Thunderbirds leads wave of TV production

Thunderbirds - then and now. New images have been revealed of the NZ-made 'Thunderbirds Are Go!' series. Photo / supplied, ITV Studios

Some of the world's most eagerly awaited television projects are being made in our own back yard.

Among several productions under way in New Zealand is an animated remake of the 1960s classic sci-fi show Thunderbirds.

The remake is a co-production between ITV Studios and Pukeko Pictures in association with Weta Workshop.

New images of the New Zealand-made series - Thunderbirds Are Go! - were revealed last week and Weta Workshop earlier released an image of its version of the Thunderbird 1 rocket ship.

Producers hope the remake, due out next September, will appeal to a new generation of fans.

Fantasy television series Shannara is also due to get some Kiwiana treatment early next year.

The high fantasy series - which will air on MTV - is based on the successful novels by Terry Brooks.

According to entertainment site Backstage.com, filming is set to run from next January to April on location in New Zealand.

Just yesterday, the mystery drama Top of the Lake, by Oscar-winning director Jane Campion and writer Gerard Lee, was reportedly given the go-ahead for a second season. Though there has been no confirmation the series would return to the Queenstown-Glenorchy area where the first was shot.

New Zealand has also proven to be a top filming destination for those pitching to younger audiences.

The Disney Channel has, over the years, had a strong presence around the country, particularly in Auckland.

This week, the hosts of Disney Channel Australia's Hanging with Adam & Naomi were in town filming their latest episode.

The popular programme - with a target audience of pre-teen youngsters - includes interviews with celebrity guests, short funny skits and activities featuring local attractions.

In previous years, Disney chose to film the popular long-running US children's television series Power Rangers at locations around Auckland, including Vector Arena and Bethells Beach.

Even Black Cap Ross Taylor has featured in one of the Disney Channel's programmes - Undercover Coach - which ran some of the batsman's big tips in 2009, when he was aged 25.