Children's television

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New education resource brings Australian storytelling into classrooms

The Australian Children’s Television Foundation has launched a major new online education resource based on the animated television series Tales from Outer Suburbia, providing Australian teachers and students with a rich, creative learning experience grounded in local storytelling.

Designed for Years 5–8 classrooms, the resource offers an extensive suite of curriculum-aligned activities that explore storytelling, media literacy and creativity through the imaginative world of Tales from Outer Suburbia. The series, produced by Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions, is based on the acclaimed book by internationally celebrated Australian artist and storyteller Shaun Tan.

Developed in collaboration with moving image education specialist Dr Susan Bye and Bridget Hanna, Education Manager at the ACTF, the resource draws on deep expertise in both screen storytelling and classroom learning. Together, they have created an engaging and accessible learning experience that supports teaching across English, Media Arts and the General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum.

At the heart of the resource is an exploration of how stories move from page to screen. Students are given rare behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the animated series, including video interviews with crew, production materials and original concept artwork. The resource also features excerpts from Shaun Tan’s book alongside exclusive artwork, inviting students into the quiet wonder and imaginative world that defines Tales from Outer Suburbia.

The education resource mirrors the show’s spirit of curiosity and creativity through a flexible “choose your own learning adventure” structure. Each episode contains a suite of classroom-ready activities that encourage both creative and analytical thinking while supporting meaningful classroom discussion. Activities can be used as weekly creative provocations, deep dives into adaptation and storytelling, or as part of broader media literacy studies.

Learning opportunities include:

• Page-to-screen comparisons that explore how stories evolve during adaptation from book to animation
• Production insights into animation, sound design and visual storytelling
• Theme explorations encouraging reflection on ideas such as imagination, fear, joy, family and belonging
• Creative tasks that invite students to experiment with storytelling techniques and visual ideas

Reflecting on what he hopes audiences will take away from the series, Shaun Tan said:

“I hope that some young viewers will be inspired to write, illustrate and even animate their own stories about personal experiences, with a few little oddities thrown in, following the Tales from Outer Suburbia recipe, of how things that don’t make sense can still make sense. This seems to be the journey taken by the principal characters in the story, and it’s the journey, arguably, that we are all on out here in the ‘real’ world.”

The Tales from Outer Suburbia education resource celebrates the strength of Australian storytelling and the creative voices behind it, offering students a uniquely local entry point into the art of screen storytelling.

The full Tales from Outer Suburbia television series is available to stream on ABC iview.

Teachers and educators can access the free education resource here.

The ACTF is also hosting a range of free virtual and in-person events for teachers and students to engage in the series:

Tales from Outer Suburbia is a Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions production for the ABC and BYUtv. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in association with the ABC. Produced in New South Wales and Western Australia with Siamese and financed with support from Screenwest. Adapted from Shaun Tan’s multi-award-winning book Tales from Outer Suburbia. Directed by Noel Cleary. Creative Director: Shaun Tan. Producers: Sophie Byrne and Alexia Gates-Foale. Co-producer: Francesca Hope. Executive Producers: Barbara Stephen, Bernadette O’Mahony, Andra Johnson Duke, Francesca Hope, Jeff Simpson, Julia Adams, Karen Vermeulen, Libbie Doherty. Acting Head of ABC’s Children & Family: Mary-Ellen Mullane. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

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ABC announces new series based on bestselling children’s books

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The ABC, in partnership with Werner Film Productions, is excited to announce a new screen adaptation of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s bestselling children’s book series The Treehouse.

Inspired by the imaginative world created by author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton, The Treehouse follows best friends Andy and Terry as they embark on absurd and big-hearted adventures inside their ever‑expanding treehouse. The books have become beloved favourites for Australian families, and the series will bring their joyful spirit to screens nationwide.

Andy Griffiths and Jill Griffiths will executive produce the screen adaptation.

The series was announced at an ABC Screen Town Hall event today by the new Head of Children’s and Family, Melinda Wearne. It is the second new project to be confirmed under the ABC’s $50 million funding parcel from the federal government, an investment designed to bolster Australian scripted and children’s content over the next three years. It follows the ABC’s recently announced reboot of the live-action Bananas in Pyjamas.

Werner Film Productions brings an outstanding track record of delivering high‑quality Australian stories, including the acclaimed drama The Newsreader and children’s favourites Crazy Fun Park, Knee High Spies and Dance Academy.

ABC Director Screen, Jennifer Collins: “The Treehouse series is wonderfully silly and much loved by young Australians. With the support of additional funding, we’re thrilled to be in a position to adapt these creatively ambitious stories for the screen and to collaborate with the talented team at Werner Film Productions.”

