Local hopefuls can share TV action

Wanganui and Waimarino people get the chance to appear in two Maori TV shows this summer.

The shows are It's In The Bag and My Country Song, and both will be filmed by Blue Bach Productions Ltd.

There are $40,000 worth of prizes up for grabs in the bilingual It's in the Bag.

My Country Song is a celebration of local talent and of country music, with singers coached by country music star Dennis Marsh and 2010 Gold Guitar winner Saelyn Guyton.

Ohakune people get their chance first, when the two shows are filmed on December 17 and 18 at Ruapehu College.

It's in the Bag comes first, with doors open at 5.30pm on December 17, and the show starting at 6pm. Some of the contestants have already been chosen, but there will be a chance for one more on the night - the person who can complete a waiata (song) correctly.

My Country Song will be filmed the next day. The seven local singers have already been chosen, and the filming is only open to their supporters and family, Blue Bach production assistant Kerena Wano said.

Wanganui's turn comes in January, with It's in the Bag filmed on January 5 and My Country Song on January 6.

Ms Wano said there were already country singers lined up for the singing show in Wanganui, but more are needed. Auditions are held online, and aspiring stars can email a YouTube link of their performances to the production manager at callieadams@gmail.com.

People who want to reserve seats for the It's in the Bag filmings can register at www.itsinthebag.co.nz or phone or text 022 695 5311. They can also turn up on the nights and take their chances. Admission will be by koha (donation), with proceeds going to charities.

The programmes screen later in 2013.