Infocus (1994)
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- Опубликовано: 7 ноя 2024
- Launched in September 1990 by TV3 (now Three), Infocus was a groundbreaking youth-oriented news and magazine package that captured the hearts and minds of young New Zealanders. Unveiled as part of the Early Bird Show (EBS), the show quickly established itself as a must-watch for teenagers.
The original presenters were actor/singer Stephanie Tauevihi and Howick College student Tony Bartlett. The show's content extended beyond the studio with students from 11 Auckland schools contributing to the production. The result was a refreshing blend of perspectives, ensuring that youth voices were amplified from all corners of the region.
The brainchild of Ian Kingsford-Smith, a former TV3 producer, Infocus was the culmination of his passion for empowering young people through media. His background in teaching video production and audio-visual education equipped him to guide budding young producers in the creation of compelling content. After leaving Infocus, Kingsford-Smith went on to pursue a successful career as an artist in Sydney.
In 1991 Infocus transitioned into a standalone half hour programme, gaining a wider audience and solidifying its position as a platform for youth expression. Within two years Robert Rakete, formerly of RTR Sounz! and RTR Countdown fame, took over as host and brought his infectious energy and enthusiasm to the show. Other notable members of the Infocus team included Stacey Daniels (now Stacey Morrison) and actors Tyler Jane (Outrageous Fortune) and Kayte Ferguson (Spin Doctors).
Infocus's impact was recognised in 1994 when it was named "Best Children's Programme" at that year's New Zealand Film and Television Awards. This accolade served as a testament to the show's exceptional quality, relevance and contribution to youth engagement and empowerment.
After five remarkable years Infocus concluded its run in 1994. The show left an enduring legacy, having provided a platform for young people to explore and express their perspectives on issues that mattered to them. To this day Infocus remains a cherished memory for those who grew up watching it, reminding them of a time when their voices were both heard and valued.
Here are the opening titles for Infocus's fifth and final year (1994), in which the show was sponsored by Lifespan Smokefree and branded as "Lifespan Infocus".
Special thanks to the NZ Analogue Archive (via Instagram) for the use of this clip, and I would like to apologise to you all for the quality of the picture and sound.