NZ On Air announces funding for new line-up of drama series

Neill Rea and Fern Sutherland in The Brokenwood Mysteries, which has been renewed for a fifth season. Photo / Supplied

NZ On Air has announced funding for a number of new series as well as returning seasons of existing shows.

The funding agency's last round of grants for the year have commissioned four new drama projects, which it says will reflect "diverse ideas" and hire diverse writers and directors.

More than $4 million has been granted for Fresh Eggs, a black comedy to be developed for TVNZ 2. The series will follow a couple who move from the city to the country in pursuit of a better life, only to encounter small-town intrigue and drama.

Nick Ward (Stickmen) and Kim Harrop (Go Girls) have penned the screenplay.

TVNZ 1 will be home to The Bad Seed, a psychological thriller following a man accused of murder who must fight a powerful politician to keep his daughter and clear his name.

The series is based on two novels by Charlotte Grimshaw, with the screenplay written by Sarah Kate-Lynch (800 Words). NZ On Air says the series, which will receive up to $5.5m in funding, will be "produced and directed by women".

Meanwhile, crime drama The Brokenwood Mysteries has been renewed for a fifth season on Prime, with $3.6m in funding.

For online audiences, an interactive drama series called Alibi is in development.

Each episode of the six-part web series will follow the perspective of a different suspect in a murder case, with the episodes designed to be watched in any order.

WatchME will stream At My Most Beautiful, following a transgender activist named Tommy Davis who returns to his rural hometown following the death of his partner. There, he is embroiled in a political scrap surrounding sustainable dairy farming.

Returning for new seasons will be Darryl, A Coast To Coast Story, starring Millen Baird in the title role, as well as Only In Aotearoa 2, a sketch series from a distinctly Maori perspective.

"These projects each serve different audiences, cover a range of genre, will be found on a variety of platforms, and in many cases bring through new creative talents," said NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson.

"We are excited by their potential and also delighted to support the return of three successful projects.

"We will continue to invest in the best quality ideas to reach diverse audiences... And importantly, with these projects, we are encouraging women in lead creative roles," she said.