NZ company to produce Korean doco

Dunedin-based television production company NHNZ will pair up with Korean broadcaster MBC for a documentary on the no-go area separating North and South Korea.

The one-hour programme will look at the wildlife in Korea's demilitarised zone (DMZ), one of the last remnants of the Cold War and one of the world's most heavily guarded borders.

NHNZ spokesman Neil Harraway said the opportunity to film the DMZ was a fascinating film making opportunity.

"The programme will showcase the wonderful creatures that flourish in this bizarre environment as well as the effects on the wildlife of living in close quarters with one of the world's toughest military regimes."

The documentary was believed to be the first programme featuring the DMZ's wildlife to be broadcast outside Korea.

"We're thrilled to be able to craft this rare footage into a story that will lift the veil on what is usually a highly inaccessible location and the animals that live there."

Mr Harraway said the partnership with MBC was part of an ongoing expansion into Asia for NHNZ, which already owned a production company in Singapore, operated an office in Beijing and was a major co-producer with Japanese broadcaster NHK.

"Korea was an obvious area to grow our operations into," Mr Harraway said.

"Koreans have been dealing with the West for years so they offer an interesting perspective on Asian stories and events that we are keen to tap into."

- NZPA