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Flying Bark Productions
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Flying Bark Productions Pty. Ltd. (formerly known as Yoram Gross Film Studios, Yoram Gross-Village Roadshow and Yoram Gross-EM.TV) is an Australian entertainment and animation studio that is a subsidiary of Belgian production company Studio 100. The studio acts as a full-service production facility across feature films, television and an assorted range of digital content. The studio was established by Yoram and Sandra Gross in 1967 as Yoram Gross Film Studios, and its stake was acquired by Australian media group Village Roadshow in 1996 before their stake was sold to German media & entertainment company EM.TV & Merchandising.

Key Information

History

[edit]

In January 1996, Yoram Gross Film Studios announced they had established a partnership with Australian media group Village Roadshow, with the interest of Yoram Gross Film Studios being sold to them under their motion picture production division Village Roadshow Pictures. The company was later renamed to Yoram Gross-Village Roadshow, with Greg Coote, producer and founder of Village Roadshow's American division Village Roadshow Pictures, and Graham Burke, Village Roadshow's president & CEO, joining the renamed Australian animation studio's board. The studio agreed to produce ten animated series with Village Roadshow's television division.[1] One year later in October 1997, Yoram Gross-Village Roadshow made a co-production pact with Europe-based German production and distribution company EM.TV & Merchandising AG, with whom they jointly handled television productions.[2] Following this successful partnership, and with Village Roadshow seeking an exit from television production, EM.TV & Merchandising bought out Village Roadshow's interest in Yoram Gross-Village Roadshow in 1999, renaming the company to Yoram Gross-EM.TV. EM.TV was also now distributing the animation studio's programmes worldwide.[1] By December 1999, Yoram Gross-EM.TV launched their own in-house licensing division named YG-EM Licensing to handle their own productions including EM.TV's co-production alongside their Junior programming catalogue.[3]

In January 2006, seven years after their acquisition of 50% of Yoram Gross EM.TV, EM.TV & Merchandising announced their full acquisition of the remaining 50% stake of Yoram Gross EM.TV from its founders Yoram and Sandra Gross under their entertainment division EM. Entertainment, giving EM.Entertainment full control of the Australian animation and production group.[4] By October 2006, Yoram Gross EM.TV announced a restructuring and rebranding of the company as Flying Bark Productions, alongside its distribution division Yoram Gross Distribution, which was renamed to Flying Bark Distribution.[5][6][7]

In May 2007, Flying Bark Productions' then-parent company EM.TV announced their plans to exit the children's entertainment business through the sale of their children's division, including Flying Bark Productions, its distribution library including Yoram Gross' animated productions such as Blinky Bill, the library of Japanese animation studio Zuiyo, its classic catalogue such as Maya the Bee and Vic the Viking, and their German television channel Junior.[8]

In late-May 2008, EM.Sport Media AG announced that they had exited the animation and children's entertainment production business and sold Flying Bark Productions, alongside its entertainment division EM.Entertainment (including its German television channel Junior) to Belgian production group Studio 100 through their Munich-based German international distribution division Studio 100 Media.[9]

In December 2019, Flying Bark Productions announced their plans to open a Los Angeles branch in early 2020, appointing American storyboarder/director Ian Graham as Chief Creative Director of the LA studio[10].

In late-March 2022, Flying Bark Productions announced the establishment of its new production arm After Bark, dedicated to adult animated programmes along with scripted and unscripted projects for mature audiences, with Amy Noble and Kate Andrew becoming CCO and head of legal & business affairs of the new production subsidiary.[11]

In June 2024, Flying Bark Productions announced they had opened a Madrid-based animation studio, partnering with Spanish animation studio supervisor Ramon Giráldez to head the new Spanish animation studio.[12]

Filmography

[edit]

