Documentary is a perfect art form that can easily traverse the barriers of culture and language. The five-episode New Zealand Journeys, co-produced by Natural History New Zealand Ltd (NHNZ) and China Central Television (CCTV), is such a case.

The series, now showing on CCTV 10's "Exploring" program, took about a year to make not counting the time New Zealand TV producers spent discussing with CCTV what they'd like to work on. 　　

"China and New Zealand have a friendly relationship that dates back 150 years," says Michael Stedman, managing director of NHNZ. "We hope to further the understanding and friendship of the two nations through the documentary film on New Zealand."

The episodes respectively recount New Zealand's natural history, people, links with China, innovation and filmmaking. 　　

As one of the last places on Earth to be inhabited by humans New Zealand's history is also one of innovation through isolation.

The first people who arrived, like the plants and animals they found, needed to be adaptable and innovative to overcome the isolation of their new home. These qualities have since become hallmarks of the New Zealand character. 　　

Though there are many documentaries about the country Stedman notes that New Zealand Journeys is the only one tailor-made for the Chinese TV audience. 　　

"Before we started the production we knew what would interest the Chinese audience and what would not," he says. "The professionals of CCTV had very productive discussions with the production team where decisions were made on the stories, elements and style. Both parties have thoroughly enjoyed working together." 　　

The documentary also wins high praise from New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. 　　

"During my visit to CCTV in Beijing last year I discussed with State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) Minister Wang Taihua the opportunities for our two countries' screen industries to work together," says Clark. "I hope these wonderful documentaries will contribute to even closer ties between our two countries and they will be just the first example of our broadcasting sectors working collaboratively." 　　

The award-winning documentary-maker NHNZ has made a number of documentaries on China's archeological wonders, wildlife and engineering marvels. 　

Its first co-production with a Chinese partner dates back to 2003. The successful Giant Panda Nursery about raising twin baby giant pandas from Sichuan's Wolong has been screened on National Geographic Channel International and the Discovery Channel.

Now NHNZ producers are making a two-hour special on China's acrobatics with another co-production partner, China International Communication Center. 　　

"Our ultimate focus in China is to bring more wonderful Chinese stories to the world audience," says Stedman. "China with its long history and rich culture is like a diamond ... you can look at all its facets and every facet will be different." 　　
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(Shanghai Daily November 13, 2006)
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