ABC TV To Air NZ Children’s Drama

WELLINGTON: The New Zealand-produced mystery drama Kaitangata Twitch has been sold to ABC TV in Australia by Lenz Entertainment.

Done in live action and CGI, the tale is of the modern world confronted by Maori legend. The project is from author Margaret Mahy, and is directed by Yvonne Mackay. The $6 million series is produced by Chris Hampson with Dorothee Pinfold and Yvonne Mackay executive producers. Kaitangata Twitch is distributed internationally by Canadian-based Lenz Entertainment.

“We are delighted that ABC TV will screen Kaitangata Twitch," said Barbara Uecker, the head of programming and acquisitions for children’s TV at ABC TV. "New Zealand has a wonderful, rich Maori culture and we have no doubt our audience will enjoy this very personal tale by Margaret Mahy. The production is convincing with its great cast, amazing location and thrilling story.”

“We are delighted to have achieved our first sale with ABC TV Australia," commented Jack Lenz, the president of distributor Lenz Entertainment. "It’s perfectly suited to this excellent series, which we’re thrilled to be a part of."

“Kaitangata Twitch deals with a number of strong themes over 13 half hours,” added director Mackay. “Conservation of the environment; the breakdown of family and most importantly, of young people finding their identity and their place within the world and their own mixed race family. There are such wonderful themes, which really reflect the qualities of the Prix Jeunesse—a celebration of diversity and a youth being special, but different.”