LA-based film and TV studio Happy Accidents has announced its coproduction with leading New Zealand-based production company Kevin & Co for new original comedy series The Sanctuary (8×22’) has been picked up by Warner Bros. Discovery in New Zealand for free-to-air network Three and BVOD service ThreeNow.
The series has just been greenlit in the final NZ On Air funding round of 2024, and production will begin early next year.
The Sanctuary is a comedy series following Hunter, an eccentric American billionaire hiding in New Zealand. After selling an innocuous app, he discovers it was sold to a Russian-affiliated private military company and can be weaponized. Hunter finds himself caught between the FBI, Russian assassins, and New Zealand’s most passionate bird conservationists. His solution? Transform his luxury island retreat into a Department of Conservation (D.O.C.) sanctuary for our feathered friends. As his private paradise becomes overrun with both birds and bird-lovers, Hunter discovers that being a billionaire on the run isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
The series is created by the comedy dream team of Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore, a writing/performing duo who also go by their musical comedy alter-egos, Two Hearts. Fresh from conquering stages across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, they’re bringing their unique brand of high-concept, genre-defying comedy to the small screen.
The pair met writing on hit NZ sketch shows Funny Girls and Jono and Ben and began their writing partnership based on their joint passion for creating high-concept, high-production value, genre-bending comedy.
Laura Daniel is not just a writer, but a comedy powerhouse. Her screen acting credits include The Brokenwood Mysteries and Vince. In addition, she appears regularly on comedy panel shows 7 Days, Have You Been Paying Attention, and was the Season 2 champion of Taskmaster NZ.
Joseph’s credits as a writer and producer includes series such as Guy Mont-Spelling Bee (NZ & AU), Taskmaster NZ, Taskmaster Australia, and 7 Days. He has directed segments of Funny Girls and New Zealand Today, and has two feature scripts in development with the NZ Film Commission.
Holly A. Hines and Eric Jarboe, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Happy Accidents say “The Sanctuary is an exciting comedy with heart that we know will excel in its local market but also have a wide appeal around the world. In Kevin & Co and WBD NZ, we have the perfect co-production partners whose ambitions match our own for bringing brilliant shows to the global market.”
Bronwynn Bakker, Executive Producer, and Cam Bakker, MD at Kevin & Co add “We are thrilled to have been greenlit by WBD NZ for The Sanctuary. The show is a uniquely hilarious take on a collision of a riches to rags story and the familiarity of light crime and investigation infused with humour and local New Zealand quirks, all brought to life by the razor-sharp minds of comedy duo Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore. Their ability to blend outrageous situations with heartfelt character moments makes The Sanctuary an exciting addition to our slate, and we can’t wait to showcase this truly original comedy to audiences both in New Zealand and abroad.”
Tina McLaren , Warner Bros. Discovery NZ Senior Commissioner says “The Sanctuary is a fantastic local addition to our 2025 lineup. This standout comedy series boasts a unique blend of humour and heart, courtesy of its skilled creators and will make for a truly enjoyable viewing experience that our audiences won’t want to miss.”
