Fiji Airways announces Shortland Street storyline to be filmed in Suva, Nadi
Fiji and New Zealand – 1 August 2014: Fiji Airways has announced a partnership with New Zealand’s South Pacific Pictures to bring long-running Kiwi medical drama Shortland Street to Suva and Nadi this August to film an upcoming storyline.
In the lead up to the annual end-of-year cliff-hanger, Fiji Airways will fly key crew and cast members including Michael Galvin (Chris Warner), Sam Bunkall (Boyd Rolleston), Ria Vandervis (Harper Whitley) and Kerry-Lee Dewing (Kylie Brown) to film a storyline that weaves in both the Fred Hollows Foundation and the quintessential Fiji travel experience.
Now in its 23rd year, Shortland Street is set in the high-pressure environment of an inner city district hospital and follows the day to day romances and professional dilemmas of a team of medical staff. The long-running serial drama attracts more than half a million New Zealand viewers daily.
Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director Stefan Pilcher is pleased to partner with South Pacific Pictures, the production company behind the iconic show, and help the cast reach Fiji for filming.
“Since Shortland Street began screening in Fiji in 1994, it has been a firm favourite and one of Fiji’s most popular shows. This is a fantastic opportunity for both Fiji Airways and Fijians, and we are thrilled to be able to host the cast and crew of Shortland Street in our country.
“Fiji Airways works hard to promote Fiji as a destination, and New Zealand is one of the biggest sources of tourism to the mainland and islands. Having the magic of Fiji showcased on a highly-rated show like Shortland Street, we are confident this will increase exposure and drive Fiji’s tourism industry,” said Mr Pilcher.
Shortland Street’s Producer, Simon Bennett is looking forward to sending the cast from ‘Ferndale’ to Fiji.
“We’re delighted to be able to film in Fiji, thanks to Fiji Airways. Viewers can be assured the scenes will have a distinctly Fijian feel, as well as all the dramatic elements Shortland Street fans know and love,” says Bennett.
“The cast will be involved in a storyline incorporating the Fred Hollows Foundation. The Foundation is important to Kiwis and Fijians, and truly embodies the relationship between the two countries. These elements also demonstrate the commitment Shortland Street has to telling stories that reflect important social issues.”
Cast member Michael Galvin is pleased to be leaving New Zealand’s winter temperatures and starting work on his summer tan in Fiji.
“I cannot wait to get on-board Fiji Airways to make our way up to Suva and Nadi. We rarely get to leave ‘Ferndale’ so we’re all very excited to get out there and meet some of our international Fijian fans!”
The Shortland Street team will be filming in Suva and Nadi from Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8 and the three 30 minute episodes will air in late September / early October this year.
Fiji Airways offers up to 14 services a week from New Zealand to Fiji, including Auckland to Nadi and Suva, and Christchurch to Nadi.
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