Flying Bark Productions feature films

[edit]
Title Release date Distributor Notes
Gumnutz: A Juicy Tale 24 December 2007 FFC Australia co-production with Bix Pix Productions and ABC Studios
Santa's Apprentice 24 November 2010 Gaumont co-production with Gaumont Alphanim, Cartoon Saloon and Avril Stark Entertainment
The Woodlies Movie[13] 23 February 2013 Seven Network
Universum Film (Germany)		 co-production with Studio 100 Media, Seven Network, ZDF and Telegael
Maya the Bee[14][15] 2014 StudioCanal
Universum Film (Germany)[16]		 also known as Maya the Bee Movie
co-production with Studio 100 Film, Screen Australia, ZDF and Buzz Studios
Blinky Bill the Movie 17 September 2015 StudioCanal co-production with Telegael, Screen Australia, Screen NSW and Assemblage Entertainment
Maya the Bee: The Honey Games 1 April 2018 (Germany)
26 July 2018 (Australia)		 StudioCanal
Universum Film (Germany)		 Sequel to Maya the Bee Movie
co-production with Studio 100 Film, Screen Australia, Buzz Studios and Fish Blowing Bubbles
100% Wolf[17] 29 May 2020 Studio 100 Film co-production with Studio 100 Film, Screen Australia, Screenwest, Lotterywest, Create NSW, Siamese and De-Fi Media
Maya the Bee: The Golden Orb[18][19] 7 January 2021 StudioCanal co-production with Studio 100 Film, Studio 100 Media, Studio Isar Animation and Studio B Animation
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie 5 August 2022 Netflix Animations services only
produced by Nickelodeon Movies
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia[20][21] 26 May 2022 (Germany)
27 October 2022 (Australia)		 Icon Film Distribution
Constantin Film (Germany)		 co-production with Studio 100 Film, Studio 100 Media, Studio Isar Animation, Constantin Film and Studio B Animation
200% Wolf[22][23] 8 August 2024 StudioCanal
Atlantika Films (Spain)		 Sequel to 100% Wolf
co-production with Studio 100 Film, Screen Australia, Screenwest, Lotterywest, Siamese and Atlantika Films
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender 2026 Paramount+ Animation services only[24]
produced by Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies and Avatar Studios
Zac Power[25][26] 7 January 2027 (Australia/New Zealand)[27] Paramount Pictures[28] (Australia/New Zealand)
Studio 100 Film (International)		 co-production with Cheeky Little Media,[29] Pixel Zoo Animation Studios, and Australian Children's Television Foundation[30]

TV series

[edit]
Title Years Network Notes
The Adventures of Blinky Bill 1993–2004 ABC/Seven Network co-production with EM.TV & Merchandising, EM.TV Wavery and WDR
Tabaluga 1997–2004 Seven Network
ZDF (Germany)		 co-production with EM.Entertainment, ZDF Enterprises and Victory Media Group
Skippy: Adventures in Bushtown 1998–1999 Nine Network co-production with Tele Images Productions
Dumb Bunnies 1998–1999 Seven Network
CBS (United States)		 co-production with Nelvana and Scholastic
Flipper & Lopaka 1999–2005 Seven Network
ZDF (Germany, season 3)		 co-production with EM.Entertainment and Animation Filmmakers Corporation
Fairy Tale Police Department 2001–2002 Seven Network (Australia) co-production with EM.Entertainment, Talit Communications and Victory Media Group
Old Tom[31] 2002 ABC1
TF1 (France)		 co-production with EM.TV Wavery and Millimages
Bambaloo 2003–2004 Seven Network co-production with The Jim Henson Company (season 1)
Deadly 2006 Nine Network Last production under the Yoram Gross-EM.TV name
co-production with SLR Productions
Dive Olly Dive![32] 2006-2010 Seven Network
Animania (United States)
KIKA (Germany)		 credited as Yoram Gross-EM.TV for the first 16 episodes; first production under the Flying Bark Productions name
co-production with Mike Young Productions, Taffy Entertainment (season 1), MoonScoop (season 2), GDC International, Atlantyca Entertainment (season 2) and Telegael
Owned by Splash Entertainment
Staines Down Drains 2006–2007 Seven Network co-production with EM.Entertainment, Flux Animation Studio, Traction and NZ On Air
Zeke's Pad 2008–2010 Seven Network
YTV (Canada)		 uncredited
co-production with Leaping Lizard Productions, Bardel Entertainment and Avrill Stark Entertainment
Master Raindrop 2008–2009 Seven Network co-production with EM.Entertainment, Big Communications, Flux Animation Studio and Media Development Authority
Legend of Enyo 2009–2010 co-production with Avrill Stark Entertainment and Screen NSW
Zigby[33][34] 2009–2011 ABC Kids
Treehouse TV (Canada)
ZDF (Germany)[35]		 co-production with Avrill Stark Entertainment, Thunderbird Films and Big Animation
The Woodlies 2012 Seven Network
ZDF (Germany)		 co-production with Studio 100 Media
Vic the Viking[36] 2013–2014 Network Ten/Eleven (Australia)
ABC3 (Australia)
TF1 (France)		 co-production with Studio 100 Animation and ASE Studios
Tashi 2014–2015 7TWO co-production with Telegael and Discreet Art Productions[37]
Heidi 2015–2019 Nine Network
TF1 (France)
Tiji/Piwi+ (France)
ZDF (Germany)		 season 1 only
co-production with Studio 100 Animation and Heidi Productions (season 1)
Based on the novel Heidi by Johanna Spyri
The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill[38][39] 2016–2017 7TWO/ABC Me co-production with Studio 100, Studio 100 Media, Telegael and Giant Wheel Animation
Oh, Yuck! 2017 Seven Network co-production with Silhouette Media Group
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2018–2020 Nickelodeon Animation services only
produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Glitch Techs 2020 Netflix
Lego Monkie Kid 2020–2023 Peacock co-production with The Lego Group
continued by WildBrain Studios from season 5 onwards
100% Wolf: Legend of the Moonstone 2020–2023 ABC Me co-production with Studio 100 Media and Studio 56
FriendZSpace 2021–2022 co-production with Studio 100 Media, Dan Clark Company, Shellnut Entertainment and T&B Media Global
What If...? 2021–2024 Disney+ Animation services only
produced by Marvel Studios Animation
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur 2023–2025 Disney Channel Disney+ Animation services only
produced by Disney Television Animation, Marvel Animation and Cinema Gypsy Productions
Tales from Outer Suburbia 2026 ABC iview (Australia)

