Go Girls

8:30pm Thursday, March 18 on TV2

Rich. Famous. Married. That was the plan. But it’d be fair to say things didn’t exactly go to plan for Amy (Anna Hutchison), Kevin (Jay Ryan), Britta (Alix Bushnell) and Cody (Bronwyn Turei), so this year they decide on new and bigger objectives, in the brand new season of hit local drama, Go Girls.

The season premiere kicks off a new year and new resolutions as Amy, Britta, Cody and Kevin embark on another epic quest. Amy is even more broke now than she was 365 days ago. Once the driving force behind the gang striving towards their goals, it seems Amy has now fallen off the bandwagon.

Fortunately, a random act of kindness and the support of her friends help Amy realise she needs a whole new way forward. Actress Anna Hutchison says the past year was hard for Amy and she’s struggling to work through it. “At the start of this series, Amy is trying to get over everything and it kind of alienates her from the group so everyone bands together to get her on the right track again.”

Britta realised that she’s too kind to be famous; not to mention so kind she’s comforted many needy blokes on the North Shore. But should she have to change herself to get what she wants?

Actress Alix Bushnell hints viewers can expect a new maturity in Britta’s character this series: “I’d like to say Britta’s grown up. She’s a lot more adult in her approach to life and she’s totally given up on the fame thing. She isn’t quite good enough at anything apart from being a good person with a good heart.”

Cody, on the contrary, got what she wanted – she got married. This week she returns from a honeymoon with her rugby star husband, Eli (Joe Naufahu), only to find those gay rumours haven’t gone away. Unfortunately for Cody, getting married was the easy part. Staying married is harder. Can she make her marriage work?

Bronwyn Turei comments: “Cody’s trying very hard to prove to everyone that she can take responsibility for things that she hasn’t necessarily stepped up to yet. She’s also trying to understand the world she’s been thrown into; in a marriage, living in somebody else’s house, playing with his new friends and having dinner parties, and not getting to go out so much with her friends and drink beer and eat pizza.”

Last year Kevin wanted things to stay the same but it’s amazing how things have changed. Admitting it wasn’t just a sports steering wheel he wanted, this time he’s aiming higher in all areas of life. The question is: will it make him happy?

According to actor Jay Ryan, this year it’s Kevin who instigates the goal-setting and getting his friends back on track: “Kevin’s matured a little bit since last series and I think he’s realised this whole change thing is actually good. Basically he feels the three girls are sort of losing their mojo and he has to be the older brother and control the situation a bit more.”

If you have missed an episode, full episodes of Go Girls will be available free online 12 hours after the show has aired on TV2. Go to tvnz.co.nz and click the ‘ondemand’ button.

Here’s a summary of how the new Kiwi shows of 2009 have fared based on episodes screened to date…

Go Girls and 7 Days have been picked up for a season season.

Scroll across to see more shows.

Footnotes:
Data sourced from AGB Nielsen, showing average total NZ viewer numbers (5+).
Averages to date do not include the premiere episode viewership figures.
Data for episodes screened to date: October 24, 2009.

In March 2008 it was announced that South Pacific Pictures had sold the Outrageous Fortune concept to US TV network, making it a first for an antipodean drama.  That was after three seasons.  Someone has obviously been keeping a close eye on what SPP has been producing because now the Go Girls concept has been snapped up by the same network after just a single season.

The pilot for the US is being written by Liz Tuccillo, the story editor behind Sex and the City and co-writer of He’s Just Not That Into You.

Check out: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Movie-TV-memorabilia/Other/auction-247375278.htm

We’re auctioning off Cody’s series one Karen Walker tee, signed by the cast of GO GIRLS! All profits go to the Samoa Relief fund.

For more updates regarding Go Girls, join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Go-Girls-official/164608851927?ref=nf

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Just want to say I really like the redition of “End of the Runaway” in Go Girls – especially the version sung at the wedding

Thursday 14 May, 8.30pm

As an action-packed final episode of Go Girls goes to air this week, series co-writer Kate McDermott is delighted with New Zealand’s reaction to the show so far.

Also a writer on Shortland Street, Kate is frequently hassled for Go Girls storyline spoilers as often as she’s asked about Shortland Street. “I used to get friends and family harassing me to know what was happening on Shortland Street, but that has suddenly changed.

“Now they’re desperate to know if Cody will get married and will it be the rugby player or the school teacher? Will Britta find fame, or will Amy end up with Kev? Or Brad? People tend to get a little lemon-lipped when I refuse to tell them, but I love that they’re asking,” she says.

Although series one concludes this week, Kate believes these characters have more stories to tell and drops a few hints on where the writers could take Kevin, Amy, Britta and Cody in further series. “It would be good if Kevin could find a nice girl, a girl who loved him back and didn’t have mental health issues! All of Kevin’s girlfriends through the series have been a bit… unstable.”

“And then there was his crush on Amy. Perhaps if series two went ahead, he could turn his attention to someone else – maybe someone who has been in his orbit all along?”

For Kate, Britta McMann’s (Alix Bushnell) family was the most enjoyable writing subject. “I’ve really enjoyed writing a family which consisted of four generations of solo mothers. I find Britta’s mother Fran, grandmother Jan, great grandmother Nan, and great great grandmother Gran all endlessly entertaining and I love that it’s the first family of this kind to feature on New Zealand television.” “Family dynamics are always fun, and the McManns with their ciggies and gin and pokies, and wicked observations and comments on the action, have been a highlight,” she says.

