Kids

Three original Australian children’s series are set to launch on YouTube Kids thanks to Kids IP Incubator, an initiative from Screen Australia and Australian Children’s Television Foundation focused on developing Australian IP for children’s content on digital platforms.
In 2025, eight teams participated in the program, receiving mentorship, in-person workshops and online masterclasses while developing their projects. After pitching to a panel made up of ACTF and Screen Australia representatives, alongside international digital content strategist Nico Lockhart, three projects were selected to receive production funding. Their YouTube channels are set to launch in the coming weeks.

The selected projects are: Worm Diner, from Victorian team Strange Mage, produced by Monique Mulcahy (Aunty Donna) and written and directed by Caitlyn Staples (Squids) and Millie Holten (Long Head). The narrative comedy series targets children aged 7 to 11 and is set in a quirky family diner on the edge of the multiverse. Each eight-minute episode delivers fast-paced, absurd comedy filled with eccentric cosmic characters.
Pit Pats, created by a regional Victoria-based team led by Darcy Prendergast and Josie Mackerras, blends stop motion, live action, puppetry and hand-drawn animation in a preschool series focused on mindfulness, movement and music. The story follows curious little creatures learning how to navigate the world and find their place within their community.
MAGIC MONKEY MAYHEM, from Queensland-based Little Tiger Films, is led by Nicholas Lin (Bluey) and Stefan Wernik (The Jellies). Combining live action and animation, the series follows the Monkey King and his younger brother as they relocate to Brisbane and face Australian culture alongside a series of magical mishaps. The project is aimed at children aged 8 to 12.

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: “The Kids IP Incubator was a joyful project where learning and creativity collided for all the participants and for us as well. These three projects are highly original and made with great respect for the children’s audience. We’re looking forward to their launch on YouTube!”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough added: “The landscape for children’s content is evolving quickly, and Kids IP Incubator plays a critical role in empowering creators to innovate and meet our littlest audiences and their families wherever they watch and engage. Worm Diner, Pit Pats and Magic Monkey Mayhem are bold, imaginative projects – it’s exciting to see them readying to meet audience and captivate young hearts and minds both in Australia and beyond.”

Worm Diner and MAGIC MONKEY MAYHEM will launch on YouTube this June, while Pit Pats is scheduled to debut in early August.