TVNZ, Granada, in first-option deal

Press, 20 February 1988, Page 21

TVNZ, Granada, in first-option deal

From

TONY VERDON,

London correspondent Television New Zealand has negotiated the first options on all programmes supplied by a major British production company, Granada.

The deal, struck at the international television festival in Monte Carlo recently, gives TVNZ a stranglehold on programmes from the main British television production houses. It is understood a similar deal with a major United States distributor is likely to be finalised soon.

The controller of Television One, Mr Harold Anderson, said TVNZ already had first option deals with both the 8.8. C. and Central Television. Under the arrangements, TVNZ will be offered programmes before any competitor in New Zealand. The deals also give TVNZ the first rights to run repeats of programmes. “Granada is the company which has been responsible for a lot of highquality drama in the past, and we hope it will continue to be in the future,” he said from Monte Carlo.

Mr Anderson attended the international television festival with his Network Two counterpart, Mr John Mcßae. Mr Anderson said the advent of the third private channel in New Zealand meant TVNZ had to make sure it was around when new programmes first hit the international markets. Mr Anderson said there was a greater focus now on mini-series, rather than longer-running series.

“They are good if they are used properly and highlighted,” he said. “You need the longrunning series, but the mini-series can provide a highlight in the schedule.”

Among the mini-series bought for screening in New Zealand was “Queenie”, the story of actress Merle Oberon. It stars Kirk Douglas and Claire Bloom. Another mini-series bought was "King of the Olympics,” the life story of Avery Brundage, the power behind the Olympic Games for more than half a century. Mr Anderson said this two-part mini-series would be screened in New Zealand just before this year’s Olympic Games in South Korea.