TVNZ has handed over Avalon Studios to its new owners, drawing the curtain on almost 40 years of broadcasting history.
But a new episode in the story of the site would begin from today, Avalon Studios chief executive Paul Mainwaring said.
“It’s the end of the era for TVNZ, but for Avalon Studios it’s going to be a continuing era, making different shows for different people.”
It was hoped the studios would get a decent slice of the local and international film and television market. It had already formed links with Pukeko Pictures, a production house co-founded by Sir Richard Taylor.
The Lower Hutt studios and business have been bought for an undisclosed sum by Avalon Holdings, headed by Wellington businessman John Feast.
Of the 38 people who lost their jobs, all but six had been rehired.
Others were being offered freelance work, Mr Mainwaring said.
Avalon would continue to produce Praise Be and Country Calendar, as well as Lotteries Commission and Racing Board programmes.
Mr Feast was confident the company would secure more work before the end of the year.
Rather than being a production company it would primarily offer studio space for lease to television and film producers.
TVNZ will continue to operate its archive at Avalon.
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