Stars to honour Kiwi literary legend

MARK DWYER/Taranaki Daily News

HAPPY LANDING: Predicament actor Jemaine Clement picks up his bag after his arrival in New Plymouth yesterday.

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A Conchord flew into New Plymouth Airport yesterday, along with New Zealand music legend Tim Finn, amid secrecy.

Jemaine Clement, best known for being half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, arrived at the airport on a flight from Auckland with New Zealand music legend Tim Finn.

The Taranaki Daily News understands the pair are in town for the filming of the Ronald Hugh Morrieson novel Predicament in South Taranaki.

Yesterday production company Novel Productions was remaining tightlipped about Clement and Finn's involvement.

However, publicist Sue May said all would be revealed at a special on-set media day next week in Eltham.

Both are professional musicians, suggesting that director Jason Stutter might be planning to use them in a Morrieson-type dance band, in addition to acting roles.

He has been talking to former musical associates of Morrieson.

However, we do know some council people have been roped in as extras: South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop is part of a bootlegging liquor gang and councillor Mike Powell a policeman. Communications manager Gerard Langford doesn't yet know his part.

Meanwhile, an elderly woman tripped on a yellow safety cable ramp on the footpath during shooting in Hawera's central High St yesterday.

The film company said she sustained minor injuries and was given immediate first-aid treatment by the on-set registered nurse. As a precaution, the company took her to her own doctor for assessment and then took her home.

Producer Sue Rogers said: "We have a written safety plan and take every precaution to protect the public and our own crew from any harm. It is most unfortunate that a member of the public tripped on one of our special safety ramps that we put in place to prevent such an event. I am grateful that the lady did not sustain any serious injury."

Flight of the Conchords has been nominated for a US television Emmy award for best comedy series. Clement has also been nominated as best actor in a comedy. The Emmys will be announced on September 20.

- © Fairfax NZ News