Media Release

Screen Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Gillian Moody-Ardler as Head of First Nations Content. A proud Wodi Wodi/Dharawal/Yuin woman, Gillian brings over three decades of industry experience championing First Nations stories, perspectives and creative talent on screen. 

An award-winning practitioner, Gillian has worked extensively across the screen industry, including as company director, writer, producer and director for Kalori Productions (Kindred, Family Rules Season 1, Black Divaz, Katele), Production Manager for SBS Indigenous Media Unit and Investment and Development Manager at Screen Australia. She currently serves as part of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s (NFSA) leadership team as the Head of First Nations Engagement, driving the strategy that underpins the NFSA’s programs for the collection, interpretation and protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

In her new role, Gillian will provide creative and operational direction for Screen Australia’s First Nations content investment, including development and production assessment and oversight of creative projects from early development to delivery.  

Gillian Moody-Ardler said, “I am thrilled to be stepping into the Head of First Nations Content role where my passion for supporting First Nations creatives to bring authentic, powerful and distinctive stories to screen will continue. I am excited by the growth in our sector since my earlier years at Screen Australia where groundbreaking series Redfern Now went to air on ABC and the acclaimed feature Samson & Delilah screened to the world.”

“I am enthused by the First Nations Department’s continued support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to deliver landmark documentaries that start national conversations to moving dramas with social impact. I have seen the impact on careers that initiatives like Proper Loved Up can have in developing the next generation of First Nations screen talent and I look forward to continuing the work of the department, nurturing talent across all levels from emerging to seasoned professionals and helping them navigate the changing media landscape to ensure First Nations stories are told across all platforms where people are viewing content. I am excited to play a role in funding the next wave of ground-breaking First Nations projects.” 

Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, “With her deep understanding of First Nations storytelling and the role this plays in the future success of our screen industry, Gillian is the perfect leader to build on the Department’s legacy. Her creativity and business acumen will ensure the team and the sector receive exceptional support.” 

Recently, the First Nations Department has supported bold titles such as Total Control, Sweet Country, Our Medicine, The New Boy, Wolfram, Mystery Road and The Moogai. It also launched romantic comedy short film initiative Proper Loved Up and created opportunities for early-to-mid career creatives to strengthen skills and gain experience in navigating local and global markets.  

Commencing in the position on 12 January 2026, Gillian will also work closely with the Director of First Nations, a future appointment focusing on strengthening strategies for First Nations screen representation, nurturing talent and driving collaboration with partner organisations.  

For accompanying image assets, click here. 

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SBS, NITV and Screen Australia are excited to unveil the 10 projects shortlisted for the first round of the 2025 Digital Originals initiative. Now in its sixth year, this award-winning program champions bold, innovative scripted storytelling from the next wave of Australian screen talent. Select series will be commissioned and premiere on SBS On Demand and NITV.

A flagship partnership between SBS, NITV and Screen Australia, Digital Originals is central to SBS’s commitment to developing and commissioning bold and risk-taking scripted series from diverse voices both on screen and behind the camera. The initiative supports rising talent from underrepresented communities in the sector, including those who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), First Nations, people with disability, female and gender diverse, LGBTQIA+ and those based in regional and remote areas.

The 10 shortlisted teams are currently participating in an immersive development workshop in Sydney hosted by SBS, NITV and Screen Australia. The workshop features sessions with industry mentors including Alistair Baldwin (Latecomers, Erotic Stories), Hannah Ngo (Latecomers, Bird Drone), Jub Clerc (Warm Props, Sweet As), Julie Kalceff (First Day, Starting from… Now), Mithila Gupta (Four Years Later, Winners & Losers), Nicole Coventry (Sherbert Rozencrantz, You’re Beautiful, Eaglehawk) and Taofia Pelesasa (Moni, Parramatta).

The workshop gives teams the opportunity to enhance their narrative-writing skillset and develop their projects in line with the SBS Charter and SBS Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines. It will culminate in teams pitching to SBS, NITV and Screen Australia, with up to five projects selected for further development funding. From these, up to three scripted series will advance to receive production funding and premiere on SBS On Demand, SBS VICELAND and NITV.

This year’s initiative received more than 200 applications from across the nation. The strong response is a testament to the enduring relevance and impact of Digital Originals in shaping the future of the Australian screen industry.

SBS Head of Scripted Nakul Legha said, “Digital Originals continues to be one of the most impactful pathways in the world for visionary new voices to break through and tell bold, original scripted stories. It is a cornerstone of SBS’s commitment to developing the next generation of screen creatives. Selected from more than 200 applications, we can’t wait to collaborate with this talented cohort and help bring their stories to life.”

NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production Dena Curtis said, “Digital Originals is a powerful pathway for First Nations creatives to grow, develop and break into the industry. We’re thrilled to see such a broad spectrum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander projects shortlisted this year, reflecting the strength of new talent coming through. We can’t wait for these bold new voices to continue evolving and share their stories with NITV audiences.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Digital Originals is an important talent escalation initiative and partnership with SBS and NITV that has created tangible pathways for early career creatives from a range of backgrounds to tell bold and distinctive stories for Australian audiences. We’re excited to support 10 new teams as they develop their projects, learn from industry experts and Digital Originals alumni, and build their industry connections at this year’s workshops. I can’t wait to see what this year’s cohort create.”

Digital Originals continues to build on its legacy as a launchpad for underrepresented creatives to break into the industry and garner local and international recognition. Recent Digital Originals successes include the Series Mania selected series Moonbird (2024); Appetite (2022) which premiered at the Canneseries TV Festival and was also nominated for a Rose d’Or; Night Bloomers (2023) which won the 2024 Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG) Award for Best Web Series; Latecomers (2022) which also premiered at Canneseries and went on to win the 2024 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards for Best Online Drama or Comedy and the 2023 Casting Guild Australia Awards for Achievement in Casting; and the AACTA award-winning series A Beginner’s Guide to Grief (2022).

Alumni of Digital Originals have gone on to secure key creative roles across SBS Original drama series and elsewhere in the industry, incluing Mohini Herse (Appetite) who went on to be set-up director for SBS Original Four Years Later; Latecomers producer Liam Heyen and director Madeleine Gottlieb reprised their roles for anthology series Erotic Stories; The Tailings director Stevie Cruz-Martin who later directed award-winning series Safe Home; Homecoming Queens‘ Corrie Chen and Michelle Law who have both gone on to create critically acclaimed projects and filmmaker Dylan River who directed Robbie Hood.

The selected Digital Originals projects and the teams for the workshop are:

• Bump Into You: When hard of hearing James bumps into Deaf sign-language user Frankie, it sparks an unexpected romance that challenges them both to confront their identities, family expectations and what it means to belong. Team: Nathan Borg, Sam Martin.
• Durries: Jason and Vinay are two bumbling wannabe foot soldiers in the Tobacco Wars who are on the run after burning down the wrong building. Team: Kevin Han, Michaela Le, Rohan Ganju.
• Good Boy: A lonely motel receptionist falls in love with a man in prison. When she copycats a crime to prove his innocence, her fantasy life tips into a criminal reality. Team: Rebecca Metcalf, Anu Hasbold.
• Jellybean: As opening night nears, a Torres Strait Islander choreographer hides a pregnancy and faces the hardest decision of her life – to become a mother, or choose herself. Team: Brooke Collard, Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury.
• Loops: Two mismatched brothers must put aside their tangled differences to save their crumbling family rug store. But when a corpse is discovered wrapped in their Signature Rug, their last shot at redemption twists into a knot they may never untangle. Team: Kauthar Abdulalim, Oz Malik, Noor Hoblos.
• Musket: When Levi dumps a stolen colonial-era musket into Jack’s ute, two Koori best mates are forced into a tense overnight mission to return it – navigating rowdy classmates, buried memories and the silent weight of a boys’ school in a town that’s never truly seen them as equals. Team: Jack Steele, Bronte Gosper.
• Rogue One: Community policing meets chaos in the Top End where justice is murky, youth are smarter than the cops and the local BBQ holds more intel than HQ. Team: Mema Munro, Cian McCue, Rebecca Parker.
• SCAMMERS: After retiree Denise Reynolds loses her life savings to a scam caller, she reluctantly teams up with her young aged-care worker Anika Luthra to scam the scammers back. But as Anika and Denise get closer to each other and the truth, they uncover a greater scam much closer to home. Team: Mehhma Malhi, Xavier Hazard, Paige Wharehinga.
• The Salt Line (working title): When a Torres Strait Islander detective returns home to investigate bones rising from the tidal mudflats, she’s pulled into a case where the island is being swallowed by the sea, old stories are waking and the truth may slip beneath the tide. Team: John Harvey, Walter Waia, Mariana Babia.
• Womb for Improvement: Kaz just wanted to chill – until her baby-crazy girlfriend, a coma-bound Nan and a sassy Aboriginal AI dragged her into the wild ride of queer parenthood. Matriarchy meets motherboard in this offbeat comedy about making a family, Blakfella-style. Team: Tahlee Fereday, Damienne Pradier.

Digital Originals is part of SBS’s broader commitment to improving inclusion in the screen industry. Read more about this work here.

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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Kids, assemble! The ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce a brand new action-comedy series for preschoolers, Knee High Spies, will launch on Monday 10 November at 5.55pm on ABC Kids and iview.

