ScreenTalk

Hi Geoffrey. I can't say that I have ever seen such a list, though it is a good idea. I suppose the big question to get out of the way is what one counts as a tele-movie: I'm guessing you would agree that individual episodes of pioneering anthology series like Winners and Losers (1976) and About Face (1986) would be stretching the definition too far, since each individual film was generally only half an hour long. But it sounds from your list that you will probably be okay about adding more titles from the Sunday Theatre slot, which includes The Call Up, Swimming Lessons and Niki Caro's Plain Tastes, among many others. 

There is also the question of what to do with programmes that were originally made to screen as episodic series, but were later re-edited into tele-movie length for overseas sales/audiences. Examples would include horse tale Star Runner, which you mention, and The Fire-Raiser.  

From your list, Constance, Alex, and Absent without Leave could all be safely removed, since they were made originally for theatrical release. My understanding is that Iris and Out of Time were different titles for the same tele-movie. The Sea Urchins was a TV series, though you may know of a tele-movie version.  Best of luck!

Thanks

Good points.

It is confusing when there are many versions out there.

How many episodes were Star runner and Sea Urchins?  Wasn't there also 2 or 3 series of Sea Urchins.

thanks for your help

I believe Rebecca Gibney (Halifax F.P., Packed To The Rafters) got her start in Sea Urchins and I think there were a few series of that too.

Hi Geoffrey. We have been told that Sea Urchins went to three series, but we're not sure how many episodes of the show were actually made - nor of Star Runner.  Damien is right about it featuring Rebecca Gibney, although I suspect she did not take a central role. Then teen singer Freddie Hemara took one of the main parts. The show was created by Julian Dickon, who also created landmark drama show Pukemanu (which will be getting added to the NZ On Screen website soon).

re Sea Urchins - yes, there are 3 series in total

series 1 was also released as a TV movie version (lots edited out from the series).

I have the movie + the 3 series (the start of one episode in series 2 is missing though)

A thoroughly good series that shows how brilliant NZ was at creativity, innocence + fun in tv series for kids in the 1980's.

I transfered the series from old VHS to DV a few months ago (just as well as the oxide on the tapes literally came off the tape as the recording transfered!!!) A one-shot wonder.

Don't let series as good as this or Hunters Gold die.

I know the Fire-Raiser was shown on turkish television as a 2-part movie. Wonder why no-one has released these to us, the viewers????

Ha! Great to see all this talk about old TV series Zarathustra

I appeared in the Sea Urchins series with Jason Pirihi and Freddie Hemara. Series 3 whch was shot in the Marlborough Sounds also featured Rebecca Gibney.

I'd be keen to pay for copies from you as I'm sure my kids would find it hilarious.

Feel free to email me at work if you can help out:

robertr@thebreeze.co.nz

Thanks

Robert Rakete

Hi Robert - we are working on getting the Sea Urchins on the site soon (starring your good self and the lovely Rebecca when you were young things), so you can show your kids there.  But if you want to get DVDs, you could see if the TVNZ Archive in Wellington could help you with that......cheers, Irene