BYUtv (United States)

co-production with Siamese and Highly Spirited[40]
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 April 23, 2026 Netflix Animation services only
produced by 21 Laps Entertainment, Upside Down Pictures and Netflix)[41]
Untitled Ghostbusters series Coming TBA Animation services only
produced by Sony Pictures Animation and Ghost Corps[42]
Untitled Minecraft series Coming TBA Animation services only[43]
produced by Netflix[44]
Untitled Clash of Clans series Coming TBA Animation services only[45]
produced by Netflix[46]

Web series

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  • The Eggsperts (2014)

Yoram Gross feature films

[edit]

Yoram Gross TV series

[edit]

TV special

[edit]
  • The Adventures of Candy Claus (1987)[47]

Interactive board game

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flying Bark Productions

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from Grokipedia
Flying Bark Productions is an Australian animation studio specializing in family-oriented television series and feature films, renowned for its contributions to children's entertainment through both traditional 2D hand-drawn and computer-generated (CG) animation techniques. Founded in 1967 by producers Yoram and Sandra Gross as Yoram Gross Film Studios in Sydney, it became Australia's oldest continuously operating animation studio and underwent a rebranding to Flying Bark Productions in 2006 to reflect its innovative expansion in global production. The studio has produced over 50 years of iconic content, including pioneering Australian animated features like Dot and the Kangaroo (1977), one of the earliest full-length animated films in the country, and the enduring franchise, which spans multiple TV series, specials, and films such as Blinky Bill: The Mischievous Koala (1992). Other notable works include the Emmy-nominated Marvel series What If...? (2021–present), the LEGO action-comedy Monkie Kid (2019–present), and the award-winning film (2024), which shared the Animated Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards. Wholly owned by European media company since 2008, Flying Bark maintains studios in , Los Angeles, and , employing over 500 staff to deliver creator-led projects for international broadcasters like ABC, , and Disney+. Under leaders like Managing Director Barbara Stephen, the studio emphasizes diverse storytelling and has earned recognition for excellence, including multiple Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards and international acclaim for short films like the multi-award-winning My Jumper, It Roars! (2024). Recent productions, such as the anthology series Tales from Outer Suburbia (2025) featuring voice talent like Dawn French, continue to blend Australian narratives with global appeal, solidifying Flying Bark's role as a key player in the international animation industry.

