Screen Australia has selected two kids series and two family movies to share US$5 million in production funding. 

On the TV side of the initiative are a pair of space-themed series for pubcaster ABC Australia. Live-actioner Galaxy Girl (10 x 24 minutes) comes from Moody Street Kids and Princess Pictures. This tween sci-fi comedy is about a girl whose life turns extraterrestrial when her newfound superpowers attract the attention of intergalactic invaders.

And the second season of CG-animated series Space Nova (15 x 22 minutes), which was renewed in October, will also get some SA support. Sydney-based SLR Productions produces this show for six- to 10-year-olds that follows the interstellar missions of two siblings who live on a space station with their family. 

Screen Australia notes in a release that there is “a strong appetite” for Aussie kids content around the world, according to head of content Grainne Brunsdon. 

The org is also contributing financing to feature films Drone Racers (WBMC) and Whale Shark Jack (Cottesloe Films and Southern Light Films). Drone Racers revolves around a young girl preparing to compete in the world championships of this futuristic sport, while Whale Shark Jack (pictured) stars an 11-year-old girl who rescues her aquatic mammal best friend after he fails to return from his annual migration.