"The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, June 26 1966.
Seven New Zealand authors have been approached by the N.Z.B.C. to write a play, possibly two, about New Zealanders.
The chief producer at WNTV 1, Mr A. Martin, said that replies had been received from four who had agreed to write a contribution to a series of television plays and also a separate play.
The supervisor of productions, Mr B. Bell, said the idea of an indigenous television drama series was the baby of both Mr Martin and himself. This was an attempt to get started in New Zealand drama on television.
The N.Z.B.C. received many plays submitted for consideration but so far had not found many suitable.
Mr Martin said the only way was to commission established writers and obtain plays in this way.
It is understood a figure in excess of £lOO has been offered.
Six of the authors, should they agree, are to provide a 40-minute play which would be part of a series.
This would give them experience in writing for television before going on to a major television play of up to an hour long.
Mr Bell is to handle the plays when they are received and will work with the authors.
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