History

Founding and Early Development (1967–1995)

Flying Bark Productions traces its origins to 1967, when Yoram Gross and his wife Sandra established Yoram Gross Film Studios in Sydney's Paddington suburb as a small family-run operation dedicated to producing children's animation. The studio initially emphasized stop-motion and traditional 2D techniques, drawing on Gross's prior experience in experimental films from Israel to create content rooted in storytelling for young audiences. This foundational focus allowed the company to pioneer Australian-made animated works during an era when local production was limited, establishing a niche in family-oriented entertainment. In the , the studio marked key milestones with its breakthrough into feature-length , most notably the 1977 release of Dot and the Kangaroo, Australia's first full-length animated film, which blended hand-drawn 2D over live-action backgrounds to depict a young girl's adventures in the bush alongside native wildlife. This innovative approach, combining practical effects like filmed animal footage with animated characters, highlighted through tales of exploration and harmony with nature, earning critical acclaim and setting a template for subsequent productions. The film's success spurred a series of sequels in the 1980s, including Around the World with Dot (1981) and Dot and the Whale (1986), which further showcased the studio's expertise in pre-digital and environmental themes drawn from indigenous stories. The 1980s and early 1990s saw the development of enduring characters, culminating in the creation of , a cheeky inspired by Dorothy Wall's classic children's books, which became a cornerstone of the studio's output. The 1992 feature Blinky Bill: The Mischievous Koala introduced the character through a of community and mischief, employing traditional cel animation to capture the vibrancy of Australian wildlife, while the follow-up TV special and 1993 series expanded its scope to serialized stories promoting friendship and conservation. These works had profound cultural impact, embedding Blinky Bill in Australian media as a symbol of and environmental awareness, with the series broadcast in over 70 countries and fostering international appreciation for indigenous . Throughout this period, Yoram Gross Film Studios grew from a modest setup with a handful of staff to a mid-sized facility capable of handling complex productions, advancing pre-digital techniques such as multiplane camera effects and detailed hand-inking to enhance depth and realism in storytelling. This expansion solidified the studio's role in elevating Australian animation on the global stage, paving the way for future collaborations in the mid-1990s.

Partnerships, Acquisitions, and Rebranding (1996–2007)

In 1996, Film Studios entered into a 50/50 partnership with Australian media conglomerate , which acquired half the company and brought executives Greg Coote and David Roach onto the board. This collaboration provided capital and infrastructure for larger-scale projects, including enhanced distribution networks and joint ventures that expanded popular properties like into new television series and merchandise opportunities. The partnership marked a shift from independent operations to more commercially oriented productions, enabling international reach while retaining creative control under founder . By March 1999, German entertainment firm EM.TV & Merchandising AG purchased Village Roadshow's 50% stake, renaming the studio Yoram Gross-EM.TV and integrating it into EM.TV's global portfolio of children's content. This acquisition, valued as part of an ongoing co-production alliance initiated in 1997, emphasized merchandising and licensing strategies, leveraging EM.TV's expertise to develop consumer products tied to such as and . Yoram and Sandra Gross retained their ownership share, with Yoram continuing as creative director to guide production decisions. The move aligned the studio with European markets, fostering cross-border co-productions but introducing dependencies on EM.TV's broader . The early 2000s brought significant challenges for Yoram Gross-EM.TV amid EM.TV's financial turmoil, including a reported net loss of 2.8 billion Deutsche Marks in and a near-bankruptcy situation resolved through a restructuring backed by German broadcaster Kirch Group. These events necessitated internal financial adjustments at the Australian studio, such as cost controls and project reallocations, to stabilize operations while EM.TV divested non-core assets. Despite the instability, the studio maintained output in children's , focusing on recovery through strategic partnerships. In January 2006, EM.Entertainment—an EM.TV affiliate—acquired the Gross family's remaining 50% stake for an undisclosed sum, prompting a comprehensive corporate overhaul. By October 2006, the company rebranded as to signal a fresh identity centered on creative autonomy, innovation, and global expansion in . This rebranding coincided with key personnel shifts, including the promotion of Geoff Watson to managing director, while transitioned to a more advisory creative role ahead of his semi-retirement, allowing the studio to pivot toward digital workflows blending 2D and emerging 3D techniques for enhanced production efficiency. The changes positioned Flying Bark for independent growth beyond EM.TV's influence.