In this captivating series, a brave team of toy spies embarks on epic missions to save their beloved human family from the mischievous pet guinea pig Silver Paw (voiced by Ali McGregor).

Join teddy bear Jeremy Buttons, toy dinosaur Deena, piece of goo Squash and tech turtle Moss as they race against the clock to thwart Silver Paw’s rotten schemes. Can they stop her from sabotaging a sleepover, mounting a toy train heist or turning the kids’ playhouse into her new evil lair?

The award-winning team at Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy) and internationally acclaimed creator Tim Bain (Kangaroo Beach), are joined by Emmy Award winning director Jack Jameson (Sesame Street). This series brings together an incredible mix of puppetry, VFX and live action performances that is unlike anything ever seen before.

Knee High Spies is chockfull of fast-paced action, exciting rescues and interactive puzzles to solve with the help of the audience. Let’s get cracking!

Always free and Always entertaining, watch all of your favourite children’s series on ABC iview now.

Production credit: Knee High Spies is a Werner Films production for the ABC. Major production funding from Screen Australia, the ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Developed with assistance of the ABC and the ACTF. Created and co-produced by Tim Bain. Produced by Nicole Minchin. Directed by Jack Jameson. Writers: Tim Bain, Charlotte Rose Hamlyn and Alix Beane. Script producer: Ray Boseley. Executive Producers: Joanna Werner, Stuart Menzies, Bernadette O’Mahony. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family: Mary-Ellen Mullane.

ABC Media Enquiries

Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
Williams.Lidia@abc.net.au

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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Screen Australia has announced $12.8 million in funding across 46 narrative projects, celebrating distinctive perspectives with local and global appeal. From bold stories to major co-productions, the titles showcase the originality and ingenuity of Australia’s creative talent, produced for a range of audiences.

Among the projects supported is director Rob Connolly’s Shiver, the first Australian narrative feature film to shoot in Antarctica; a laugh out loud comedy for ABC starring Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flanagan; Australian and Canadian co-production Written in the Stars; a satirical web series centred on beloved television personality Tony Armstrong; and crime mystery series The Killings: Parrish Station for Stan.

Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia Louise Gough said, “We know Australian stories are in demand across the world and in our own backyard, and Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support the tapestry of voices that celebrate and speak to our multi-faceted, diverse community. Local stories are resonant because they are beautifully particular yet underpinned by universal themes that all viewers can relate to.”

“Our creative industry is respected internationally for their craft and commitment to bold, ambitious projects. This investment is a testament to the tenacity of our emerging and established creatives, including the collaborative spirit that connects Australian stories with global audiences.” 

Some of the supported projects include: 

