Throng

The writer behind The Jaquie Brown Diaries has added another award to his collection this year, winning Best Television Comedy Script at last night’s New Zealand Scriptwriters Awards.

Gerard Johnstone picked up two awards for the TV3 comedy series earlier this year at the Qantas Film and Television Awards.

TVNZ’s Bloodlines has also been honoured at the industry awards last night, taking out the prize for Best Television Drama Script for writers Donna Malane and Paula Boock.

Bloodlines, which screened earlier in the year, centred on the real life story of psychiatrist Dr Colin Bouwer who poisoned his wife.

Film awards were also handed out, with Briar Grace-Smith edging out Taika Waititi in the Best Feature Film Script category for her film The Strength of Water.

Source: Herald

Most watched

1. One News: 591,240 (TV ONE, 6:00pm – 7:00pm)
2. Close Up: 526,380 (TV ONE, 7:00pm – 7:30pm)
3. Shortland Street: 526,140 (TV2, 7:00pm – 7:30pm)
4. Two and a Half Men: 475,610 (TV2, 7:30pm – 8:00pm)
5. Two and a Half Men: 451,570 (TV2, 8:00pm – 8:30pm)

Most watched evening (7.30pm – 11pm)

1. Two and a Half Men: 475,610 (TV2, 7:30pm – 8:00pm)
2. Two and a Half Men: 451,570 (TV2, 8:00pm – 8:30pm)
3. Would Like To Work: 357,000 (TV ONE, 7:30pm – 8:00pm)
4. Castle: 343,140 (TV ONE, 8:30pm – 9:30pm)
5. 60 Minutes: 331,610 (TV3, 7:30pm – 8:30pm)

Most watched daytime (9am – 5pm)

1. ONE News Midday: 117,620 (TV ONE, 12:00pm – 12:30pm)
2. Emmerdale: 113,600 (TV ONE, 12:30pm – 1:30pm)
3. Good Morning: 94,410 (TV ONE, 9:00am – 12:00pm)
4. Spongebob Squarepants: 85,320 (TV2, 4:05pm – 4:35pm)
5. Entertainment Tonight: 81,580 (TV3, 4:30pm – 5:00pm)

Most watched on TV ONE

1. One News: 591,240 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)
2. Close Up: 526,380 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
3. Would Like To Work: 357,000 (7:30pm – 8:00pm)
4. Castle: 343,140 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
5. Situation Critical: 321,500 (8:00pm – 8:30pm)

Most watched on TV2

1. Shortland Street: 526,140 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
2. Two and a Half Men: 475,610 (7:30pm – 8:00pm)
3. Two and a Half Men: 451,570 (8:00pm – 8:30pm)
4. Chuck: 276,120 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
5. Human Target: 209,540 (9:30pm – 10:30pm)

Most watched on TV3

1. 60 Minutes: 331,610 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
2. 3 News: 288,680 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)
3. Home and Away: 210,530 (5:30pm – 6:00pm)
4. Survivor Nicaragua: 203,290 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
5. Campbell Live: 198,740 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)

Most watched on C4

1. Fast Times At Ridgemont High: 88,880 (8:30pm – 10:25pm)
2. Family Guy: 60,720 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
3. Everybody Hates Chris: 48,080 (6:30pm – 7:00pm)
4. Step It Up & Dance: 44,550 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
5. Malcolm in the Middle: 42,450 (6:00pm – 6:30pm)

Most watched on PRIME

1. Prime News: 105,140 (5:30pm – 6:00pm)
2. The Block: 90,370 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
3. Deal Or No Deal: 87,590 (5:00pm – 5:30pm)
4. Supernanny: 72,970 (7:35pm – 8:30pm)
5. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 68,150 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)

Most watched on the BOX

1. The Simpsons: 37,270 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
2. Criss Angel Mindfreak: 25,080 (6:30pm – 7:00pm)
3. C.S.I: 22,420 (9:30pm – 10:30pm)

Most watched on SKY Movies 1

1. Did You Hear About the Morgans: 41,970 (8:35pm – 10:15pm)

Biggest increases (previous week)

