TV Legoland to be Made in New Zealand
July 21, 2021 
8 Comments
TVNZ is taking apart block by block one of its competitor’s most popular series by commissioning a local version of the international format.
Today the broadcaster announced production of a Lego Masters NZ series that will air next year on TVNZ 2.
The international series have been a hit for Three, so it’s surprising that Discovery didn’t forge ahead with its own version for the network.
Normally, such a deal would also see TVNZ acquire rights to ongoing seasons of the US and Australian versions. But the broadcaster says it won’t be airing the international formats, so presumably these will continue on Three.
Here’s the media release:
LEGO Masters NZ commissioned for TVNZ 2
More than 2.5 million bricks are making their way to Aotearoa for LEGO Masters NZ, the international television sensation coming to TVNZ in 2022.
Applications for the programme are now open, as we search for the country’s most innovative LEGO builders for this one-of-a-kind competition.
Colourful and playful, the LEGO Masters format has been a hit all around the globe. Teams of two will be put through their paces in a series of challenges designed to put their LEGO building skills and imaginations to the test.
With design, creativity, construction techniques, as well as storytelling prowess all under the watchful eye of Brickmaster and series’ judge, Robin Sather.
Canadian born Robin Sather was the first ever LEGO Certified Professional (LCP) – a programme he helped create, of which there are only 21 professionals in the world.
Robin’s passion for the LEGO brick started when he was a young boy, and it’s never stopped having built incredible designs such as an Egyptian sphinx, a giant globe, and detailed castles during his career.
Sather will be on-hand to watch over the teams as they complete their builds each week, as he hopes to find New Zealand’s best brick builders: “I know that there are a lot of amazing LEGO fans in New Zealand, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to showcase your amazing Kiwi LEGO builders! We’re going have a lot of fun together!”
The series will deliver entertainment, humour, and some drama, with the contestants showcasing their passion for building.
TVNZ’s Director of Content, Cate Slater said: “The LEGO Masters franchise has been incredibly popular globally and we’re thrilled to bring audiences our very own local version, with Brickmaster, Robin, at the helm as judge.
“LEGO has been an integral part of Kiwis’ homes for generations, inspiring creativity and family fun. That ethos fits perfectly with TVNZ 2 and we’re looking forward to seeing the amazing talent and LEGO creations to be built brick-by-brick here in Aotearoa in 2022.”
Screentime New Zealand, producers of Eat Well for Less NZ and Popstars, will be partnering with TVNZ to create this new series.
Philly de Lacey, CEO Screentime New Zealand said: “We’re so excited for LEGO Masters fans in NZ to finally have the opportunity to compete in this incredible series – we can’t wait to see what amazing designs Kiwis will bring to the LEGO table.”
Applications are open now for everyone 16 years and over at tvnz.co.nz/LEGOMASTERS(Terms and Conditions apply).
LEGO Masters NZ will play on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ OnDemand in 2022.
Banijay serves as the exclusive format and finished tape distributor globally for the format, which was created by Tuesday’s Child Television and The LEGO Group.
Warning: preg_replace(): Unknown modifier '/' in /home/customer/www/screenscribe.net/public_html/wp-content/themes/headlines/includes/theme-comments.php on line 66
July 21, 2021 at 9:26 am
Why are TVNZ pinching shows and ideas off their competition, can’t they come up with their own ideas? I would love to see Discovery pinch something off TVNZ ?
It’s the nature of the business, Trevor. Since my original post, however, TVNZ has confirmed it won’t be screening the international versions and Discovery has confirmed they will continue on Three.
What it also does, having read your update now Philip, is depreciates the value (probably) of the Australian and US versions in this market. They’ll probably rate well still, but it’s likely a NZ version will just hurt them a wee bit. So a smart tactical ploy from TVNZ. Surprised Discovery didn’t get there first but maybe they were outbid.
I reckon Discovery should do a New Zealand version of The Chase ?
I wonder if, given Discovery owns All3Media, the makers of Shortland Street, whether we might see Discovery poach Shortland Street for Three? How unlikely would that be?
“I reckon Discovery should do a New Zealand version of The Chase ?” Pleaze no … I’ve cought the end of the Australian version on Duke recently who get about 10 answers for the last chase. We would most likely get about 8 answers.
I note that Lego Masters USA has been yanked from Three’s schedule tonight. Their Facebook page notes it’s due to delays in US broadcast which seems accurate. But – they seem to imply the rest of the season will only air on ThreeNow. Digital-only play or a bid to hurt the Lego Masters brand before the NZ version on the opposition? Or should I take off my tinfoil hat?
Hey, Clint. I think pulling Lego Masters US for re-runs of David Lomas Investigates two weeks earlier than planned has less to do with TVNZ acquiring the format for its own version than Three not being able to risk further an already vulnerable night with the erratic delivery of a series due to the vagaries of US scheduling. Lego Masters US has been a steady performer for Three but it should enjoy higher viewership with Lomas. At this stage the network still plans to air Lego Masters Australia on Three. Here’s what a Discovery spokesperson said in a statement: “Due to a scheduling issue in the US with Lego Masters, we have unfortunately had to pull the remainder of the season from Three. Sharing the rest of this fantastic show with its dedicated audience is our absolute priority and the remaining six episodes will be available on ThreeNow as soon as possible, being released weekly from Tuesday 17th August.”