Course to find ‘Superman’

Press, 11 June 1987, Page 3

Course to find ‘Superman’

By

NIGEL MALTHUS

Krypton, as every boy knows, is Superman’s home planet Hence the name, “The Krypton Factor,” for Television New Zealand’s quest for Australasia’s “Superman.”

Contenders are not expected to fly or demonstrate X-ray vision, but they are expected to excel on the Army’s hard new assault course at Bumham Camp, where some segments of the programme are being filmed today.

“The Krypton Factor” is a co-production with Australia’s A.B.C. Television, although a third party, the New Zealand Army, deserves equal billing, according to the producer, Brian Stewart Speaking during a break in rehearsals at Burnham yesterday, Mr Stewart said that TVNZ’s timing was opportune when it approached the Army for a suitable obstacle course.

The Army was about to plan a new assault course. After consulting the show’s producers, it came up with a course which served the requirements of both. The course has water jumps, barbed wire, rope climbs, walls and a flying fox.

Soldiers as well as “The Krypton Factor” contestants went through their paces yesterday while camera crews planned their shots.

“The New Zealand Army has been positive and very, very co-opera-tive,” said Mr Stewart.

Contestants will be tested on far more than physical ability, however. In “studio” segments being filmed at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre they will be tested on mental agility, observation, three-di-mensional puzzle-solving, and general knowledge.

There are 48 contestants — and four reserves, “for obvious reasons,” said Mr Stewart — in 12 heats. There will be four semi-finals before the final.

Because it is a co-pro-duction with Australia two New Zealanders and two Australians are in each heat.

"With a bit of luck, we might have two New Zealanders and two Australians in the final, but that is entirely up to their performances;” said Mr Stewart.

The show, featuring Dougal Stevenson as the host, will run for 17 weeks, the first heat being Shown in New Zealand on Saturday and In Australia next Thursday.

The winner would receive a bronze trophy and the right to represent Australasia at an international contest which, however, had not been yet planned, said Mr Stewart.

An international final would be “an obvious flow-on.” He hoped the British, who originated “The Krypton Factor” several years ago, would organise it