27 Feb 2022

Libertine Pictures' Richard Fletcher making high-end drama under Covid

From Standing Room Only, 12:16 pm on 27 February 2022

Two weeks ago we talked with New Zealand Film Commission CEO David Strong about the challenges - and some rewards - facing the whole industry.  But what's it like at the sharp end?

One of our most successful production companies is Libertine Pictures, set up by writer Neil Cross and producer Richard Fletcher.  Right now they specialise in TV co-productions.  So how hard is it making a big-budget TV series under Covid restrictions?  

Libertine is riding on two big successes.  The Rebecca Gibney romcom Under the Vines, co-produced with Acorn TV, is about to start shooting Series Two in Otago.   And family action-adventure Mystic made with the BBC and based on Stacy Gregg's popular books Pony Club Secrets  is currently shooting Series 3 in Auckland.   

Simon Morris talks with Libertine Pictures producer Richard Fletcher.