March 18, 2008

Production begins next week on DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY, a new comedy series from South Pacific Pictures and created by award-winning writer James Griffin (Sione’s Wedding, Outrageous Fortune, Spin Doctors, Serial Killers).

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY, which will air on TVNZ, is a satirical series about the goings on at the consulate of The Most Royal Kingdom of Fe’ausi and the fallen New Zealand Foreign Affairs high-flier who’s been sent in to straighten out the consulate staff.

The series stars Dave Fane (bro’Town, Sione’s Wedding, Naked Samoans, Outrageous Fortune) as Jonah, the Fe’ausian Ambassador to New Zealand who’s charming and effusive but who will do whatever’s necessary to get the outcome he desires, along with Craig Parker (Shortland Street, Mercy Peak, Lord of the Rings) as Leighton Mills, the Kiwi diplomat who finds himself landed with a new posting – as babysitter to the Fe’ausian consulate staff. 

Newcomer Lesley-Ann Brandt joins the cast in the role of Leilani, the beautiful, head-strong, democracy-loving daughter of the Ambassador who quickly attracts Leighton’s attention.

Rounding out the core cast are John Leigh (Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street, Maddigan’s Quest, We’re Here to Help), Mario Gaoa (Naked Samoans, bro’Town, Sione’s Wedding), Kayte Ferguson (Serial Killers, Spin Doctors, Mataku, Ask Your Auntie) and Hannah Marshall (Shortland Street, Burying Brian, Amazing Extraordinary Friends).

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY is a 13 x half-hour series being produced by Chris Hampson (Street Legal, Doves of War) for South Pacific Pictures.  The production, which will be shot on location in Auckland, has received funding from NZ on Air and will screen on TVNZ in 2009.