Brisbane-based Pixel Zoo Animation is making an original content push with the launch of a new division called Pixel Labs.

The service studio has hired Emmy-winning kids media exec Josh Fisher to head up development out of a new office in LA, establishing Pixel Zoo’s first-ever US location. 

Pixel Zoo was acquired by MGA Studios in late 2022 to support MGA Entertainment in its ambition to establish a bigger footheld in the content market. 

Fisher has a strong track record in children’s content development, with a resumé that includes stints at Netflix (senior manager of kids and family) and Spin Master (senior creative director and EP) in recent years.

Focused squarely on serving kids audiences, Pixel Labs is interested in setting up co-production deals for its fledgling slate of original movies, TV series and digital projects. And the division is also keen on exploring book and comic adaptations.

There are four projects in its pipeline at the moment, starting with CG-animated series The Secret Explorers (pictured) for four to sevens. This toon is based on the same-name book series, with Spain’s Liquid Rock on board as a co-pro partner and MGA working on a toy line and YouTube strategy. 

Pixel is also making progress on an original animated fantasy series called Fixie Pixies, which hails from creators Corey Powell (Do Re & Mi) and Aaron Simpson (L’il Stompers) and revolves around three magical pixies who help revamp tiny homes and solve household dilemmas.

Another original concept from Aussie creator Samuel Keene is Kitty Witch, about a girl who discovers that her kitten is part of a secret coven of cat witches.

And finally there’s an adaptation of graphic novel You Wish, revolving around a girl who realizes she’s a half-genie and embarks on a mission to rescue her mother. 

Founded in 2013, Pixel Zoo has done animation work on kids shows and feature films including LOL Surprise! (MGA), Little Baby Bum (Moonbug Entertainment), Baby Alive (Hasbro) and Mermaid High (Spin Master).