TV
STARZ PRESS RELEASE - ANDY WHITFIELD
“SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND” STAR ANDY WHITFIELD DIAGNOSED WITH NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA
Production on second season of the hit Starz series delayed to accommodate treatment
Andy Whitfield, who plays the title role in Starz Original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," announced today he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately in New Zealand. Whitfield discovered the cancer during a routine checkup as he prepped for the sophomore season. Andy’s doctors have stated his condition is very treatable, and was detected in its early stages.
"I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me," says Whitfield.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy," says Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz. "His health, of course, is our primary concern. He has our complete support during this difficult time.”
The second season was scheduled to begin shooting shortly in New Zealand, but has been postponed to accommodate Andy’s treatment.
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has been a breakout success for the Starz network. The first season finale airs Friday 16 April.
The Almighty Johnsons
SOUTH PACIFIC PICTURES"The Almighty Johnsons is a new South Pacific Pictures comedy-drama series about four brothers, raised in heartland New Zealand, who also happen to be the living incarnations of Norse Gods. They even have their own super-God-powers. Sort of – it’s just that their powers aren’t actually all that powerful. Well, not yet - but that could all change soon.
The Almighty Johnsons are superheroes, but they aren’t like those flashy cartoon superheroes. They are typical Kiwi blokes who don’t much like to stand out from the crowd. And everyday gods have everyday struggles - striving to love stroppy women, overcoming sibling rivalry and fulfilling your God-like destiny, all while still finding the time to enjoy a few beers with your mates.
Created by Rachel Lang and James Griffin, the award-winning team behind Outrageous Fortune, The Almighty Johnsons is a 10 x 1 hour episode series and will go into production in 2010 for TV3".
taken from www.southpacificpictures.com
Legend of the Seeker (season II)
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY (NZ) LIMITED
currently shooting
Legend of the Seeker is a weekly series loosely based on The Sword of Truth novels by Terry Goodkind.
The series follows the epic journey of a young woods guide named Richard Cypher (played by Craig Horner), a mysterious woman named Kahlan Amnell (played by Bridget Regan), and a wizard named Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander (played by Bruce Spence) to stop Darken Rahl (played by Craig Parker) from unleashing an ancient and terrifying power.
Shooting on location largely in West Auckland from mid-July 2009 to April 2010.
Casting for guest roles is ongoing throughout this time.
Auckland Actors appearing this season in guest roles include Neill Rea, Jonathan Hodge, Abigail Greenwood, David Aston, Stephen Papps, Damien Avery, Mick Rose, Ella Edward, Dwayne Cameron, Donogh Rees, Meryl Main, Alison Bruce, Lachlan Parkinson and Andrew Beattie. Brooke Williams, Paul Barrett and Jon Brazier reprise their roles from season I.
Spies & Lies
SOUTH PACIFIC PICTURES
Tele-feature SPIES AND LIES was adapted for the screen by playwright Dave Armstrong and is based on the book The Plot to Subvert Wartime New Zealand by Hugh Price.
Set in 1942 wartime New Zealand, SPIES AND LIES is a ripping yarn based on a true story of conspiracy, incompetence, and an extraordinary hoax that challenged the highest levels of New Zealand government.
Antony Starr, who has won multiple Best Actor awards for his portrayal of twins Van and Jethro West on Outrageous Fortune, plays confidence trickster Syd Ross. Upon his release from prison, Ross makes a phone call and lands himself a meeting with Prime Minister Peter Fraser to whom he tells a tale of sabotage and assassination, of a Nazi plot to take over New Zealand.
Outrageous Fortune (season VI)
SOUTH PACIFIC PICTURES, shooting until February 2010.
Season 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Outrageous Fortune are available for purchase from most major retailers in New Zealand and Australia and online through Real Groovy, Gumboot , Mighty Ape and Fishpond.
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
PACIFIC RENAISSANCE PICTURES
now screening on the Starz Channel, USA.
UK born, Australia raised Andy Whitfield takes the title role of 'Spartacus' and we are very proud to have appearing in recurring roles Lucy Lawless as 'Lucretia', Antonio Te Maioha as Gladiator 'Barca', Brooke Willams as 'Aurelia', Mia Pistorius as 'Aemilia'. Auckland Actors appearing in guest roles include Andrew Laing, Jon Brazier, Stephen Butterworth and Mike Edward.
For further information on the series and to watch the trailer visit the Starz website or the Spartacus: Blood & Sand website.
Shortland Street
SOUTH PACIFIC PICTURES, shooting all year round.
screening 7pm, TV2, weekdays.
Now in its 15th year of production, Shortland Street is a fast-paced serial drama in an urban setting, Shortland Street explores the lives and loves of the patients and staff of a modern metropolitan hospital and contains a heady mix of medical crisis, human drama, comedy, romance and suspense.
Auckland Actors represents core cast members Amanda Billing, Peter Mochrie, Fleur Saville, Adam Rickitt and Sarah Thomson.
Various Auckland Actors appear constantly in GUEST ROLES, including Rangi Rangitukunoa, Judy Rankin, Sarah McLeod and Mauri Stokes.
15 Years of Shortland Street (volumes one, two & three) DVDs are available at all good DVD outlets. Distributed by Roadshow Entertainment.
Go Girls (season II)
SOUTH PACIFIC PICTURES, shooting September 2009 - February 2010.
Rich. Famous. Married.
A drama/comedy series about love, friendship and (bottle) blonde ambition.
Amy, Britta and Cody have just made a vow that in one year they’ll fulfill their ambition to be... rich, famous and married.
A second season of the South Pacific Pictures hit series in now shooting and will conclude February 2010. Auckland Actors cast include Charmaine Guest, Chelsea McEwan-Millar and Julia Hyde.