Sex, booze, banquets, parties and other excesses in the halls of power are guaranteed to boost flagging TV ratings.
Sources close to the independent production company understood to have signed the contract to produce the show, confirm that production is scheduled to begin in just weeks and will feature well-known members of the Press Gallery at work and at play.
TVNZ and TV3 declined to confirm or deny their involvement while Sky confirmed no involvement and no knowledge of the project. NZ On Air did not comment and have always taken the position that it is inappropriate to comment on contractual negotiations which are commercially sensitive.
It is understood that following several highly publicised scandals over recent years in the Beehive and its surrounds, “The Press Gallery” will follow the fame and fortunes of members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery as they endeavour to dig up dirt on politicians and bureaucrats and find themselves creating their own “interesting little stories” starring themselves.
According to a spokesperson for the production, who asked to remain anonymous, viewers will be astounded at the amount of “unusual” behaviour that goes on. “How some of these people front up to cameras after what they were doing only moments ago is beyond belief. If you imagine ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ along with scenes from ‘The Bachelor’, ‘Married at First Sight’ and even some of the raunchy scenes in ‘Game of Thrones’, you’ll get a feel for what to expect when this series goes to air. This will be reality TV at its best.”
It’s understood that actual footage will be mixed with recreations based on real events. “Viewers will be able to see the real people in much of the drama,” said the spokesperson “with actors recreating some scenes for maximum effect.”
Members of the press gallery were approached for comment but were unwilling to add anything other than a few blushes – which will probably match the blushes of any reader who believed any part of this story.
Now – for sale – one bridge with major renovations and extensions about to be carried out …
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