Expansion Under Studio 100 (2008–present)

In 2008, Flying Bark Productions was fully acquired by the Belgian media company , marking a pivotal shift that provided the studio with enhanced financial stability and broader access to European markets through 's established distribution networks. This ownership enabled Flying Bark to pursue ambitious co-productions, such as the 2014 feature film Maya the Bee Movie, a German-Australian collaboration that leveraged 's resources for international release and combined CG animation with natural landscapes to appeal to global family audiences. From the mid-2010s onward, Flying Bark expanded its capabilities under Studio 100's support, notably adopting advanced CG animation pipelines with the production of Blinky Bill the Movie in 2015, which transitioned the studio toward high-end computer-generated imagery for feature films and series. This period also saw strategic partnerships with major streaming platforms and studios, including animation services for Disney's What If...? anthology series (2021–2024), where Flying Bark contributed to multiverse storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and collaborations with Netflix on projects like a Stranger Things spin-off. These alliances diversified revenue streams amid the rise of streaming, allowing the studio to scale operations and employ over 400 staff across multiple nationalities by the early 2020s. In 2022, Flying Bark launched its After Bark division as a dedicated arm for mature-audience content, shifting from family-oriented fare to creator-led projects in scripted and unscripted formats, including stylized 2D animation aimed at teens and adults. The division's inaugural efforts included the short film My Jumper, It Roars! (2023), a 6-minute exploration of self-expression and familial bonds through innovative 2D techniques that earned international festival selections and awards for its emotional depth. To further bolster its European presence and tap into regional talent while optimizing costs, Flying Bark opened a new studio in , , in 2025, equipped for full-service 2D and CG production with initial hiring focused on animators, modelers, and supervisors. This facility supports upcoming releases, including the 2026 animated feature Zac Power The Movie, a spy co-produced with Cheeky Little Media that draws on the studio's hybrid animation expertise for action-comedy sequences. By 2025, Flying Bark achieved significant global recognition, winning the Creative Industries Award at the NSW Export Awards for its export-driven growth and contributions to international animation, even as the industry navigated streaming consolidations and budget pressures. This accolade underscored the studio's trajectory toward doubling its turnover to €65 million, fueled by diversified pipelines and cross-continental operations.

Corporate Structure

Ownership and Leadership

Flying Bark Productions has been a wholly owned subsidiary of , a Belgian media and entertainment conglomerate, since its acquisition in 2008. , founded in 1996 and headquartered in Schelle, , operates as a vertically integrated company with divisions spanning television production, theme parks, live events, and merchandising, providing Flying Bark with substantial financial backing for its Australian-based operations and global expansion. This ownership structure enables synergies within Studio 100's portfolio, which includes family-oriented IPs and collaborations with international partners, though Flying Bark maintains a focus on tailored to Australian creative standards. The company's leadership is headed by Chief Executive Officer Barbara Stephen, who has overseen operations since the early 2010s and was recognized with the 2024 NSW Women in International Business Award for her contributions to international trade and gender equity in the industry. In October 2025, Flying Bark Productions also won the Creative Industries Award at the NSW Export Awards, further recognizing the studio's international achievements under her leadership. Key creative and executive roles include Ian Graham as Senior Vice President of Creative in Los Angeles, responsible for overseeing animation direction and project development, and the recent appointment of Karen Vermeulen as Head of Development and Executive Producer in February 2025 to drive new IP creation. Other senior positions feature Eric Vesbit as Vice President of Production in Los Angeles and Alexs as Creative Director in Sydney, emphasizing a blend of international oversight and local expertise. While specific board composition details for Flying Bark are not publicly detailed, governance aligns with Studio 100's executive structure, including co-founders Gert Verhulst and Hans Bourlon, who hold significant stakes and influence strategic decisions. As a subsidiary, Flying Bark enjoys operational autonomy in day-to-day creative decisions for Australian projects, balanced by Studio 100's international oversight on budgeting, distribution, and co-productions. Under this ownership, Flying Bark's has prioritized diversity initiatives, with an executive team predominantly composed of women and programs supporting working mothers, non-binary individuals, and professionals from marginalized backgrounds to foster inclusive practices. These efforts, updated in 2025, influence creative output by promoting diverse storytelling while aligning with Studio 100's business strategy of developing IPs for merchandising, theme park integrations, and streaming platforms, such as and Disney+, to maximize global reach and revenue. This model has supported expansions like the 2024 opening of a studio, enhancing production capacity without diluting local control.

