Jason Gunn opens TV studios
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Television personality Jason Gunn and his wife, television producer Janine Morrell-Gunn, have opened their $7 million, 2036m2 purpose built television production and post production facility in Christchurch.
The Whitebait-TV facility features two television studio’s including at 594m2 one of the largest in the country and a control room that is able to broadcast live to national and international networks. With beautifully appointed greenrooms, wardrobe, makeup and props departments the facility is fully equipped and provides an extensive range of production and post production services including editing, audio post production and animation.
“We are excited to be putting an even larger stake in the ground for television production in Canterbury. Jason and I wanted to create a one stop shop, a place that TV people and our clients love to come to,” said Janine Morrell-Gunn.
“By the nature of this industry long hours are often involved and as a presenter I know what a difference it makes to work in a nice environment. This is a purpose built TV facility, New Zealand has nothing else like it. At Whitebait we are passionate about making great telly and this building will allow us to make even more,” said Jason Gunn.
Whilst purpose built for television production the facility Princess St can also cater to the film industry, Gunn hopes to one day produce his own entertainment show from the facility and to bring other shows to South Island audiences.
“We want the South Island represented, in all shows, on our screens.”
A significant Canterbury employer; Whitebait-TV has over 140 people that are either, full time, contracted or freelancing going through the companies books each week. This is 30% up on 2008.
“This isn’t just about the building, it’s about people too, and creating a springboard for our wonderfully talented team,” said Janine Morrell-Gunn.
For over a decade Whitebait-TV has produced successful and creative work for New Zealand television networks and businesses.
Whitebait-TV is the producer of New Zealand’s highest rating children’s show “What Now” (TV2), “Animal Academy” presented by Sarah Ulmer (TVNZ6) and the new daily afternoon programme on TV2 “The Erin Simpson Show”.
“We are very grateful for the support of TVNZ and NZ on Air - their contracts give us the financial stability to make such an investment,” said Janine Morrell-Gunn.
Whitebait-TV produces corporate and commercial work for companies such as NZ Cricket, Ian and Mary Grant at Parents Inc., and The Heart Foundation and collaborates with production houses throughout the country.