• Shiver: From director Robert Connolly (The Dry, Blueback), Shiver will be the first Australian narrative feature to be filmed in Antarctica. Based on Nikki Gemmell’s acclaimed novel, this adaptation follows the profound transformation of a young journalist as she ventures into the vast, fragile wilderness of Antarctica. It will be produced by Liz Kearney (Memoir of a Snail) and Kate Laurie (Petrol) alongside Connolly. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, with support from Minderoo Pictures. International sales by HanWay.
• Bad Company: A six-part comedy series from Guesswork Television created by AACTA award-winning comedian Anne Edmonds, who stars alongside Kitty Flanagan of the local and international hit Fisk. Set within the crumbling walls of an iconic theatre company on the brink of bankruptcy, Bad Company is directed by Tom Peterson (Fisk), produced by Andrew Walker (Deadloch), with executive producers Kevin Whyte (Rosehaven), Edmonds and Ben Grogan (Upper Middle Bogan). It has received major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia and is financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by Guesswork Distribution.
• Written in the Stars: An Australian and Canadian feature based on Su Dharmapala’s novel The Wedding Season, adapted for screen by Menik Gooneratne. A celebration of the Sri-Lankan community in modern-day Melbourne, this heartwarming rom-com explores universal themes of love and destiny. It will feature an all-South Asian cast led by Australian actor, writer and producer Gooneratne. Written in the Stars is directed by Fawzia Mirza (Queen of My Dreams) and produced by Leanne Tonkes (The Second), Andria Wilson Mirza (Queen of My Dreams), Melissa Russo (Together), Jenni Tosi (Holly’s Heroes), Marc Tetreault (Sullivan’s Crossing), and Jason Levangie (Sullivan’s Crossing). It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Telefilm Canada Production Program and VicScreen. Local distribution by Maslow Entertainment.
• The Killings: Parrish Station: A six-part series from Helium Pictures for Stan directed by Daniel Nettheim (The Tourist, The Assassin), created and written by Ben Jenkins (The Chaser, The Checkout), Tim Pye (Bali 2002), Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) and Catherine Smyth-McMullen (The Other Lamb). A cosmic mystery intertwines with horror as a gruesome massacre at a remote research station plunges a detective into an inexplicable, decades-long mystery. The series is produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Bali 2002) and executive produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy. It has received major investment from Screen Australia and Screen NSW in association with ITV Studios and will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
• 2 Moons: From director Fadia Abboud (House of Gods) and in partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta comes a science fiction drama set in Western Sydney exploring the lives of five ordinary people as they grapple with a potential apocalypse. Produced by Annabel Davis (Here Out West) and Kali Reid from Co-Curious and executive produced by Sheila Jayadev. 2 Moons is a multi-writer feature with an interwoven plot from five writers including James Elazzi, Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu, Andrew Undi Lee, Randa Sayed and Danielle Stamoulos. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia.
• Shilling It: A six-part satirical webseries in development from creators Henry Stone and Tony Armstrong, centred on a fictionalised version of Armstrong, as an Australian television personality caught in the ethical tug-of-war of lending his name to dodgy social media content brand deals. Across six 10-minute episodes, Tony navigates fame and influence while attempting to maintain personal integrity. Shilling It will be co-written and produced by Tony Armstrong and Henry Stone, with Stone directing.
• Martini Mama: A comedic feature about confronting the past, regrets and navigating change from director John Sheedy (Runt). Written by Christopher Gist (The Op Shop), Martini Mama is produced by Julie Ryan (H is for Happiness), Ari Harrison (Penny Lane is Dead) and Kate Whitbread (The Spirit of the Game). It has received production investment from Screen Australia in association with Fandomodo and VicScreen, with support from Sanctuary Pictures, KW Films and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment and international sales by Upgrade.
• Florence: A six-part premium drama series in development from Hoodlum Entertainment based on the true story of the iconic and enigmatic designer Florence Broadhurst. From co-creators Emma Freeman and Michael Lucas, the story unpacks the life of a woman who irrevocably changed the style of Australia. Kerrin McNeil and Tracey Robertson are producing, with executive producers Bazmark, Tracey Vieira, Nathan Mayfield, Sarah Mak and David Lloyd-Lewis.
• Bloom: A five-part webseries written and directed by Stephen de Villiers (The Run) and Alice Yang that follows 16-year-old Jasmine who receives a cancer diagnosis and the emotional and physical toll this has on her and the people who love her. Released on YouTube and other platforms, Bloom is produced by Chloe Gardner (The Run), Robbie Greenwell and Maisie Fabry.

Two new Screen Australia funded original children’s series were recently announced for the ABC, Happy House and Caper Crew, which will screen in 2026.

On 1 July, Screen Australia launched its updated Narrative Content programs and guidelines tailored to meet industry needs, support practitioners and foster ground-breaking content for years to come.

For accompanying image assets, click here.

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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Following the outstanding success of the debut season, the ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce that Do Not Watch This Show: Season 2 has been greenlit. Season 1 saw its first episode hit an average audience of over 2.5 million.

The series, adapted from the book series Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee, achieved one million average viewers across ABC Family and ABC iview in its first two weeks*, making it the #1 show across all of ABC iview in its launch period.

Season 1 has achieved a staggering 115 million minutes viewed on ABC iview in just three months.

These astounding numbers make Do Not Watch This Show the biggest launch of a new Children & Family show in the history of ABC iview.

Andy Lee said, “I’m overwhelmed and absolutely ecstatic to hear so many families are tuning in and enjoying Do Not Watch This Show. While it could be interpreted that we have a whole country of disobedient children, which sounds quite alarming, I prefer to think it’s a triumph for cheeky rascals everywhere. Keep on keeping on, you little ratbags. Let the fun and the giggles continue for Season 2.”

ABC Director Screen, Jennifer Collins said, “It’s testament to the team at Lee Bones that this original series has connected so strongly with Australian families and quickly become a household favourite. We’re proud to be the home of high-quality family programming on the ABC and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Wizz and his friends in Season 2.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Andy Lee and the Do Not Watch This Show team have captured the hearts and imaginations of little and big mischief-makers alike. The extraordinary success of the first season speaks to the team’s flair for writing a series that is wildly entertaining for viewers of all ages. I cannot wait for the shenanigans to continue in Season 2 – sorry Wizz, but we will be watching!”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “The smash hit Do Not Watch This Show proves just how brilliantly Victorian screen talent can entertain and inspire young audiences. We’re thrilled to be supporting Lee Bones and a terrific local team to make another season of Do Not Watch This Show in Victoria. We can’t wait to ‘not watch’ what Wizz and his pals get up to next!”

The animated series centres on Wizz, a blue monster who refuses to accept that he is the star of a TV show and is desperate for kids to switch it off. Wizz, voiced by Lee, goes to hilarious lengths to deter his audience, which only makes him more appealing.