Werner Film Productions Head of Development Rachel Davis said “Werner Film Productions is a passionate producer of high-quality scripted series for kids and families and we are thrilled to once again partner with the ABC - who are such champions for this audience. The hilarious Treehouse books, so expertly crafted by Andy and Terry, have already delighted kids around the world and we are beyond excited to have the opportunity to bring this iconic, unique and much-loved Australian property to the screen.”

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Groundbreaking children’s series Little J & Big Cuz returns for Season 5 on ABC and NITV

The ABC, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce the return of award-winning children’s series, Little J & Big Cuz for a fifth season, continuing its celebration of First Nations stories and culture.

Season 5 features the much-loved voicecast of Miranda Tapsell, Aaron Fa’oaso, Ursula Yovich and Shari Sebbens. They are joined by Kartanya Maynard as the voice of Big Cuz.

Little J & Big Cuz Season 5 is co-produced by Ned Lander Media and First Nations company, Ramu Productions. It is financed with support from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania and the Australian Council for Educational Research.

The beloved series follows Little J and Big Cuz as they embark on adventures and face the challenges of growing up, guided by their Nanna and teacher Ms Chen. The program shares authentic tales of family, friendship, community, country and culture, and has been translated into 17 First Nations Australian languages.

Broome-based Ramu Productions has collaborated on language versioning since Season 1. Ramu’s CEO/Producer Jodie Bell said, “We’re excited to be co-producing Season 5, and introducing yet more wonderful, new First Nations writers from across Australia to the ever-expanding world of Little J & Big Cuz.”

ABC Head of Children & Family Melinda Wearne said, “Little J & Big Cuz sits at the heart of what we do as Australia’s public broadcaster, and we’re delighted to partner with NITV once again. We’re proud to welcome a new cohort of First Nations writers and voice cast for Season 5, and can’t wait for the series to continue charming and delighting children across the country.”

NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production Dena Curtis said, “We’re proud to bring a fifth season of the award-winning Little J & Big Cuz to audiences, a series that continues to embody Black excellence and grow First Nations storytellers and performers. Grounded in truth, pride and lived experience, it celebrates First Nations children and families through authentic and deeply resonant stories of family, friendship, community, Country and culture. NITV is honoured to continue sharing these stories, providing vital representation and cultural affirmation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We’re also pleased to collaborate with our investment partners Screen Australia, Screen Tasmania, VicScreen, ACER, ACTF and ABC TV, alongside producers Ned Lander Media and Ramu Productions, to bring Little J and Big Cuz’s adventures to audiences.”

Screen Australia Head of First Nations Content Gillian Moody-Ardler said, “The success of Little J & Big Cuz shows the power and importance of First Nations storytelling for young audiences. Its authentic portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continues to engage children nationwide, reinforcing our commitment to meaningful content that supports learning, identity and connection, while sharing valuable cultural representation to a global audience.”

Little J & Big Cuz Season 5 is currently in pre-production and will air on the ABC and NITV in 2027.

Production credit: Series 5 of Little J & Big Cuz is a Ned Lander Media and Ramu production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and National Indigenous Television. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, in association with National Indigenous Television. Financed with assistance from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) with VicScreen, Screen Tasmania and the Australian Council for Educational Research. World sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

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The author, Andy Griffiths was the subject of Creative Types with Virginia Trioli this week.

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Various UK media outlets have been reporting that ITV will close its children’s programming block CITV for good today.

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https://x.com/saikodice18/status/2042492542520795143?s=20

The final inglorious minutes of CITV. I think the “C” stood for “commercial” :wink:

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The Age Green Guide interview with Caper Crew star (and set-up director and script producer) Guy Edmonds

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It’s Andrew! stomps onto screens this June

The ABC and Screen Australia are delighted to announce that brand new preschool series, It’s Andrew!, will premiere on Monday 1 June at 6am on ABC iview and 8:15am on ABC Kids.

High above the clouds in a mountain-top world, lives Andrew – a joyful young rhino, with big feelings and an even bigger imagination. Andrew is a rhinoceros living in a unicorn world. And while Andrew may not fly or have sparkle magic like his unicorn friends, he turns every problem into possibility with creativity, kindness, and rhino-riffic charm.

Every day is a new adventure for Andrew, filled with imagination, exploration, and a few tumbles along the way. From chasing a runaway hot air balloon to rescuing his jelly dessert from a band of sneaky gnomes, Andrew’s journeys are fuelled by wonder, play, and heart.

Featuring the voices of Lucy Durack and Damien Garvey, this warm, funny and vibrant new series celebrates the joy of being yourself.

Production credit: It’s Andrew! is a Pirate Size Productions, Mainframe Studios, and Infinite Studios Australian-Canadian-Singapore co-production commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), in association with Societe Radio-Canada (SRC). Major production investment from ABC in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Mainframe Distribution. International distribution, licensing, and merchandising are handled by Kartoon Studios. Developed with assistance from VicScreen and Screen Australia. Created by Dan Nixon and Alyssa Smedley. Directed by Katrina Hadley and Jos Humphrey. Producers: Bryony McLachlan, Michael Hefferon and Freddie Yeo. Executive Producers: Avrill Stark, Michael Hefferon, Tanya Green and Michael Wiluan.

