Plans for drama

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 14

Plans for drama

Television New Zealand’s head of drama, John Mcßae, has announced his plans for this year, including transmission of the 16 part series “The Seekers” and the 27-part series, “Open House.” “The Seekers” will start on February 10 on One and “Open House” on June 2 on One.

The second series of “Heroes” will start on July 13 on Two, followed on August 24 by “Fire Raiser,” written by Maurice Gee. The “Fire Raiser” cast includes the dancer John

Trimmer playing his first dramatic television role, Peter Haden, Donna Akersten, Elizabeth Moodie and Ann Budd, with Emma Vere-Jones, Miles Murphy, Alix Chapman and Darryl Beattie playing the children. On September 28, “Adventurer,” a co-production with Thames Television, will begin. It was written by Richard Carpenter, whose recent credits include “Robin of Sherwood.’” The cast includes Oliver Tobias, Temuera Morrison, Peter Bland, Marshall Napier, Peter Hambleton and Paul Gittins.

During 1986 the Drama Department will begin production of a seven-part series entitled, “Marching Girls” and an eight-part family serial entitled “Steel Riders.” A four-part mini series “Verdict on. Erebus,” based on the book by Peter Mahon, which is being dramatised by Greg McGee, will be produced by Caterina De Nave. There will also be a 20-part series entitled, “Gloss.” Early preproduction will also take place on a four-part mini series entitled “Opo.”