Do Not Watch This Show Season 2 will air on the ABC in 2026.

Always free and Always entertaining, stream Do Not Watch This Show on ABC iview now.

Production credit: Do Not Watch This Show Season 2 is a Lee Bones Production for ABC. Major production funding from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen. Directed by Patrick Crawley. Series Producer Nick Campbell. Line Producer Megan Brock. Written by Andy Lee, Jason Marion and Ray Matsen. Designed by Heath McKenzie. Producers Andy Lee and Greg Sitch. ABC Commissioning Editor Mick Elliott. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family Mary-Ellen Mullane.

^{* Source: OzTAM VOZ Total TV and BVOD, National, Average Audience, When Watched period 04/07/2025-17/07/2025, OzTAM VPM Minutes}

ABC Media Enquires

Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
Williams.Lidia@abc.net.au

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

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The ABC, Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) have announced two new children’s series at the Australian Children’s Content Summit in Coffs Harbour. Animated sit-com Happy House, supported by VicScreen, and live-action comedy Caper Crew, supported by Screen NSW, will be coming to the ABC from 2026.

In Caper Crew, Amelia and Kai Delaney’s quiet lives are upended when their con-artist Grandmother Queenie mysteriously turns up, teaching them the art of the grift – sparking their hunt for the priceless Woodspring Nug. This is the first children’s series from acclaimed production company Easy Tiger. Set up director is Guy Edmonds (Hardball), joined by directors Stef Smith (It’s Fine, I’m Fine) and Shelly Lauman (Birdie). The series is written by Keith Thompson (Lockie Leonard), Matthew Whittet (Heartbreak High), Amy Stewart (Beep and Mort), Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers) and Erica Harrison (Gold Diggers).

Happy House is set in a world where internet-famous animals are the creators of their own adorable viral content. The series follows a crew of teen animal content creators as they navigate friendships, rivalries and awkward crushes, all while juggling the pressures of being teens in the digital age. Happy House is co-created and written by Alix Beane (Surviving Summer) and Marisa Nathar (Rock Island Mysteries), with animation by 12field Animation and directed by Kelly Lynagh (The Flamin’ Thongs). Produced by Media World Pictures.

ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, “The ABC is proud to deliver on our commitment to world-class children’s stories and we’re delighted to bring these original series to the screen. Happy House dives into content-creator culture with sharp humour and fun, and Caper Crew brings mystery and mayhem with a uniquely Australian quirkiness.”

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony said, “These two projects are fresh, clever and original and are set to become family favourites. Happy House is a hilarious and whip-smart animation that kids will relate to, while Caper Crew is a quirky and comedy led live-action series that will keep audiences guessing. Both series are high on laughs and will resonate with audiences here and globally.”

Screen Australia’s Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “We’re excited to support Easy Tiger’s first foray into Children’s content with Caper Crew, a live action series full of adventure and heart, set to captivate kids and parents alike. Media World Pictures’ animation Happy House offers a timely look at happiness in a contemporary online world, in a fun and adorable way. These series will extend the canon of high-quality Australian stories for children here and around the world.” 

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “Screen NSW is thrilled to support Easy Tiger bring Caper Crew, their first foray into children’s content, to the ABC. Through the Made in NSW – TV Drama Fund, Screen NSW are dedicated to creating a pipeline of high-end Australian content and generating new opportunities for NSW creatives, and we are excited to see where this standout creative team, led by executive producers Ian Collie and Rob Gibson, will take this story. Caper Crew is set to be a charming and whimsical mystery, with a sense of Australian nostalgia that is sure to delight children and adults alike.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “Happy House is an imaginative and hilarious animated series with internet-famous animals that will delight young viewers. VicScreen is proud to support the creative team at Media World Pictures (Little J & Big Cuz) and the Victorian screen industry to bring another quality children’s show to Australian audiences.”

Watch all of your favourite children’s programs on ABC iview now.

Production credits:

• Happy House – 26 x 11 mins

Happy House is a Media World Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Financed in association with VicScreen. Distribution by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Co-created and written by Alix Beane and Marisa Nathar. Animation by 12field Animation. Directed by Kelly Lynagh. Producer: Carmel McAloon. Executive Producers: Colin South, Carmel McAloon, Alix Beane and Marisa Nathar.

• Caper Crew – 10 x 30 mins

Caper Crew is an Easy Tiger production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Distribution by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Set up director Guy Edmonds, directors Stef Smith and Shelly Lauman. Written by Keith Thompson, Matthew Whittet, Amy Stewart, Jack Yabsley and Erica Harrison. Script Producer: Keith Thompson, Guy Edmonds. Series Producer: Yingna Lu. Executive Producers: Ian Collie, Rob Gibson.

