Dreamcast works on developing TV show for children

Young writers at Dreamcast, a Honiara-based arts and social change enterprise, participated in a writing workshop at Honiara hotel, last week.

In partnership with Plan International Australia, the group is developing a Children’s Television (TV) Show under the second phase of the “Story Time and Play” project.

Assisted by two television writers from Big hART Australia, Dreamcast’s writers brainstormed through ideas relating to the show.  

Dreamcast’s writer and workshop participant, Marko Tepuke said, the workshop allowed them to develop their skills and expand their knowledge. 

“Learning about the planning phase and developing the show using ideas generated by all the writers, and (understanding) how to conduct this process effectively has really helped us,” he explained.

Known for their captivating theatre performances and radio shows, Mr. Tepuke emphasized that shifting to TV would enable them to reach a broader audience within Solomon Islands and beyond. 

The writers are focusing on six traditional stories from various cultural groups around the country, which were selected based on feedback given by children at organized listening parties.  

Meanwhile, Dreamcast’s volunteer and Creative Director, Neil Nuia underscored this as one of the most important and interesting initiatives undertaken to protect cultural materials in the form of story-telling.

 “Children in Solomon Islands have high chances of losing their identity because of the growth of our lifestyle, transitioning from what we know in the village to living in an online space. We are working to find a balance between both worlds… on how people and kids these days can respect both the present and the past,” he explained.

According to Mr. Nuia, the show will be presented as a web-series to correspond with people’s changing attitudes toward traditional TV. 

As initiators of the program, Dreamcast hopes to utilize this avenue to promote awareness on internet safety, and encourage parents to take responsibility over their child’s online activities. 

SIBC understands, the Storytime & Play is funded by MFAT New Zealand.

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By Andrea Ma’ahanua