1. Close Up: TV ONE 526380 – up from 399590 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
2. Would Like To Work: TV ONE 357000 – up from 268130 (7:30pm – 8:00pm)
3. One News: TV ONE 591240 – up from 534850 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)
4. 60 Minutes: TV3 331610 – up from 284230 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
5. Entertainment Tonight: TV3 81580 – up from 40040 (4:30pm – 5:00pm)

Biggest decreases (previous week)

1. Human Target: TV2 209540 – down from 283930 (9:30pm – 10:30pm)
2. Sons Of Anarchy: TV3 194030 – down from 260550 (9:30pm – 10:30pm)
3. Nightline: TV3 130630 – down from 185900 (10:30pm – 11:00pm)
4. Amazing Extraordinary Friends: TV2 70940 – down from 96190 (4:35pm – 5:05pm)
5. Sports Tonight: TV3 78390 – down from 102560 (11:00pm – 11:15pm)

New

1. Step It Up & Dance: C4 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
2. Fast Times At Ridgemont High: C4 (8:30pm – 10:25pm)
3. Real Life: TV ONE (9:30pm – 10:30pm)
4. Tonight: TV ONE (10:30pm – 11:00pm)

Channel Share (All Day)

• SKY Network: 28.6%
• TV ONE: 27.4%
• TV2: 18%
• TV3: 14.6%
• PRIME: 4.2%
• C4: 3.7%
• Other TV Channels: 2.4%
• Maori TV: 0.2%

Source: Nielsen Television Audience Measurement, All 5+

Hamish and Andy apologise following TV stunt

Australian TV comedians Hamish and Andy have apologised following a stunt for a new TV special which saw them dress in gorilla suits and frolic in a public zoo, playing with golf clubs and remote control cars. Several zoo patrons were fooled by the stunt despite the presence of cameras and signs warning of the filming in progress and later complained to zoo management.

Underbelly actor arrested on drugs charges

A former Underbelly and Home and Away actor has been arrested on cannabis charges following a raid on his home which saw several plants and bags of the drug found. Alan Cinis, who featured in the third season of Underbelly, was charged with four offences and now faces losing his place on the local council.

Brits employ octopus to predict X Factor result 

The Brits have employed the help of what they call a “distant relative” of Paul the Psychic Octopus in an attempt to predict the outcome of the latest season of The X Factor. The new octopus was born in the same tank as the original one was in Weymouth and is expected to be employed to predict other things leading up to Christmas.

Richie comedy pilot picked up

A new comedy pilot featuring Nicole Richie has been picked up by American network ABC. Details of the show are not available yet but it is expected that it will be focussing on a professional woman of some kind.

Canada launches Jersey Shore spin-off

A new reality show kicking off in Canada soon is billed to be far wilder than current MTV series Jersey Shore. The series, entitled Lake Shore, follows a group of eights partygoers as they fritter away their youth in a drunken haze of idiocy.

ONE News:

1. Psa disease spreads (Live cross, Garth Bray)
2. Dunedin neurosurgeon unit (Live cross, Lorelei Mason)
3. Dunedin neurosurgeon unit – response (John McDermott)
4. Teacher strike called off
5. Maori land protesters evicted (Jack Tame, via Marae Investigates)

3 News:

1. Dunedin neurosurgeon unit (Live cross, Juanita Copeland)
2. Dunedin neurosurgeon unit – response (Dave Gooselink)
3. Maori land protestors evicted (Michael Morrah)
4. Engine change
5. Airlines charged for price fixing

Commentary:

First time I’ve seen an ad for Marae Investigates during the news. 

Very similar coverage on both networks on the neurosurgeon unit in Dunedin and on the Maori land protest.  3 News’ other stories were very short, ONE News had a brief mention of the teacher strike being called off but a long update on the Psa disease. 

Nothing remarkable to comment on tonight. 

Verdict:

Tie

Maori Television will join broadcasters around the world to mark World AIDS Day, with the airing of a documentary about the miraculous effects of anti-retroviral drugs on AIDS sufferers.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT, which screens on Maori Television on Wednesday December 1 at 8.00 PM, is an incredibly moving, 35-minute-long call to global awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It will screen with within a 24-hour period on US cable network HBO, Britain’s Channel 4 and numerous others around the world.