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SRC is the French name of CBC. I am not sure why they have to be mentioned separately, unless this animated series will be dubbed in French and shown on CBC’s French language channels.

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Not very horny for a rhino. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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Looks like coke is bad for teeth ,septums and horns.

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Emma Watkins brings all-new Emma’s Dance Club to ABC Kids

The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen NSW are thrilled to announce that production has started on Emma’s Dance Club, a brand-new children’s live action series created by beloved performer Emma Watkins and produced by Wooden Horse (Mother and Son) and Apricot Sea (Emma Memma).

When Emma debuts a new dance club in the delightful country town of Spudson, four local kids discover it’s more than just pirouettes and pop steps. Future-Prime Minister Madi, lovable wallflower Milo, clumsy pocket-rocket Albie, and energetic style-queen Chika, soon discover that learning to dance is a little bit of magic and a whole lot of fun.

As this funny, feel-good series unfolds, Emma’s Dance Club becomes a community hub where the kids – and sometimes the grown-ups – boogie through life’s ups and downs together.

Emma’s Dance Club is directed by Guy Edmonds (Caper Crew) and Shari Sebbens (Top End Bub).

Emma Watkins, Director at Apricot Sea said, “Bringing Emma’s Dance Club to life alongside such a talented team of Australian creatives has been an absolute privilege. Together, we have built a vibrant, joyful world centred on movement, friendship and genuine connection, created with love, not just for children, but for families everywhere."

Jude Troy, Joint CEO, Wooden Horse said, “Wooden Horse is thrilled to partner with Apricot Sea and the ABC to create a legacy brand in live action children’s television. Thanks to the enormously talented and charismatic Emma Watkins, this dance forward comedy will fast become a family favourite with its grounded humour and a healthy dose of mischief. Directors Guy Edmonds and Shari Sebbens have gathered an incredible team, both on and off screen, to create this charming, aspirational world, showcasing a fabulous ensemble of kids and featuring some very exciting adult cameos.”

Melinda Wearne, ABC Head of Children & Family said, “We’re excited to welcome Emma’s Dance Club to ABC Kids – a delightful new narrative preschool series led by the endlessly energetic and beloved Emma Watkins and introducing an incredible emerging cast of Australian kids. The series celebrates the joys of dancing, friendship, and community. Full of optimism and enthusiasm, Emma’s Dance Club will have our audiences twirling, tapping, and twisting their daily dilemmas away.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Created by an award-winning local team and infused with the vibrancy of an Australian regional town, Emma’s Dance Club is unmistakably Australian. Emma Watkins’ magic is her unique ability to connect with our littlest audiences and their families. Emma’s Dance Club celebrates the joys of friendship and community through the wonder of song and dance.”

Kylie Munnich, Screen NSW Executive Director said, “Emma’s Dance Club is an exciting new project from Emma Watkins, one of our most beloved performers, and features meaningful representation on screen, which children right across Australia will be able connect with. Our state is fast becoming a hub for family-friendly screen production, and Screen NSW is thrilled to support Wooden Horse as they expand into the children’s content space. I’m sure Emma’s Dance Club will be a series the entire family can enjoy together when it releases on ABC.”

Emma’s Dance Club will air on ABC Kids and ABC iview in 2027.

Production credit: Emma’s Dance Club is a Wooden Horse and Apricot Sea production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC. Financed in association with Screen NSW and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. International sales by ABC Commercial. Developed with assistance of the ABC and Australian Children’s Television Foundation.

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Why do almost all the children’s shows produced these days focus on girls as main characters? Why couldn’t it at least have been like Dance Academy that had equal male and female dancers?

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Lucy Durack has posted preview clips of It’s Andrew! on her Instagram. She voices Ms Horn in the show.

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Bedtime Stories start today on Paramount+.

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Do Not Read This Media Release! Andy Lee’s smash-hit show returns to ABC this July

The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce that Do Not Watch This Show Season 2 launches at 6am on Friday 3 July on ABC iview and 7:30pm on Monday 6 July on ABC Family.

The animated series, adapted from Andy Lee’s bestselling book series Do Not Open This Book, broke viewing records last year with the biggest launch of a new Children & Family show in the history of ABC iview[1].

Season 2 sees the return of Wizz, a blue monster who is determined to stop the show in its tracks. Still refusing to accept that he is the star of the show, Wizz goes to more extreme lengths to get kids to switch off. Wizz and his friends embark on exciting new adventures including visits from intergalactic creatures and travelling back in time.

Andy Lee returns as the voice of Wizz, alongside an all-star voice cast featuring Denise Scott, Joel Creasey, Kura Forrester and Dave Hughes.

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.

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