The Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation crew will receive Pasifika On Air funding to produce pilot episodes of an original format series.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, PCBL/Pasifika TV
The high calibre of applicants for Pasifika On Air (PoA) funding is an indication the Pacific creative industry is in an exciting and progressive space throughout the region, says PoA General Manager Nicole Rex Taofinu’u.
After its establishment in 2021, PoA has now entered its third season, with more funding rounds to run until 2028.
“Late last year, we invited Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) affiliated broadcasters to pitch an original format series for round one of funding,” Nicole says.
“Nine of our broadcasters pitched and while only three have been selected to receive funding, the high quality of the submissions demonstrates how much progress has been made over a short amount of time when it comes to content creation and development.
“It is a good indication of a healthy creative industry in the Pacific.”
Three PCBL affiliated broadcasters have been selected for their submissions and will receive $75,000 each to go towards three pilot episodes of their original format series:
- Mo Kila from Fiji’s Mai TV (3 x 22’ quiz format series).
- Island Innovators from Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (3 x 30’ factual format series).
- Turtle Town: Rarotonga from the Cook Islands Vaka TV 3 x 22’ factual observational reality format series.
The Mai TV crew, from Fiji.
Submissions were assessed on creative strength, feasibility, and sustainability and regional potential, and the final decision was a tough one to make, Nicole says.
“Round one of the PoA funding is all about the broadcasters, building their IP and sustainability in the media sector throughout the region,” she says.
“The initiative helps create sustainability by funding original IP from the broadcasters in the hope they can produce a format series, which they can then license to other territories.
“It also helps them maintain story sovereignty while building their content slate and media economy – all part of PCBL’s strategic goals.”
Nicole adds it is an exciting time for PoA, as the programme is reimagined to enable more opportunities to support the production of authentic content from the Pacific.
“Congratulations to everyone who made a pitch and the three successful applicants, we cannot wait to see the finished product.”
The Vaka TV crew, from the Cook Islands.
Visit Pasifika On Air for more information.