Australia’s Ludo Studio has kicked off production on its first locally filmed live-action feature film, and it’s heading to Netflix.

Set in a Queensland coastal town, Allen (working title) is a family-targeted movie billed as a “heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure,” according to the streamer. Screen Queensland is backing the project through two incentives: Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and VFX.

“We are delighted to create a film that the entire family can enjoy,” said Netflix APAC VP of content Minyoung Kim. “The Queensland coast provides the perfect heartwarming backdrop for this tale.” 

Ludo is best-known as the studio behind animated preschool megahit Bluey, which is currently  the most popular show streaming in the US and about to expand into a lifestyle brand for teens and adults.

​​Allen will launch globally on Netflix, which has already had plenty of success with Aussie live-actioners—including teen dramas like Surviving Summer and Heartbreak High. As of October 2024, more than 15 Australian titles had cracked into the streamer’s Global Top 10 since the list launched in 2021.

Ludo’s Daley Pearson (Doodles) is the creator behind Allen and will share the director’s seat with Jeffrey Walker (Apple Cider Vinegar). Pearson is also teaming up with Sophie Miller (The Family Law) to write the film’s script. 

Pearson, Miller and Charlie Aspinwall are on board as EPs, and Ross Allsop, Sam Moor and Lauren Brown producing.

(Featured image: Daley Pearson and Jeffrey Walker)