Studios and Operations

Flying Bark Productions maintains its primary headquarters in , , situated on the traditional lands of the people of the Nation. This facility serves as the central hub for the company's operations, housing advanced animation pipelines for both 2D and 3D/CG production. The studio employs industry-standard software such as Toon Boom Harmony for traditional hand-drawn 2D animation and for CG workflows, enabling seamless integration across pre-production, animation, and stages. In 2024, Flying Bark expanded its global presence by establishing a dedicated studio in , , to facilitate European co-productions and collaborations with international partners. This new facility focuses on developing original content with broad appeal, exemplified by projects like the Australian-Spanish co-production 200% Wolf, and integrates with the headquarters through a networked production environment that supports cross-continental teamwork. While specific staffing for the Madrid site remains in growth phase, it contributes to the company's overall operational footprint alongside locations in . The company's operations encompass a full-service model, handling everything from storyboarding and character design to final , accommodating both 2D and CG requirements for clients including , Marvel, and . With a exceeding 500 employees across its three studios, Flying Bark supports a robust production scale capable of delivering multiple television series seasons and feature films annually, leveraging creator-driven processes to maintain efficiency and innovation. Post-COVID adaptations have incorporated hybrid work models, offering flexible remote and in-office options to enhance collaboration and employee well-being.

Filmography

Feature Films

Flying Bark Productions' feature film portfolio spans over five decades, beginning with traditional cel-animated tales rooted in and evolving to sophisticated CG features co-developed with international partners. The studio's early output under its predecessor, Film Studios, emphasized hybrid live-action and 2D to bring children's stories to life, often drawing on local and history for cultural resonance. As the studio rebranded and expanded, it shifted to full CG pipelines, enabling larger-scale productions with global distribution deals, such as those with and Studio 100. This progression highlights a focus on Australian IP like alongside adaptations of European classics like Maya the Bee, with technical advancements including seamless 2D/3D hybrids in mid-2010s films. Overall, these over 20 features demonstrate the studio's adaptability, from modest theatrical releases in the 1970s to streaming premieres in the , prioritizing narratives over high-stakes chases. The studio's inaugural feature, Dot and the Kangaroo (1977), directed by , follows a young girl lost in the Australian bush who befriends a to find her way home, blending live-action sequences with hand-drawn animation to evoke the outback's magic. Produced entirely by Yoram Gross Film Studios, it marked a breakthrough for Australian animation, achieving domestic release but with limited data available. No international co-producers were involved, and the film utilized innovative for fluid animal movements. In 1979, The Little Convict (also known as Toby and the Koala), again directed by , depicts a young English boy in colonial who bonds with a while enduring hardships on a government farm. This Film Studios production combined live-action with 2D , narrated by , and achieved domestic theatrical release, though exact figures remain undocumented in . It highlighted early technical feats in integrating human and animated elements for historical storytelling. Around the World with Dot (1981, also released as Dot and Santa Claus), directed by Yoram Gross, sees the titular character team up with Santa to rescue a lost joey, incorporating whimsical global adventures in traditional 2D animation. Self-produced by Yoram Gross Film Studios, it built on the previous film's success with enhanced character designs but saw limited box office data available, focusing instead on holiday-themed appeal for domestic audiences. The production introduced more elaborate fantasy sequences without co-producer involvement. Dot and the Bunny (1983), under Yoram Gross's direction, chronicles Dot's quest to save her animal friends from a destructive developer, using pure 2D animation to emphasize environmental themes. Produced in-house by Film Studios, it achieved domestic release, contributing to the franchise's cult status, with no major technical innovations beyond refined cel techniques. The 1984 release The Camel Boy, directed by , tells of a young Afghan cameleer in 19th-century searching for his lost camel, employing 2D animation to explore immigration stories. Film Studios handled production solo, achieving domestic release and showcasing detailed historical backdrops as a key innovation. Also in 1984, Dot in Space, directed by , transports Dot to an alien planet in a sci-fi adventure blending humor and exploration via 2D . Self-produced, it garnered family audience attendance in without