X Factor NZ follows X Factor’s Australian “bible”

New Zealand’s X Factor is enveloped in not one but two controversies after it crowned singer Jackie Thomas as winner.

Some viewers casting their vote received messages that their votes were not counted and would not count toward the end result. Despite voting while phone lines were open they were advised their tally was received too late.

But producers confirmed Thomas had so many votes that even given the voting discrepancies she would have won easily.

Meanwhile a bigger problem has emerged following a MediaWorks producer report that confirms the NZ series has been following an Australian production “bible.”

“We are continuing to follow the Fremantle Australia X Factor 2011 production bible. The bible includes scripts for key format aspects of the series. Other scripting for the live shows is being done by our senior story producer,” the report states.

The bible, which is industry-speak for a series manual, includes notes on plot, sample scripts, and the development of characters including contestants and judges. Judges in the NZ comprised Melanie Blatt, Daniel Bedingfield, Ruby Frost and Australian Idol‘s Stan Walker.

MediaWorks spokeswoman Rachel Lorimer said the “bible” guidelines were invaluable. “Some of these must be followed absolutely, others are adapted for different territories.”

She said the show was not scripted in its entirety. The judges were not given scripts, however “the producers talk to them during ad breaks.”

Host Dominic Bowden used scripted material and ad-libs while a story producer developed video packages.

But one contestant, Tom Batchelor, has also spoken out, saying he felt uncomfortable with aspects of the show, including being told to mime playing his guitar.

And while the prize package for the winner is touted as including a contract with Sony, documents released reveal that all 13 finalists were already signed to the company.

Source: Inquisitr, smh.com.au