Almost 4000 Africans die every day from AIDS.

But where once the diagnosis was seen as a death sentence, recent medical advances have created amazing potential to keep people alive and improve quality of life, at a cost of around 40 cents a day (US).

THE LAZARUS EFFECT records the two to three-month journey of four HIV-positive people in Zambia, as they start on their two-pills-a-day treatment.

“The AIDS/HIV pandemic has already devastated millions in Africa and around the world, and many might have thought the cause lost. Yet this documentary shows that hope is there, and the opportunity for significant change is within our grasp,” says general manager of programming, Haunui Royal. “It is important that New Zealanders understand the medical advances that have been made, and continue to fight this terrible disease. Maori Television is pleased to be able to support this kaupapa in which ever way we can.”

The programme, made by director Lance Bangs with executive producer Spike Jonze, was made last year for the AIDS charity, RED. Promotion of the documentary and the cause has come from high-profile celebrities such as Bono, Penelope Cruz, Orlando Bloom and Hugh Jackman.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT screens on Maori Television on Wednesday December 1 at 8.00 PM. The channel will also screen another critically-acclaimed and uplifting documentary, LOVE IN A TIME OF HIV, on Tuesday November 30 at 8.30 PM.

Broadcast funding agency NZ On Air today released its annual report for the year ended 30 June 2010 after it was tabled in Parliament. NZ On Air investments provide wide-ranging Kiwi perspectives, stories and music for many different New Zealand audiences.

Highlights for the year included:

- The introduction of the Platinum Fund, a new fund focused on high-end television. Investments were made in one-off quality dramas, important documentaries and two interview-based current affairs series Q&A and The Nation. None of these programmes could have been accommodated without the Fund

The Digital Content Partnership Fund helped attract New Zealand’s first International Digital Emmy award, thanks to the talents behind Reservoir Hill

- New Zealand music, focused on the crucial radio hits that help drive the music economy, produced some great results for varied musicians including Gin Wigmore, Midnight Youth, Dane Rumble, Kids Of 88 and The Naked & Famous

- Top-rating television drama Outrageous Fortune went into the history books: this year’s investment in its sixth and final season made it the longest and most popular one-hour New Zealand drama series ever produced

- The launch of Access Radio Taranaki, New Zealand’s first new access community radio station for a decade

- Funding to unlock hundreds of important classical music recordings from the archives so NZ music content can increase on Radio New Zealand Concert

NZ On Air’s annual public survey found that, even in a fragmenting media environment, 71% of New Zealanders agree that NZ On Air supports programmes and activities that are important to them. Over $130 million was invested in 932 hours of varied TV programmes including over 400 hours of children’s programmes. NZ On Air also fully funds Radio New Zealand and website NZ On Screen, and supports 12 access radio stations, over 200 NZ music videos, songs and albums, and various programmes for commercial radio audiences.

Only 2.2% was spent on administration, making NZ On Air one of the most cost-effective agencies in the world.

Playhouse Disney Channel has awarded 15 Australian and New Zealand preschools, kindergartens, childcare centres, play centres and groups, learning centres and dance groups with a community grant in support of their outstanding contribution to the community.

The grant recipients were recognised by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who shared heart-warming stories of how their preschool-focused community group developed and supported the interests and wellbeing of local children. 

The groups are set to receive a $2,000 grant from Playhouse Disney Channel, what is intended to assist in the expansion, development and commencement of projects that will benefit children between 0 to 6 years old. 

The ‘Handy Manny Community Grants’ were inspired by the Emmy-nominated ‘Handy Manny’, which airs on Playhouse Disney Channel. The animated series, which is set in the multicultural and multi-generational community of Sheetrock Hills, features ‘Handy Garcia’, a hardworking handyman with a team of talking tools. Manny spends his days helping his neighbours by taking on their fix-it projects.

Together, Manny and his tools help preschoolers learn about cooperation, problem solving and friendship. The series is designed to infuse preschool viewers with an enthusiasm to take on life’s challenges and to make things work. 

