Jean

In the 1930s Kiwi-born pilot Jean Batten set off on a series of legendary solo flights. Jean is the tale of a charismatic, determined woman, the mother who stayed close, and the man curious to unravel the person behind the legend. At the 2017 NZ Television Awards, the ambitious telemovie made a clean sweep, including awards for Donna Malane and Paula Boock's script, director Rob Sarkies, lead actor Kate Elliott, and the design team. In the excerpt — which hints at the story's globetrotting sweep — Jean fights heat and storms while attempting to fly from England to Australia. 

Look I know you're not everything you make yourself out to be. How could you...that Jean Batten's perfect. It's the real Jean that I'm interested in okay — I just wish I could see a little more of her.

– Beverly (Michael Whalley) to Jean (Kate Elliott)

Key Cast & Crew

Kate Elliott

As: Jean Batten

Daniel Cleary

As: Frank Packer

Rob Sarkies

Director

Paula Boock

Writer, Producer

Donna Malane

Writer, Producer

Lisa Chappell

As: Mrs Shepherd