notable spikes, introducing space-themed effects through practical tricks. Dot and the (1985), another directorial effort, follows Dot aiding a koala threatened by loggers, sticking to 2D for ecological messaging. Film Studios produced it independently, with performance mirroring prior Dot entries in domestic markets and no co-productions. Technical focus remained on expressive animal . In 1988, Sarah and the Squirrel (also known as Dot and Keeto), directed by , features a girl and her pet embarking on a magical journey, rendered in traditional 2D. Produced by Yoram Gross Film Studios, it saw limited theatrical success but advanced character-driven narratives without international partners. Dot Goes to Hollywood (1991), directed by , parodies as Dot pursues stardom in 2D animation. Yoram Gross Film Studios' in-house effort achieved niche appeal in , with untracked publicly, and emphasized satirical humor as its innovation. Blinky Bill: The Mischievous Koala (1992), directed by , introduces the iconic koala in a tale of adventure and friendship using 2D . Produced solely by Yoram Gross Film Studios, it achieved domestic release, laying groundwork for the franchise with vibrant settings. The studio's first CG venture, Gumnutz: A Juicy Tale (2007), co-produced with Bix Pix Entertainment and ABC, follows mischievous gummy creatures in a 3D-animated romp. Directed by Kevin Chin, it targeted and TV markets with no major theatrical , pioneering the studio's transition to digital tools. Santa's Apprentice (2010), a CG feature co-produced with Gaumont Alphanim and directed by Luc Vinciguerra, depicts a young training to replace Santa amid chaos. It earned approximately $5 million globally through theatrical release and sales (equivalent to about €3.5 million at 2010 rates), showcasing Flying Bark's growing CG expertise in character rigging. The Woodlies Movie (2013), co-produced with Media, , , and Telegael, follows the adventures of tiny forest creatures in CG animation, directed by . It received domestic and international distribution, emphasizing environmental themes for young audiences. Maya the Bee Movie (2014), co-produced with and directed by Bodo Wolfram and Alexs Stadermann, adapts the classic tale of a curious bee's adventures in hybrid 2D/3D animation. With a budget of around €6 million, it recouped via international theatrical releases, grossing approximately $10.8 million worldwide (equivalent to about €8 million at 2014 exchange rates), and highlighted seamless style blending as a technical milestone. Blinky Bill the Movie (2015), directed by Deanne Lamb and co-produced with , revives the koala in a CG quest to save his home, featuring voices like Robin McLeish. Budgeted at approximately AUD 4.7 million, it grossed about AUD 2.9 million domestically and contributed to a worldwide total of around AUD 6 million, demonstrating efficient CG workflows for Australian IP. Maya the Bee: The Honey Games (2018), a sequel co-produced with and directed by Sergio Delfino, follows Maya in Olympic-style bee challenges using full CG. It achieved streaming and theatrical earnings exceeding €5 million in , building on prior successes with upgraded animation rendering. 100% Wolf (2020), directed by Alexs Stadermann and produced with Australian Film Finance Corporation, centers on a pup embracing his heritage in CG animation, premiering on . Without traditional , it garnered millions of streams, underscoring the studio's pivot to and fluid fur simulation tech. Maya the Bee 3: The Golden Orb (2021), co-produced with and directed by Phil Robinson, involves Maya protecting a sacred orb in full CG. Released theatrically in select markets, it grossed around €3 million, advancing particle effects for magical elements. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022), with Flying Bark providing CG animation services under director Jeff Rowe, follows the turtles battling a multiversal threat. Co-produced with , its Netflix release drove high viewership metrics, equivalent to strong performance in streaming terms, featuring advanced dynamic action sequences. Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia (2022), co-produced with Film and directed by David Williams and Felix Fischer, follows a girl's fantasy adventures in a unicorn world using CG animation. It received theatrical release in select markets, expanding the franchise with magical creature designs. The 2024 sequel 200% Wolf, directed by Alexs Stadermann, expands Freddy Lupin's story with heightened CG visuals and co-production by The Original Factory. Released theatrically in , it earned approximately AUD 390,000 domestically (as of late 2024). Upcoming is Zac Power The Movie (2026), a spy-themed CG animation based on the book series, directed by TBA and produced in partnership with Ambient Animation and Screen Queensland. It promises high-octane action with innovative gadget animations, targeting global theatrical release. Flying Bark is also providing animation services for the untitled Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film (2026 release), co-produced by and , announced in October 2025.

