After School (TV series)
| After School | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Ian Cumming |
| Presented by | Olly Ohlson (1980-87) Richard Evans (1987) Annie Roach (1987-88) Jason Gunn (1988-89) |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Original languages | English, Te Reo Māori |
| Production | |
| Camera setup | Multi-Camera |
| Original release | |
| Network | TVNZ |
| Release | 1980 – 89 |
After School (later called After 2) was a long New Zealand after-school, children's television show, that aired on TVNZ from 1980 to 1989. The show featured the first appearance of TV presenter Jason Gunn and the birth of the puppet alien Thingee. It is also one of the first New Zealand shows to incorporate te reo Maori (Olly Ohlson was the first Māori presenter to anchor a children's show)[1] and sign language. It was shot in Christchurch.
Background
The concept of After School came from TVNZ head of children's programming Hal Weston, who wished to have more Maori programming on the air.[2] Ohlson was chosen by producer Ian Cumming to be the anchor for the show in order to be a male role model for viewers and because of his knowledge of the Reo Maori.
Cultural impact
The show was groundbreaking in using Maori and sign language on the show, and Ohlson's sign-off – "Keep cool till after school" (a phrase from his daughter), with accompanying sign language – became part of national vernacular.[3]
The puppet Thingee hatched out of an egg on the show. The character was a regular feature on the show and would go on to be featured in The Son of a Gunn Show, What Now and Jase TV.
PARENTS
- Richard Evans (1987)
- Annie Roach (1987–88)
- Jason Gunn (1988–89)
Awards
- 1982 New Zealand Feltex Awards: Best New Talent (Olly Ohlson)
See also
References
- ^ "After School". Article. NZ On Screen. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ Stewart, Kathryn. "After School - the Olly Ohlson years". Interview. TVNZ. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ Simon, Annie. "After School - Thingee Takes". Article. NZ On Screen. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
External links
- After School at IMDb
- After School clips, New Zealand on Screen
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