HEAVYWEIGHT WITH DAVE LETELE – THE JOURNEY TO ENSURE IMPORTANT STORIES ARE SEEN.

It was a long road to get there but a great sense of satisfaction to see all three episodes of Heavyweight with Dave Letele now available to view for free on TVNZ+. These Guys I Know created Heavyweight with Dave Letele to explore important societal issues in Aotearoa - we were interested in creating quality content that could make a difference.

The first episode, Down and Out, focused on alcohol and addiction and featured personal stories from renowned advertising executive Kate Smith and former All Black Zac Guildford.  The second episode, Patched, delved into the realities of gang life and its impact on communities.  The third episode explores obesity and continues the series' purpose of tackling some of our most pressing social issues through the lens of lived experience. Former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett features in the latest release.

Heavyweight with Dave Letele was designed as a platform for stories to be shared to explore critical societal issues. Whilst the issues covered were regularly touched on through media, we recognised the value Letele offered speaking from lived experience. Says Executive Producer Amanda Wilson “When it comes to sharing these stories, visibility matters. It is important to see others talking through their experiences - Dave leads by example in that sense”.

It was a long road from concept to on air, and These Guys I Know worked hard for this to happen - working with production partner South Pacific Pictures and navigating funding pathways and broadcast partnerships. Strategic partnerships and brand funded content is an area of expertise for These Guys I Know - but public funding was necessary for this project. NZ on Air generously funded all three episodes of Heavyweight with Dave Letele.

It was a hard-fought project: and now, looking back over those three years - the timeline, the challenges, and effort (often at the expense of commercial work) highlight the dedication behind it. We had hearts absolutely set on making it happen. The three part series concept was originally pitched by These Guys I Know in June, 2022 - first episode aired in August 2023, the second in August 2024, the third in February of 2025.  To achieve the required quality while respecting cultural context and sensitivity of subject matter, we put in significant work and hours - putting aside commercial opportunities at times - but this is where the proof point of purpose is, right? These Guys I Know’s Executive Creative Director Ant Farac wrote and directed Heavyweight with Dave Letele - meaning he wasn't available for other commercial work during that timeframe - but the series deserved the creative award winning eye of that calibre. And, we are so proud of the finished result. Ant drew in his previous team from Bro'town - including producer Mario Gaoa and animator Ant Sang - getting the band back together, in the name of positive impact.

Heavyweight was built with purpose: It wasn't just about making a show, but about creating a platform for real conversations around tough societal issues. We think this is important.

The show has had society impact, beyond ratings, which is what it set out to do. We have received deeply personal messages about how lives have been impacted and cycles broken. That has made the hard work well worth it.

That said, the world of broadcast and content has changed remarkably - and moved rapidly in the three year period of production. Each episode of Heavyweight with Dave Letele was watched 200,000 times during its first week (viewing patterns moving from linear led to on-demand during the three year period, which was fascinating to watch).  Today - content is created quickly. You can make something and get it online in days - but, does it provide the same quality, safe environment for brands to fund as it once did? Does it ensure the societal impact, check the boxes required including cultural integrity, health and safety as it once did? Does it create the same professional pathways for talent as it once did? Does any of this matter anymore? Is anything being lost in the push for speed and immediacy?

Or is the future simply faster, and we’re all better off for it?

We’ll be watching (and participating) with interest! In the meantime - do check out Heavyweight with Dave Letele - all three episodes are available to view on TVNZ on Demand (TVNZ+)