AUCKLAND, Friday: It’s a big occasion for creative agency Augusto, which today launches its new kids’ show on TVNZ’s children’s streaming platform Heihei.
The series, called What’s Your Problem? follows NZ YouTube star Joseph Herscher and his team as they make hilarious contraptions in a bid to solve the annoying problems Kiwi kids face.
The team, made up of robotics engineering student Mikayla Stokes, contraptionist Brett Doar, and model-maker John Osborne, work to find a solution to issues using everyday items found around the house – ultimately, showcasing the importance of play through problem-solving.
Agency marketing head Kathryn Allemann said: ”In line with Augusto’s values, this project challenges the status quo, and through trial and error sees Joseph and his team create an impressive array of contraptions from a sunscreen machine and exploding lunchbox, to a sibling distracter, and room-tidier.”
Herscher said: “All you need is a little creativity and be willing to laugh at some failures along the way.”
Filmed in West Auckland’s Whoa! Studios, the series consists of 10 episodes which are accompanied by a further 10 Make Your Own instructional episodes, allowing kids to indulge in a bit of DIY themselves.
The episodes roll out weekly, running from today (Friday 5 July) until Friday 30 August.
Gemma Gracewood, who created, wrote and produced the series alongside Herscher, says the partnership between Augusto and the show works well.
“Joseph Herscher is a unique New Zealander whose world-renowned contraptions are surprising and inspiring.”
“The series is a natural fit for us: it’s funny, it’s entertaining, it’s authentic, it’s climate-friendly and it appeals to the whole family. What’s Your Problem? ticks so many of the boxes Augusto likes to think outside of,” she said.
“Joseph Herscher is an incredibly unique New Zealander whose world-renowned contraptions are surprising and inspiring.”
Heihei commissioner Kim Harrop agrees: “We love Joseph and his machines. His ability to take ordinary objects and turn them into something clever and unique is extraordinary.
“It shows kids that trying stuff out just for the fun of it is cool. We look forward to the series sparking creativity and curiosity in Kiwi tamariki far and wide!”
Made by the entertainment arm of Augusto, and the creative team behind Herscher’s Jiwi’s Machines, the show was commissioned by TVNZ for Heihei and funded by NZ On Air.
Alongside Gracewood and Herscher it was directed by Adam Prest, with the Make Your Own episodes directed by Maddie Walker.
Today’s show is The Cat Feeder, in which the team make a machine to feed an elderly cat – there’s just one problem: Cats can’t open fridge doors!
CREDITS
Creators: Gemma Gracewood & Joseph Herscher
Executive Producer: Cass Avery
Director: Adam Prest & Gemma Gracewood; Make Your Own eps directed by Maddie Walker
Production Design: Joseph Herscher & Megan Vertelle
Composers: Stephanie Brown & Fen Ikner
About Augusto
Augusto is a multidisciplinary creative agency/producer of content, making everything from feature films and docos, to TV shows, ads and online content. Founded in 2008, the Augusto Group is a tight collection of companies who all have story-telling at their core. The group was built on forming strong partnerships with clients who need a more agile approach to traditional marketing and have a growing demand for smarter, more effective content. The agency’s entertainment arm is known for their work on NZ’s highest-grossing documentary, Chasing Great, web series Jessica’s Tree, children’s show Kune’s Kitchen, as well as comedy projects Short Poppies and The Best Foods Comedy Gala.
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