Screen Australia has selected two kids projects, including a pair of family-oriented feature films, to take part in sharing a new US$464,000 (AUD$700,000) development fund.

First up is Laser Beak Man, an animated pic from local prodcos Studio B Animation and Flying Bark. Adapted from a stage play of the same name, the project centers around a superhero responsible for bringing color to the world who embarks on a mission to save his city after it loses colors. Laser Beak Man‘s creator and EP is Tim Sharp, an Aussie artist with autism, and the script will be written by Fin Edquist (100% Wolf). Studio B’s Su Armstrong and Brian Rosen are on board to produce with Flying Bark’s Barbara Stephen.

Also receiving support is Fnbproductions’s The Great Dinosaur Rescue, about a 10-year-old boy who sets out to rescue animatronic dinosaurs from being destroyed after they’ve retired from performing in live tours. This live-action family movie is inspired by Walking with Dinosaurs—The Arena Spectacular (pictured), a popular live show featuring animatronic dinosaurs that toured the world from 2007 to 2019. Belinda Bradley and Franz Dochertya (Savage River) are attached as writers and producers.

Teen/YA series Debatable (eight x 30 minutes) also made the cut. This live-action dramedy from Unless Pictures stars a 15-year-old girl who must find her confidence after joining the high school debate team. Meg O’Connell (Unless) is executive producing with Kurt Royan and Dan Lake (Orange Entertainment), with Sanja Simić and Diya Eid overseeing development.

Screen Australia has recently expressed an interest in supporting a strong global demand for Aussie kids content. Just last month, the org included two kids series and a pair of family features among the projects selected to receive financing from its US$5-million production fund.

In related news, the trade org is also investing US$664,000 to support industry training and skill development programs in the region. State screen agencies across the country will share the fund to create work placements and address skilled-labor shortages.

“[It’s] a priority for us to improve the industry’s capability and set the sector up for a consistent pipeline of work and opportunities for filmmakers to advance their skills in below-the-line roles,” said the org’s head of industry development, Ken Crouch, in a release.

Image courtesy of Mario Valencia via Wikimedia Commons.