Karu-Karu, a 2D animation studio located in Adelaide, is tapping into US$590,000 in development funding that Screen Australia (SA) has earmarked for Australian creators looking to break out. Wishes is the only kids concept that has been selected to benefit from this financing, which is being split between 31 projects. 

The 26 x seven-minute series is about a five-year-old girl who partners up with a magical guardian named Kino to help people in need. By showing Lucy taking action and being selfless, the preschool show is aiming to inspire kids to be change-makers. 

Karu-Karu is best known for short films such as My Little Sumo (2015), as well as its service work. The cash injection from SA will cover development costs and can be used for whatever the project needs to get pitch-ready, including bibles, treatments, draft scripts and sizzle reels.

The money comes from the Generate Fund, which is set up to support lower-budget projects from new and emerging creators, and also from experienced talent looking to take creative risks.

Teams with scripted projects for TV and film can apply to SA for funding through either the Generate Fund or the Premium Fund for higher-budget projects from creators with a successful production track record.  

Karu-Karu’s Ana María Méndez Salgado (Miniambra, My Little Sumo) is directing the series, with her colleague Carlos Manrique Clavijo (My Little Sumo) producing. And Australian kids TV veteran Colin South from Media World (Little J & Big Cuz, The Strange Chores) is on board as an EP. 

Screen Australia has invested in several kids projects already this year, including live-action series Galaxy Girl from Moody Street Kids and Princess Pictures for ABC Australia; and family-friendly features Laser Beak Man (Flying Bark and Studio B Animation) and The Great Dinosaur Race (Fnbproductions).