Producer walks out of Shortland Street

By ANNE BESTON

The man who helped make Shortland Street one of New Zealand's most successful television shows has abruptly quit his job after steering the long-running series through a big revamp.

Tony Holden, head of production at South Pacific Pictures and the soap opera's executive producer, has left apparently to pursue other interests.

Sources said South Pacific Pictures managing director John Barnett told staff of the development earlier this week.

Mr Barnett was not available for comment.

One source said Mr Holden quit because of a disagreement with company managers over his contract.

He is one of New Zealand's most experienced television producers. He started his career as a TVNZ staffer in the late 1960s.

He began working on Shortland Street as a director in the early 1990s and has been involved with the show in some capacity ever since.

Described by television insiders as an efficient television professional, Mr Holden is credited with making a big contribution to Shortland Street's outstanding success over the past decade.

The five-nights-a-week soap has consistently stayed near the top of the ratings with its 18 to 39 target audience.

Mr Holden was also involved in a number of other South Pacific Pictures' productions including City Life and Jacksons Wharf.

Those who worked with him described him as a tough taskmaster who was not afraid to step on toes if he had to.

When a group of long-serving Shortland St actors were axed from the show late last year, Mr Holden was the man who told staff that they were no longer wanted.