After School (TV series)

After School (later called After 2) was a New Zealand after-school, children's television program that aired on TVNZ from 1980 to 1989. The show featured the first appearance of TV presenter Jason Gunn and the birth of the puppet alien Thingee. It was also one of the first New Zealand shows to incorporate Te Reo, the Māori language (Olly Ohlson was the first Māori presenter to anchor a children's show),[1] and sign language. It was shot in Christchurch. The opening titles were created with stop motion by award-winning animator Ken Clark.

After School (After 2)
Created byIan Cumming
Presented byOlly Ohlson (1980-87)
Richard Evans (1987)
Annie Roach (1987-88)
Jason Gunn (1988-89)
Country of originNew Zealand
Original language(s)English, Te Reo Māori
Production
Camera setupMulti-Camera
Release
Original networkTVNZ
Picture formatPAL
Original release1980 (1980) –
89 (89)

Background

The concept of After School came from TVNZ head of children's programming Hal Weston, who wished to have more Māori programming on the air.[2] Ohlson was chosen by producer Ian Cumming to be the anchor for the show in order to be a male role model for viewers and because of his knowledge of Te Reo Māori.

Cultural impact

The show was groundbreaking in using Māori and sign language on the show, and Ohlson's sign-off – "Keep cool till after school" (a phrase from his daughter), with accompanying sign language – became part of national vernacular.[3]

Main article: Thingee

The puppet Thingee hatched out of an egg on the show. The character was a regular feature on the show and would go on to be featured in The Son of a Gunn Show, What Now and Jase TV.

PARENTS

  • Richard Evans (1987)
  • Annie Roach (1987–88)
  • Jason Gunn (1988–89)

Awards
  • 1982 New Zealand Feltex Awards: Best New Talent (Olly Ohlson)

See also

References
  1. "After School". Article. NZ On Screen. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  2. Stewart, Kathryn. "After School - the Olly Ohlson years". Interview. TVNZ. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  3. Simon, Annie. "After School - Thingee Takes". Article. NZ On Screen. Retrieved 25 September 2012.


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