Local media content funder NZ on Air's latest funding decisions do not include money for another series of TV2's late-night LGBT programme The Outlook - but the programme's producer is still confident the series will return late next year. NZ on Air spent $364,774 on the first ten episodes of The Outlook, broadcast earlier this year. Producer Glenn Sims says reactions from TVNZ, NZ on Air and the public to the new programme were very positive. "A decision was made not to apply for funding in the October specialist round due to my company's current commitments on other projects with TVNZ,and also the uncertainty of the availability of a slot on TV2 until the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2008," he explains. NZ on Air's next specialist funding round is not until April 2008. "However, I do have the ability to make an earlier funding application - in December or February - depending on the programming requirements of TV2 and I am aware of the available funding," he says. "So there's every likelihood the series will return to TVNZ at some point in 2008." NZ on Air has set aside $205,843 in its latest funding round to finance a documentary feature film about legendary lesbian entertainers the Topp Twins' life story and 25 years of NZ history. Called The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, the doco will be broadcast on TV One in 2008. Meanwhile, a sixth series of Maori Television's Media Peace Award-winning LGBT programme Takataapui is in production for 2008.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 17th November 2007 - 8:44pm