TV2's late-night LGBT television programme Kiwifruit will definitely not be returning, says its Executive Producer Ashley Stuart-Coupland. Last week NZ on Air and TVNZ sent out a request for proposals from local independent TV producers for a new series for and about New Zealand's gay community. Stuart-Coupland says the Kiwifruit team is quite disappointed it's over. "Everyone has their own point of view about Kiwifruit, but it rated well, and it got good feedback," she notes. "I knew Kiwifruit was going to ruffle a few feathers and we wanted to push the boundaries. We missed the boat on some things, and we succeeded on others. "But they're looking for something different now. They want to do 'Observational Documentary', which is like a 'fly on the wall' type show." The production company behind Kiwifruit, ‘Cream TV', has been encouraged to put in submissions for next year's new programme. The company already produces ‘Border Patrol' and ‘Coastwatch', which are Observational Documentaries. Stuart-Coupland says they're toying with the idea of having another go at putting LGBT people on-screen. “Before we close for the year we're going to have a couple of meetings and see. We could end up supporting and mentoring someone with an Executive Producer role. So if there were some new people out there who want to pitch but need someone else to come into it, we wouldn't say no to that. “But we'll all be there to support whoever gets this new money – and I hope they make a success of it. “Hopefully there'll be some good ideas thrown in and we can all benefit with something good on-screen,” she says. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 13th December 2006 - 12:00pm