Tune in on Thursday night as Cody (Bronwyn Turei) kicks off the finale with an unexpected announcement. Her relationship with Eli (Joe Naufahu) heated up last week, putting to rest some speculation about his sexuality. Still, Cody is trapped by obligation and her decision is damaging. Will she get married? Meanwhile Britta (Alix Bushnell) is a girl in demand and Amy (Anna Hutchison) and Brad (Matt Whelan) continue to play house, but there’s a curveball or two coming their way.

Kevin (Jay Ryan) and Philippe (Gareth Reeves) share a common thread, but only after a mighty punch up. Kevin also reveals the truth to Amy, but how will she respond? Tune into the final episode of Go Girls to find out.

If you have missed an episode, full episodes of Go Girls will be available free online 12 hours after the show has aired on TV2. Go to tvnz.co.nz and click the ‘on demand’ button.

Thursday 7 May, 8.30pm

Eli’s (Joe Naufahu) sexuality is in the spotlight tonight on Go Girls, when Eli’s supposed former flame Philippe (Gareth Reeves) throws a curveball at the girls.

Before he played Cody’s (Bronwyn Turei) rugby star fiancé, Eli on Go Girls, actor Joe Naufahu was reasonably new to the acting industry. A man bitten by the acting bug, Joe balances pursuing the craft he loves with a demanding day job.

“Like Spiderman and Superman, I have an alter ego and work as a project manager at Hawkins Interiors running commercial fit-outs. This is what I was doing before Go Girls and it’s what I’m doing now,” Naufahu says.

“I would dearly love to take on acting fulltime, I love being on set. There’s something electric about it. The cast of Go Girls were great and I really enjoyed working with all of them. Having pudding at lunchtime from catering is always a bonus too!” he laughs.

Joe shared most of his scenes on Go Girls with actress Bronwyn Turei and has nothing but praise for her ability. “Working with Bronwyn was heaps of fun. She is such a natural and a very giving actor. We always managed to have a good laugh which can sometimes be tough with tight shooting schedules,” he says.

Before Go Girls, Joe had a lead role in The Market, a 2005 New Zealand drama series set in South Auckland. “Needless to say, the world of pro rugby on the North Shore was a massive leap!” Joe laughs. He also has an upcoming role in the feature film, Matariki, currently in production and directed by Michael Bennett.

Portraying a man of questionable sexuality did bring mixed feelings for Joe during the auditioning process. “I knew I had to let go of any uncomfortable feelings if I was going to pull it off and I guess for me, that’s the essence of acting; letting go. I was stoked to land the role, but I knew I would be in for some serious hassling from my workmates!” he laughs.

Joe won’t reveal what the gay rumours do to Eli and Cody, but insists it can’t be the end saying, “Eli and Cody both need each other for their own reasons and are happy to be together as long as the people they love are protected and their situations remain intact.” “Eli is fiercely defensive of his masculine image. He is determined to keep these gay rumours under wrap to protect his interests. I think there is something beyond ‘mate-ship’ with him and Cody, but who knows?” he finishes.

Is Eli gay? Will Cody go ahead with the wedding? Find out on Go Girls this Thursday.

If you have missed an episode, full episodes of Go Girls will be available free online 12 hours after the show has aired on TV2. Go to tvnz.co.nz and click the ‘on demand’ button.

TVNZ and NZ On Air are pleased to announce that the hit local drama Go Girls will be coming back for a second series. The fun loving, sexy series about three friends – Amy, Britta and Cody – seen through the eyes of their best mate Kevin, has proved to be a real hit with New Zealand viewers.

Go Girls has consistently delivered strong audience ratings and dominated its timeslot on Thursday night on TV2.

Jeff Latch, Head of Television, says, “We are extremely pleased with the success of Go Girls. The team at South Pacific Pictures has created another hit drama with great writing and high production values. We are excited to see where the team will go with series two.”

Jane Wrightson, Chief Executive of NZ On Air says the funding agency is delighted to help a local drama succeed in the tough 8-30pm prime time slot.  “We’ve been looking for another popular prime time drama series for a while, and Go Girls has delivered it in spades”, she said.

The funding agency has committed $6.246 million to South Pacific Pictures for production of the second series.

Chris Bailey, Managing Director of South Pacific Pictures is thrilled with the support from TVNZ and says, “South Pacific Pictures are delighted that TVNZ and NZ On Air are keen to commission a second series of Go Girls.”

Jane Wilson, General Manager of Programming says that New Zealand is currently producing some exceptional local dramas.

“The re-commissioning of Go Girls at this stage is testament to the network’s support for this show. We look forward to seeing a lot more New Zealand drama on our screens, “says Wilson.   

Production will commence later in the year and will screen on TV2 in 2010.

In this week’s WW, Dave Fane (Jonah, Diplomatic Immunity) announces his engagement to Bronwyn Bradley (Gwen, Go Girls).

The pair have three children, have been together 15 years and will marry later this year.

Dave says he “wanted [the proposal] to happen while Bron was doing the most mundane, boring thing… so it would be memorable!”  so he asked her while she was folding washing!

“For me, having a wedding is a way of saying to Bron that there are lots of things I love about her, and that I’d like us to be this way forever.”

If you’re on Facebook, try out this Go Girls quiz to find out which character you’re most like.  It’s actually by the makers of the show and is pretty good!

I came out with Amy:

You are a high achiever, stylish, driven and conscientious, some would even say bossy. But you are always loyal to your friends and family.