to have shorter news bulletins. The Germans have a 15 minute bulletin at 8pm, In the UK, the BBC News at Six is half an hour, it happens all around the world. Seven Sharp, it they want to be brutal, should probably be cut altogether- you can probably buy a half-hour programme from overseas for much cheaper to put in that slot. I don't say this because I want this to happen, I don't want less news on TV. I don't want less New Zealand content on screens. But we need to be realistic, people are turning the TV off. And TVNZ cannot keep spending this much money on a product that fewer and fewer people want to use. It's not sustainable to keep pumping the same amount of money in when you're getting less from it. It's a little bit like the postal service. Fewer and fewer people are using it nowadays, so it has to change and trim the budget to reflect the demand. You don't get post delivered five days a week anymore, you get it three days a week. And fewer people are watching the news, so it needs to cut costs. And actually not just the news, it's the whole of TVNZ. At some point, there will be so few people watching linear TV, we will have to pull the plug altogether. In the same way that one day we will have to stop the postal deliveries. There is some hope for TVNZ, they're going hard investing in TVNZ Plus- which is their online platform that's like the TVNZ version of Netflix. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't. But while that is the future, linear TV is not. So these job losses, sadly, will not be the last. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time since it launch in 1992, all 159 episodes of homegrown television soap Shortland Street will be on YouTube to see.
Don Reynolds was an executive at South Pacific Pictures when the idea of making a New Zealand soap opera first popped up.
MARTIN HENDERSON I'm so excited to share this with you guys. To have this sort of conversation in terms of both length and content with an actor of Martins level was truly a pinch myself moment and I cannot thank him enough for his generosity.We cover A lot of ground in this one- the early years of Shortland Street, moving to Aussie and becoming best mates with the late Heath Ledger, the Britney Spears Toxic music video, Greys Anatomy, Virgin River and that's just the career stuff! Lots of great lessons in here about the importance of perseverance and self-belief.Thanks to the teams at Radix and Generate for making this episode happen.If you want 2024 to be the year you bring your health and fitness goals to life, Radix can help.https://radixnutrition.co.nz/Generate is an award winning Kiwisaver provider, with a track record of chart topping long term performance.If you want to make sure you're making the most of your Kiwisaver account, talk to an adviser now. Head to:www.generatekiwisaver.co.nz/getadvice/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At 7 o'clock in December of 2007, after a six-month-long mystery, families gathered around their television sets to discover the identity of the serial killer responsible for murdering several female Shortland Street characters. What ensued was one of New Zealand television's most iconic moments. Join us as we remember the Ferndale Strangler, Joey Henderson. If you enjoy this podcast and are hungry for more, sign up for The Real Pod Extra on Substack. There's plenty of free pop culture content there and if you upgrade to a paid subscription you'll get a bonus episodes of The Real Pod every week (featuring reality TV recaps and pop culture gossip) along with other exclusive perks. Join the Real Pod community! Subscribe to The Real Pod Extra on Substack Join The Real Pod Corner on Facebook Join our Discord server Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shadon will be familiar to some, having played Matiu Thompson on Shortland Street for a couple of years, as well as for his appearances on Rurangi and TVNZ's Toi Time, and right now you can see Shadon in his play Waiting which opened in Auckland last night. Waiting is a love letter to Shadon's son and has scooped up the awards over the years. Jesse talks to Shadon about the latest iteration of the play.
Cameron Jones is a New Zealand actor. If you're an old fan of Shortland Street, you may remember him from that. He cut his teeth as Dallas Jones the ambulance driver in Shorties ten years ago.He was also in the Hobbit movies, a Christmas movie with Dolly Parton and has a brand new movie called Home Kills which has been showing as part of the NZFF.I didn't know much about Cam prior to this conversation. But I learned so much- what his dad thought about his career choice as an actor and the final conversation they had before his dad passed away, the stress of trying to break into the LA acting scene, the bizarre thing he got offered thousands of dollars to do, his struggles with his mental wellbeing and much more.A mutual friend of ours suggested I get Cam on as a guest and he didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about him and I hope you do too.Thanks to Radix Nutrition for sponsoring this episode.I start every day with a protein shake made with protein powder from Radix. They honestly do the best flavors made with the best ingredients. They have just introduced 2 new flavors to their range – mango and blueberry. Like all their other flavors, these 2 don't disappoint.Check out their incredible nutritional products at:https://radixnutrition.co.nz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The juggernaut reality series is back on TVNZ+ and has switched up the format a bit. Girls AND boys mingling at the start? Levitating contestants? Turkey teeth? Jane and Alex dissect their first impressions of the show and the cast, and Duncan ponders a new set of gnashers on his upcoming trip to continental Europe. Also, there's another Bachelor baby on the way, Shortland Street is about to drop a massive three-night cliffhanger, and Below Deck Down Under is coming back! Join the Real Pod community! Go here for The Real Pod Corner on Facebook And here to chat on our Discord server Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices