Documentary is a perfect art form that can easily traverse the
barriers of culture and language. The five-episode New Zealand
Journeys, co-produced by Natural History New Zealand Ltd
(NHNZ) and China Central Television (CCTV), is such a case.
The series, now showing on CCTV 10's "Exploring" program, took
about a year to make not counting the time New Zealand TV producers
spent discussing with CCTV what they'd like to work on.
"China and New Zealand have a friendly relationship that dates
back 150 years," says Michael Stedman, managing director of NHNZ.
"We hope to further the understanding and friendship of the two
nations through the documentary film on New Zealand."
The episodes respectively recount New Zealand's natural history,
people, links with China, innovation and filmmaking.
As one of the last places on Earth to be inhabited by humans New
Zealand's history is also one of innovation through isolation.
The first people who arrived, like the plants and animals they
found, needed to be adaptable and innovative to overcome the
isolation of their new home. These qualities have since become
hallmarks of the New Zealand character.
Though there are many documentaries about the country Stedman
notes that New Zealand Journeys is the only one
tailor-made for the Chinese TV audience.
"Before we started the production we knew what would interest
the Chinese audience and what would not," he says. "The
professionals of CCTV had very productive discussions with the
production team where decisions were made on the stories, elements
and style. Both parties have thoroughly enjoyed working together."
The documentary also wins high praise from New Zealand Prime
Minister Helen Clark.
"During my visit to CCTV in Beijing last year I discussed with
State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) Minister
Wang Taihua the opportunities for our two countries' screen
industries to work together," says Clark. "I hope these wonderful
documentaries will contribute to even closer ties between our two
countries and they will be just the first example of our
broadcasting sectors working collaboratively."
The award-winning documentary-maker NHNZ has made a number of
documentaries on China's archeological wonders, wildlife and
engineering marvels.
Its first co-production with a Chinese partner dates back to
2003. The successful Giant Panda Nursery about raising
twin baby giant pandas from Sichuan's Wolong has been screened on
National Geographic Channel International and the Discovery
Channel.
Now NHNZ producers are making a two-hour special on China's
acrobatics with another co-production partner, China International
Communication Center.
"Our ultimate focus in China is to bring more wonderful Chinese
stories to the world audience," says Stedman. "China with its long
history and rich culture is like a diamond ... you can look at all
its facets and every facet will be different."
(Shanghai Daily November 13, 2006)