The grant recipients are: 

· AEIOU Foundation (For Children with Autism), Toowoomba, QLD

· Awapuni Preschool, Gisborne, NZ

· Cuddly Bears Childcare, Oakley, QLD

· Hear The Children Early Intervention Centre, Kellyville, NSW

· Hornsby Hub Childcare, Waitara, NSW

· McKenzie Centre, Hamilton, NZ

· Northland Kindergarten, Northland, NZ

· Parsons Avenue Kindergarten, Levin, NZ

· Puna Reo Te Okahukura, Auckland, NZ

· St Matthews Twinkle Toes, Palmerston, NZ

· Stoke Playcentre, Atawhai, NZ

· Tara Community Play Group, Tara, QLD

· Waihao Downs Mobile Kindy, Waimate, NZ  

The final episode of TV3’s most popular drama, Outrageous Fortune, ended last night with the highest rating episode ever.

More than 700,000 New Zealander’s tuned in to say goodbye to the country’s most successful drama series and to the much loved West family.

In the all important 18-49 demographic the show received a 24.8 rating, with a phenomenal 51.5% share.

In the 18-39 demographic the show also excelled, winning the slot with a 27.5 rating and a 58.3% share. And in 25-54 demographic, the show also left competitors for dead with a 24.3 rating and a 48.3% share.

Kelly Martin, 3’s Director of Programming, says the outstanding ratings reflect the high quality and production values of the series, and the passion New Zealander’s have for the show, which has followed the exploits of the criminally-inclined West family for the last six years.

“I am very, very sad that the show has finished, but extremely proud of everything about it.,” she says.

Six years ago, New Zealand audiences were introduced to the Wests, a one-family crime wave with a proud tradition in thievery, larceny and petty crime.

At the beginning of the first season of Outrageous Fortune West family matriarch Cheryl West (portrayed by award-winning actress Robyn Malcolm) decided that enough was enough and the family cleaned up their act and went straight.  What followed over the next six years was nothing like anything ever seen on New Zealand television.

John Barnett, South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive says:

“We are all sad to see the end of six years of fabulous television, but Outrageous will be remembered for the wonderful bond it created with the New Zealand audience. We are extremely proud to have made this series.”

Outrageous Fortune led a great ratings night for 3, with an overall win in the 18-49 demographic for the channel, with a peak share of 35% for the evening.

The Big C and United States of Tara followed Outrageous Fortune, with a 16.9 rating and a 40.0% share and 11 rating and a 34.6% share respectively.

The final episode of Outrageous Fortune last night drew the series’ biggest ever audience with more than 725,000 Kiwis tuning in to see what would become of Cheryl and her Wests.

In the 5+ demographics, Outrageous Fortune took an 18.1 rating and a 40.8 share while in TV3′s current target demographic of 18-49, it was a 24.8 rating and a whopping 51.5% share.

Overall, the sixth and final season of Outrageous Fortune was also the best rating with a 27% increase on last season with the average audience per episode over the half million mark.

Check out our ratings graphic for all six seasons after the jump.

(High res versions of the following graphic are available on request)

Most watched

1. Outrageous Fortune: 724,980 (TV3, 8:30pm – 9:35pm)
2. One News: 625,310 (TV ONE, 6:00pm – 7:00pm)
3. Shortland Street: 540,330 (TV2, 7:00pm – 7:30pm)
4. Coronation Street: 514,760 (TV ONE, 7:30pm – 8:30pm)
5. Close Up: 503,410 (TV ONE, 7:00pm – 7:30pm)

Most watched evening (7.30pm – 11pm)

1. Outrageous Fortune: 724,980 (TV3, 8:30pm – 9:35pm)
2. Coronation Street: 514,760 (TV ONE, 7:30pm – 8:30pm)
3. The Big C: 500,670 (TV3, 9:35pm – 10:05pm)
4. My Kitchen Rules: 401,490 (TV2, 7:30pm – 8:30pm)
5. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution: 313,930 (TV ONE, 8:30pm – 9:30pm)

Most watched daytime (9am – 5pm)

