Australian Children’s Television Foundation reveals $6.4m kids’ content investment

Kangaroo Beach

The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) invested or committed almost $10m (US$6.4m) in production funding for kids’ content during the past 12 months.

According to its latest annual report, the ACTF also invested almost $600,000 (US$386,598) in the development of 20 new projects during the 2022-23 financial year. In total, $3,792,096 was spent on production investment, with a further $6,109,916 committed to projects at financing stage.

These included five shows that premiered during the year – Barrumbi Kids, Crazy Fun Park, Kangaroo Beach season two, 100% Wolf season two and The PM’s Daughter season two; and three ACTF supported programs that went into production – Eddie’s Li’l Homies, Space Nova season two and Little J & Big Cuz season four.

A further five ACTF supported programs were financed during the year, with production to commence in the 2023-24 financial year: Windcatcher, Tales from Outer Suburbia, Whale Shark Jack, Runt and Kangaroo Beach season three.

The ACTF invested in the development of 20 projects, with a total spend of $596,205. Projects to receive funding were a mix of live-action and animation and included four films. ACTF-supported shows have been distributed to 28 different territories, including the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Latin America.

ACTF board chair Helen Silver said: “Most of us take quality Australian children’s screen content for granted. If we didn’t grow up with it ourselves, our children certainly did, and we know just how important it is to have Australian stories for children to watch.

“This report highlights the remarkable range of children’s content we are supporting in development and production and shares our achievements in bringing children’s content to the world through our international distribution arm.”