ABC Media Enquiries

Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
Williams.Lidia@abc.net.au

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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Screen Australia has announced 30 documentaries that will share in $2.5 million of production and development funding, shaping the next chapter of Australian factual storytelling. The diverse slate highlights a new wave of documentary makers and offers intimate portraits of iconic Australians including Jimmy Barnes, George Miller, Henrietta Marrie AM and Ken Done.

Among the projects are social impact documentaries Liyan: Guided by Horses (working title) and It Starts With Us, both of which shine a light on transformative programs for young Australians. 

Head of Documentary at Screen Australia Richard Huddleston said, “From regional Australia to global war zones, these rich, intimate and unflinching stories open windows into new worlds, explore our rich cultural landscape and help us understand shared challenges – moving us in ways that only documentary can. 

“The calibre of talented emerging creatives we’ve been able to support has been impressive, as is the way many of them are joining forces with more experienced practitioners to achieve their aims. Our sector is ever evolving and this kind of collaborative community, coupled with innovative approaches to distinct Australian storytelling, is why our documentaries resonate with audiences here and around the world.” 

Over the 2024/25 financial year, Screen Australia funded $11 million across 104 documentary projects for production and development. The agency supported a myriad of content that found critical acclaim over the past 12 months. These include Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line and Mozart’s Sister winning two AACTA-Awards, Songs Inside winning the Documentary Australia Award at Sydney Film Festival, Spreadsheet Champions screening at Hot Docs Festival in Canada and SXSW in Austin and Maggie Beer’s Big Mission winning Best Host at the C21 International Format Awards in Cannes.

On 1 July, Screen Australia launched its updated Documentary Funding Programs tailored to meet industry needs, support practitioners and foster ground-breaking content for years to come.  

Some of the supported projects include:

• Axis of Impersonators: This feature documentary from director/producers Nicholas Coles and Alexis Spraic of The World According to Allee Willis tells the true story of how a Kim Jong-Un impersonator teams up with a Putin impersonator to rescue a Zelensky impersonator from Kyiv after the invasion of Ukraine. Produced by Laura Waters (My Year 12 Life) and Executive Producer Emma Fitzsimons (Together), it is financed in association with VicScreen and the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund with support from private investment. Local distribution by Mushroom Studios and international sales lead by CAA Media Finance.
• Bukal Bukal: A feature documentary from director Rhoda Roberts AO (In the Gutter? No Way). Written by Roberts and Julie Nihill, Bukal Bukal centres on Yidinji activist Henrietta Marrie AM who reformed the Australian Government and UN to benefit billions of Indigenous people and is now fighting the British Museum to reclaim her family’s stolen artefacts. Produced by Nihill and Yale McGilveray (Changing Tides) with Executive Producers Henrietta Marrie, Susie Montague, Shaun Miller, John Anastasiou and Mitch Stanley, Bukal Bukal is financed with support from philanthropy directly and via Documentary Australia.
• It Starts With Us: A 30-minute documentary from emerging director Amelia Tovey that follows a group of teenagers in a ground-breaking high-school program for kids at risk of family violence. With mentors such as Rosie Batty, the program uses art to unpack social pressures that lead to violence. The documentary is produced Sophia Marinos (Namatjira Project), with producer Larissa Behrendt (One Mind, One Heart) and Executive Producers Genevieve Dugard and Deanne Weir (The Wolves Always Come at Night). It is financed with support from WeirAnderson Foundation, Shark Island Foundation, Nelson Meers Foundation and Respect Victoria. Developed with support from Screen NSW.
• Mad Max and the Genius of George Miller: A feature film from Serendipity Productions in association with Yuzu Productions that tells the improbable story of how a 1970s Australian film grew into the country’s biggest ever cultural export. Produced by Margie Bryant (Knowing the Score) and directed by Chris Eley (Australia: An Unofficial History) it captures how George Miller’s singular cinematic vision influenced global cinema and set him on an unlikely journey to the pinnacle of Hollywood success. It is financed with support from Screen NSW, who also supported post, digital and visual effects.
• Liyan: Guided by Horses (working title): Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kimberley, this feature documentary from director Sean O’Reilly (Intersection) is a heartwarming and timely story of reconnection. At the heart of it is a group of young people, nurtured within a one-of-a-kind sanctuary using horses as powerful guides, pioneered by Aboriginal researcher Professor Juli Coffin. This documentary is produced by O’Reilly with Professor Juli Coffin and Sophy Crane. It is executive produced by Hunter Page-Lochard, Huna Amweero, Daniel Gordon, Mark Coles Smith and Stephen Page.
• A Year at Yumburra: A feature documentary from writer/director Grace McKenzie (In the Land of Wolves) based on Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe’s book – Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra. The film is produced by Tom Zubrycki (Ablaze) and chronicles the seasons of Yumburra farm in Gippsland where Bruce and his partner run Black Duck Foods. It is financed in association with VicScreen. Local distribution from Madman Entertainment.
• The Northern Run: A feature documentary from GoodThing Productions directed by Rhian Skirving (Off Country) and Bill Bleakley about six young Australian bull riders as they travel to North West Queensland to compete for a spot in the largest and richest rodeo in the southern hemisphere. The project is produced by Charlotte Wheaton (Spreadsheet Champions) and Nick Batzias (Ellis Park) and is financed in association with VicScreen with support from Screen Queensland.
• Working Class Man: A feature documentary from CJZ commissioned by the Seven Network that tells the wild journey of one of Australia’s true rock’n’roll legends Jimmy Barnes. Directed by Andrew Farrell who worked as Executive Producer on Working Class Boy and produced by Anthony Griffis (Mythbusters), this follow-up to Working Class Boy is an honest reflection on success, fame, addiction and family told through Jimmy’s eyes with his trademark honesty and insight. Farrell and Griffis are producing with Executive Producer Matt Campbell (Working Class Boy). Post, digital and visual effects are supported by Screen NSW.
• Ken Done: From director and producer Ivan O’Mahoney (Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story) and award-winning journalist Gabriella Coslovich comes this feature documentary from In Films centred on the renowned artist’s life, career and transformation from an award-winning adman to an artist who helped shape the world’s view of Australia. Ken Done is financed with support from Screen Queensland and Shark Island Foundation.
• Replica: An observational feature documentary from writer/director Chouwa Liang (My AI Lover) exploring the growing trend of Chinese women turning to AI chatbots for romance and companionship. The film is co-directed by Shannon Owen (Left Write Hook) and produced by Andy Huang (My AI Lover), and co-produced by by Christilla Huillard-Kann and Liang, with Stephen Luby (The Hunt: In Search of Australia’s Big Cats) on board as Executive Producer. Replica is developed with support from Screen Queensland.

