Essential Media Commissions Travel Series, Opens New Zealand Office

Essential Media Group has commissioned a second factual series that will star British comedian and travel enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones, alongside the opening of a production base in New Zealand.

Four-part travel documentary series Griff’s Kiwi Adventures—which comes on the heels of the announcement of Jones’ six-part Australian show Griff Off the Rails: Down Under—has been commissioned by Prime in New Zealand and will be produced by Essential Media Group NZ, a new Wellington-based joint venture with Libertine Pictures. Kew Media Distribution handles the international sales of both properties.

In Griff’s Kiwi Adventures, Jones explores what it means to be a modern New Zealander, meeting locals, seeing the country’s landscapes and witnessing firsthand the impact and relevance of traditional Maori heritage. Jones is known to viewers for his love of trains, rivers and waterways, which he showcases on shows such as Slow Train Through Africa and Three Men in a Boat.

Essential Media’s general manager for ANZ, Brendan Dahill, said: “Essential Media has enjoyed a long and successful track record of producing top-quality shows for the New Zealand market—and this has provided us with a platform to formalize our commitment to production in New Zealand. We are thrilled to be building on our relationship with Griff Rhys Jones to create two very distinctive series that will offer viewers around the world an entertaining outsider’s perspective on life down under.”

On the opening of Essential Media Group NZ, Libertine Pictures’ managing director, Richard Fletcher, said: “Libertine Pictures is delighted to be joining forces with Essential Media to share expertise and build a new and exciting New Zealand production company. It is fitting to kick off the new venture with such an entertaining and distinctive take on New Zealand. We are looking forward to working with a partner with the depth of experience of Essential Media and such a recognized talent as Griff Rhys Jones.”