1. ONE News Midday: 139,430 (TV ONE, 12:00pm – 12:30pm)
2. Emmerdale: 123,400 (TV ONE, 12:30pm – 1:30pm)
3. ONE News 4:30: 92,090 (TV ONE, 4:30pm – 4:55pm)
4. Sticky TV: 86,650 (TV3, 4:00pm – 4:30pm)
5. Spongebob Squarepants: 82,060 (TV2, 4:00pm – 4:30pm)

Most watched on TV ONE

1. One News: 625,310 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)
2. Coronation Street: 514,760 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
3. Close Up: 503,410 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
4. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution: 313,930 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
5. Real Crime: 311,130 (9:30pm – 10:35pm)

Most watched on TV2

1. Shortland Street: 540,330 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
2. My Kitchen Rules: 401,490 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
3. View From The Top: 210,330 (8:30pm – 10:25pm)
4. 8 Simple Rules: 174,240 (6:30pm – 7:00pm)
5. Cougar Town: 124,650 (10:25pm – 11:25pm)

Most watched on TV3

1. Outrageous Fortune: 724,980 (8:30pm – 9:35pm)
2. The Big C: 500,670 (9:35pm – 10:05pm)
3. The Kitchen Job: 289,660 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
4. United States Of Tara: 288,990 (10:05pm – 10:40pm)
5. 3 News: 253,520 (6:00pm – 7:00pm)

Most watched on C4

1. Family Guy: 73,690 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
2. How I Met Your Mother: 65,130 (8:00pm – 8:30pm)
3. Malcolm in the Middle: 61,750 (6:00pm – 6:30pm)
4. Everybody Hates Chris: 58,710 (6:30pm – 7:00pm)
5. 30 Rock: 52,770 (7:30pm – 8:00pm)

Most watched on PRIME

1. Prime News: 134,250 (5:30pm – 6:00pm)
2. The Best of Top Gear: 132,970 (8:35pm – 9:35pm)
3. Escape to River Cottage: 114,080 (8:05pm – 8:35pm)
4. Deal Or No Deal: 97,800 (5:00pm – 5:30pm)
5. Nigella Kitchen: 95,980 (7:30pm – 8:05pm)

Most watched on the BOX

1. C.S.I: 35,590 (9:30pm – 10:30pm)
2. The Simpsons: 27,670 (7:00pm – 7:30pm)

Most watched on SKY Sport 1

1. Reunion: 35,050 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
2. Northern Exposure: 25,610 (9:30pm – 9:55pm)

Biggest increases (previous week)

1. Outrageous Fortune: TV3 724980 – up from 456130 (8:30pm – 9:35pm)
2. The Big C: TV3 500670 – up from 326720 (9:35pm – 10:05pm)
3. The Kitchen Job: TV3 289660 – up from 182040 (7:30pm – 8:30pm)
4. United States Of Tara: TV3 288990 – up from 220720 (10:05pm – 10:40pm)
5. Nightline: TV3 180860 – up from 112890 (10:40pm – 11:10pm)

Biggest decreases (previous week)

1. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution: TV ONE 313930 – down from 358280 (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
2. Breakfast: TV ONE 124900 – down from 164880 (8:05am – 9:00am)
3. Everybody Hates Chris: C4 58710 – down from 90110 (6:30pm – 7:00pm)
4. The Jeremy Kyle Show: TV2 47330 – down from 75420 (12:35pm – 1:35pm)
5. Home and Away: TV3 198240 – down from 226120 (5:30pm – 6:00pm)

New

1. View From The Top: TV2 (8:30pm – 10:25pm)
2. The Best of Top Gear: PRIME (8:35pm – 9:35pm)
3. Real Crime: TV ONE (9:30pm – 10:35pm)
4. Ultimate Force: PRIME (9:40pm – 10:40pm)
5. Making Tracks: C4 (9:55pm – 10:25pm)

Channel Share (All Day)

• TV ONE: 28.8%
• SKY Network: 23.7%
• TV3: 20.3%
• TV2: 16.1%
• PRIME: 5.1%
• C4: 3.2%
• Other TV Channels: 1.8%
• Maori TV: 0.3%

Source: Nielsen Television Audience Measurement, All 5+