Funding was also provided to Mint Pictures’ series for the ABC – When The War is Over – previously announced by the broadcaster and presented by Rachel Griffiths. 

For accompanying image assets, click here.

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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Screen Australia has today announced a significant investment for local scripted projects, reflecting the agency’s commitment to rich Australian narrative content and meaningful creator pathways.

Across feature film, television and online, $7.6 million has been shared across more than 100 projects, contributing a substantial amount to the overall direct production and development funding provided in the 24/25 financial year so far. The mix of projects showcases a wide range of themes and formats, speaking to the evolving scripted landscape and highlighting the importance of reaching Australian audiences where they are watching.

Among the projects is the debut feature film from writer/director/producer/star Tilda Cobham-Hervey set in an aged care home, It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All; animated children’s series Jidoo & Ibis, about the relationship between a grumpy Grandpa and Australia’s beloved bin chicken; comedy series for TikTok CEEBS about two friends on a mission to save their local youth centre from imminent closure; and a series inspired by a true story, DIVA, about 21-year-old Elly who balances his strict, religious Samoan life with ambitions of becoming a professional wrestler in drag.

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support a thriving pipeline of Australian stories that connect with audiences across multiple platforms and genres. This funding reflects our commitment to both emerging and established creatives, reinforcing the strength and diversity of our industry.”

“Demand on Screen Australia funding remains high, and our recent survey was a reminder of the value that the sector places on our direct funding. In an ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant – Australian screen storytelling is a vital cultural force that continues to resonate with audiences here at home and across the world. We’re proud to back this extensive collection of distinct and ambitious projects,” said Gough.

Screen Australia has also supported 11 major television series for production to be announced in coming months, sharing in $12 million of direct funding and with a total production value of over $117 million. The agency has recently supported Stan Original Series’ He Had it Coming and comedy-horror Gnomes. Also recently announced is Bus Stop Films’ first feature film Boss Cat, beginning production in June and starring Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage.

