TVNZ people and programmes won 13 categories at the 2019 Huawei Mate30 Pro New Zealand Television Awards tonight.

TVNZ and 1 News’ coverage of the Christchurch terror attacks and memorial service was recognised with TVNZ awarded Best Live Event Coverage and Hilary Barry being named Best Presenter: News & Current Affairs.

TVNZ 1 Breakfast presenter, Matty McLean was crowned Woman’s Day Television Personality of the Year, won by public vote. He follows in the foot-steps of his Breakfast co-presenter Hayley Holt who won the title last year.

TVNZ’s Head of News and Current Affairs, John Gillespie says: I’m proud to see the efforts of our News and Current Affairs teams recognised at tonight’s awards. Viewers are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s a privilege to be welcomed into the homes of New Zealanders around the country day in and day out. It’s also great to see Hilary and Matty celebrated for the outstanding presenters that they are – on and off screen.

Drama, reality, comedy and factual series made by local production houses to screen on TVNZ’s platforms also took out top awards at tonight’s ceremony.

TVNZ 1’s Teina Pora telefeature, In Dark Places was honoured with awards for Best Director: Drama (Michael Bennett) and Best Feature Drama, in addition to its Craft Award for Best Contribution to a Soundtrack.

Fresh from its three-award sweep at the Craft Awards, Fresh Eggs took home another coveted award at tonight’s gala with Danielle Cormack being crowned Best Actress.

Wellington Paranormal star Mike Minogue scooped the award for Best Actor.

For the second consecutive year, Anika Moa was named Best Presenter: Entertainment for her TVNZ OnDemand series Anika Moa: Unleashed.

The Casketeers once again took out Best Original Reality Series as well as Best Māori programme; and Waka Huia – Rereata Makiha, Best Reo Programme.

HEIHEI’s Welcome to Cardboard City was named Best Children’s Programme.

Fan-favourite Shortland Street was crowned the 2019 TV Legend award, cementing its place as New Zealand’s number one drama series. It is the first time a standalone television show has taken out the award, with organisers praising the 27 year-running series’ “ongoing success, its significance in New Zealand popular culture and the show’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

TVNZ Director of Content, Cate Slater says: “Viewers love local content, and we’re proud to see our local slate celebrated at tonight’s awards. It’s especially great to see Shortland Street recognised as the television icon that it is.

“Ambitious local shows are integral to our programming line-up and the success of these shows is only possible with thanks to our incredible production company partners, cast and crews, as well as NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho. Congratulations to all our well-deserved winners.”

The Huawei Mate 30 Pro NZ TV Awards were held in Auckland, New Zealand on the 21st of November 2019.

The post TVNZ CELEBRATES SUCCESS AT NZ TV AWARDS 2019 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

In our local actor spotlight for this month with Karen Kay Management, Shane from STG was able to have a chat with New Zealand’s international actress, author, writer and producer Kimberley Crossman.

Kimberley hails from Auckland, New Zealand and most known for her long role on NZ’s longest running drama TV series; Shortland Street as nurse, Sophie McKay.

Kimberley has been in film and theater aswell as recently being cast for the pilot of U.S. series ‘The Middle’.

Shane: Hi Kimberley, thanks for chatting to us here at STG. From the TV screen to the Big screen and more, you have become a familiar face in entertainment both here in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. Can you tell us how that all came about?

Kimberley: Firstly, Thank YOU for the chat! I have been working full time as an Actor since I was 16, kicking things off in New Zealand on Shortland Street, then spreading my wings to try my luck in Hollywood. I chose an interesting career path, one in which, no matter how hard you work, that doesn’t guarantee employment but I really believe in myself and I love what I do so I enjoy putting in the hard work.

Shane: From an early age, growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, what set you on your path to acting?

Kimberley: I have always been a bit of a show off and love entertaining others and making people laugh. My Mother is a Ballet teacher so I grew up around very talented dancers and actors. I was training for acting in the weekends at a school called AYA and when I booked my role on Shortland Street, I realised that I didn’t want the fun to ever end so I committed to making this dream a reality and my career path.

Shane: Which actors or entertainers inspired you?

Kimberley: I have always admired Reece Witherspoon’s career and how she has made some great movies, comedy and drama and has her own production company and is an advocate for women and passionate about great stories.

Shane: How was the role of Sophie McKay from Shortland Street pivotal to your career to date and, how are you finding the transition from NZ drama series to your various roles in the US?

Kimberley: Working on Shortland Street was an absolute joy – the fast pace and the environment forces you to step up and work hard which I have loved and the lessons I learnt there I use every day on any set that I step on to. Working in the US they often comment on how great the NZ and Auzzie actors are that have worked on Soap Opera’s – we hit our marks and take direction well. I have extremely appreciative of my time on Shorty and the great training it gave me!

Shane: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors in New Zealand and Australia?

Kimberley: To work hard, yes some people make it because of luck and timing but at the end of they day you have to be able to do the work and be versatile and to not buckle under pressure so my advice would be to constantly stretch and push yourself so when you are put on the spot or that big moment comes where you are in an audition room with 15 people and Network Executives, you don’t choke.. you Shine! x

Shane: Thank you, so much again for having a chat with us here at STG.

The post An Interview with Kimberley Crossman appeared first on Shane the Gamer.