BBC Studios Productions Australia has purchased Werner Film Productions for an undisclosed amount. 

The Melbourne-based indie studio is behind popular teen series including Netflix’s Surviving Summer (pictured, 18 x 25 minutes), which has so far released two seasons exploring the lives of young surfers, and new horror comedy Crazy Fun Park for ABCME. 

Company director Joanna Werner and MD Stuart Menzies will continue to run Werner Films as it transitions to operating cohesively with BBC Studios’ local production arm, but each will continue to produce projects independently. 

Labeled as a “significant investment,” this BBC Studios acquisition will strengthen its global reach and boost Australia’s production industry—which has catered to a strong global appetite in recent years, propelled by Aussie kids hits like Bluey and The InBESTigators.

The news follows on the heels of BBC Studios increasing its debt facility to US$763 million earlier this month. The commercial unit is looking to make more strategic investments in TV content across all genres and double its annual revenue by 2027/2028. Earlier this month, BBC Studios also purchased ITV’s 50% stake in the streamer BritBox International for around US$322 million.