Supported projects

• It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All: This drama is the debut feature film from writer/director Tilda Cobham-Hervey (A Field Guide to Being a 12 Year Old Girl, I am Woman) and is produced by Liam Heyen (Jimpa, Latecomers), Dev Patel (Lion, Monkey Man), Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, Monkey Man) and Cobham-Hervey, with Natalya Pavchinskaya and Cyna Strachan executive producing. The film follows Audrey (Cobham-Hervey), a young artist teetering on the edge of a quiet collapse, who finds solace and understanding through a profound connection with Harold, an elderly resident at the care home where she works. Major production investment from Screen Australia and S’ya Concept in association with the South Australian Film Corporation, with support from the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Kismet. The film is a Mad Ones and Minor Realm production.
• Jidoo & Ibis: Inspired by the real-life shenanigans between the creator’s father and the hungry bin chickens who flock to his garden, Jidoo & Ibis is from writer/producer Wendy Hanna (Beep & Mort) with writers Michael Drake (Beep & Mort) and Clare Madsen (Little J & Big Cuz). It is a 40-part animated series in development for young pre-schoolers about unexpected problems and unexpected friendships – told through the relationship between grumpy Grandpa Jidoo and an all too familiar larrikin, Ibis.
• CEEBS: This 18-part comedy for TikTok is from director Harry Lloyd (Rock Island Mysteries) and writers Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule, some of the team behind Turn up the Volume. Nikki Tran (Girl, Interpreted) and Amie Batalibasi (Blackbird) are producing. CEEBS follows recent high-school graduates, Zion and Ruby, as they run for ‘Youth President’ to save their local youth centre from imminent closure – all while trying to ensure their lifelong friendship doesn’t get caught in the crossfire. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen.
• DIVA: Inspired by a true story, DIVA is created by producer Jessica Magro (Bad Ancestors) and executive producer Jason Dewhurst, working alongside producer Lauren Brown (Thou Shalt Not Steal) and writer Nick Coyle (Bump, It’s Fine, I’m Fine). It is also executive produced by Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson. This eight-part series in development from Ludo Studio and Purple Carrot Entertainment follows 21-year-old Elly as he attempts to balance his strict, religious Samoan life and his secret queer identity as a professional wrestler in drag.
• Dreamboat: A feature comedy in development celebrating the enduring power of BFFs, second chances, and embracing life’s next chapter, from writer Joan Sauers (Ladies in Black, Wakefield), producers Courtney Botfield and Kate Riedl, script editor Megan Simpson Huberman and script consultant Zoë Coombs Marr. In Dreamboat, Suzy’s plans for a cruisy retirement are capsized when best friend, Val, takes her on a cruise to Antarctica.
• All The Boys Are Here: From Causeway Films (Talk to Me), this queer romance feature film is created by writer/director Goran Stolevski (Of An Age, You Won’t Be Alone) and produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Talk to Me. It is about a New York novelist who, while attending a family funeral in Vienna, discovers a German relative’s illicit queer love affair with a Jewish man during WW2 – sending him on a journey through the past that changes his future. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Polish Film Institute, with Maslow Entertainment distributing and New Europe Film Sales and Charades managing international sales.
• A Model Family: A 10-part comedy in development for the whole family from some of the team behind The Disposables, including creator/writers Keir Wilkins and Sonia Whiteman, creator/writer/producer Renny Wijeyamohan, creator/producer/executive producer Karen Radzyner, producer Linda Micsko (The Office Australia) and executive producer Oliver Lawrance, with Guy Edmonds (Spooky Files) and Emmanuelle Mattana (Fwends) attached as writers. In A Model Family, five ultra-lifelike AIs have escaped from a secret research facility in the Australian countryside and must pass for a human ‘nuclear’ family to survive.
• Fear is the Rider: This horror-thriller is from the team behind The Forgiven, including writer/director/producer John Michael McDonagh, producers Elizabeth Eves, Kate Glover, Nick Gordon and Trevor Matthews, and executive producer Natalie Coleman. In Fear is the Rider, a lone woman searching for her missing mother is pursued into the Australian Outback by a terrifying family of cannibalistic serial killers, with only an ex-con and a young girl willing to help her. Major production investment from Screen Australia and financed with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment, with international sales by Film Constellation and CAA.
• After All: From writer/director/producer Jess Murray (Moments of Clarity) and writers Tom Ward and Declan O’Byrne-Inglis, After All is a six-part comedic adult YouTube animation set against a post-apocalyptic wasteland. After living in a bunker for most of their lives, mutant filmmakers Flynn and Marshall venture out to make “the best movie ever made”, but quickly realise that stardom is not as important as friendship. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia and financed with assistance from Screen Tasmania.
• Bluebottle: A thriller-comedy feature film from director Jim Weir and writer/director Jack Clark of Birdeater, producers Gal Greenspan (Moja Vesna), Rachel Forbes (Strange Creatures) and Ryan Bartecki (The Novice), and executive producers Joel Edgerton (Boy Swallows Universe), Ari Harrison (Lesbian Space Princess, The Moogai) and Jane Badler. During the final night of ‘Schoolies’ in an isolated coastal town, three local dropouts battle three handsome older men for the affection of three private school girls – tackling social issues of class, consent and identity. Major production investment from Screen Australia, with Co Created Media co-financing and Umbrella Entertainment distributing locally.

Media Enquiries

Kellie Adcock | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5800 | kellie.adcock@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | info@screenaustralia.gov.au

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