Television Series

Flying Bark Productions has developed over 29 television series since the 1980s, primarily aimed at children aged 3–12, blending adventure, humor, and moral lessons with episodic formats that typically run 11–26 minutes per episode. These productions span original Australian content and international co-productions, often featuring serialized narratives across multiple seasons, and have aired on domestic broadcasters like ABC and while expanding to global streamers such as and Disney+. The studio's TV output reflects a progression in animation techniques, from 2D cel animation in early works to hybrid 2D/3D and full CG in recent decades, emphasizing vibrant visuals and character-driven stories that promote themes like friendship, , and self-discovery. In the 1990s and , Flying Bark focused on family-oriented series rooted in Australian culture, with educational tie-ins for school audiences. For instance, (1993–2004) comprised three seasons totaling 78 episodes, premiering on ABC and in ; this 2D-animated series follows a mischievous in the bush, incorporating wildlife facts and conservation messages for young viewers. Similarly, (2006–2010), a co-production with international partners, delivered 104 episodes in 3D CG across five seasons on and global channels like Animania; it targets ages 5–8 with underwater exploration adventures led by a young , highlighting ocean science and teamwork. Post-2010, the studio's emphasis shifted toward high-energy action series through international collaborations, particularly after its integration with , resulting in over a dozen co-productions that prioritize diverse representation and dynamic visuals. Maya the Bee (2012–present), a 3D CG reboot co-produced with and , features multiple seasons with 52+ episodes per season airing on networks like ABC Kids and international outlets; it reimagines the classic tale with Maya's rebellious adventures in a bee hive, blending humor and education for preschoolers. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018–2020), animated in a stylized 2D format for Nickelodeon, ran for two seasons with 52 episodes, showcasing the turtles' urban escapades with innovative action choreography and teen-oriented humor. The 2020s marked a boom in streaming-exclusive series, with Flying Bark providing full animation services for major IPs. (2020–2022), a 3D CG action series for , spanned four seasons and 41 episodes under Flying Bark's animation, drawing from as a noodle boy inherits King's powers; its high-octane fights and cultural elements appealed to global family audiences. 100% Wolf: Legend of the Moonstone (2020–2023), extending the franchise in 3D CG for and others, included 52 episodes across two seasons, following a poodle-werewolf's academy trials with themes of identity and belonging. Marvel's (2023–2025), a 2D-animated co-production with for and Disney+, has aired two seasons with 30+ episodes to date, centering a young girl's journey with her dinosaur companion; it stands out for its STEM focus, diverse voice cast including , and representation of Brooklyn's multicultural community. This era's growth in co-productions—numbering over 15 since 2010 with partners like , , and —has enabled Flying Bark to reach 190+ territories, emphasizing inclusive storytelling such as in upcoming projects that highlight global cultures and gender diversity.

Short-Form and Other Productions

Flying Bark Productions has produced a variety of short-form content, including , television specials, and , often targeting young audiences with educational or entertaining themes. These works emphasize innovative formats such as online distribution for bite-sized learning and digital interactivity to extend popular franchises. The The Eggsperts (2014) consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 2.5 minutes long, designed as online educational shorts to promote literacy among children aged 4-7. Co-produced with Blake eLearning and based on the Reading Eggs program, it features animated adventures of egg-shaped characters solving reading challenges, distributed primarily on and educational platforms to engage early learners interactively. The series innovates by integrating gamified elements like quizzes within the animation to reinforce and vocabulary skills. In the realm of television specials, The Adventures of Candy Claus (1987) is a 22-minute holiday-themed animated production aimed at children, blending traditional cel animation with narrative elements promoting kindness and anti-smoking messages in collaboration with the . The story follows a named Candy who comes to life to aid against a jealous villain, airing on networks like ABC to deliver seasonal family viewing with moral undertones. This special highlights early experimentation in hybrid storytelling, combining adventure with education for young demographics. Other productions include interactive digital tie-ins, such as the PC games from the late 1990s and early 2000s, like (1999) and , targeted at children aged 3-7 for educational play. These adaptations extend the franchise—briefly tying into its television series—through activities teaching recognition, volume conceptualization, and basic math via point-and-click interfaces on personal computers, innovating with age-appropriate digital interactivity to foster learning in a fun, outback-themed environment. Short films represent another niche, exemplified by My Jumper, It Roars! (2023), a 2D stylized animated short under the After Bark banner, directed by Isabella Spagnolo and aimed at young audiences dealing with self-expression challenges. Running about 7 minutes, it follows a child's imaginative journey with a roaring jumper, employing unique weaving visuals and hand-drawn artistry for emotional depth, and has screened at festivals like the New York International Children's Film Festival while being available online for global access. The film's innovation lies in its textured 2D technique using software to symbolize inner voice, earning awards for its relatable, empowering narrative. Additionally, Flying Bark contributed minor digital content through animation segments for Marvel's What If...? anthology series (2021-2024), handling visuals for select episodes across three seasons on Disney+. These segments, part of a multiverse-exploring format for older children and teens, showcase the studio's versatility in high-profile CG and 2D hybrid styles to reimagine MCU events, with innovations in stylistic shifts per episode to match alternate realities.

References

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