KEY POINTS:
Contestants are being sought for a local version of the popular Who Wants to be a Millionaire? franchise.
TVNZ has bought the rights to the popular show and plans to launch a "home grown" version in two months' time, the Sunday News reported.
But although the programme will feature New Zealand-oriented questions, it will be filmed in Australia, as the cost of establishing a set here has been deemed prohibitive.
"The opportunity to share the studio, set, lighting, computer system and production expertise of Channel 9 makes this New Zealand version possible," said Andrew Shaw, TVNZ General Manager of Commissioning, Production and Acquisition.
Those selected to participate will be flown to Melbourne where the series will be filmed infront of a Kiwi audience and fronted by a New Zealand host.
Shaw said TVNZ was "thrilled and proud to bring Kiwi viewers the first New Zealand version of this phenomenally popular show".
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? began in the UK a decade ago and quickly became a ratings winner. It has since been syndicated to numerous countries around the world.
A spokeswoman told the Sunday News it had not yet been decided who would host the show, which is scheduled to play in the 8.30pm timeslot on TV One on Tuesday nights.
* To register as a possible contestant on the show, click here.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
