16 Dec 2018

The Invisible Australian Christmas

Janine Kelly

Why is it that Australian preschoolers spend their hot December days watching snowy fields and frosty snowmen on TV, when we’re really spending our holidays around barbecues, at the beach, or playing cricket in the backyard? This festive season, we’re wishing for more local experiences of Christmas represented on screen.

ACTF Education: A Year in Review

2018 was a bumper year for diverse new ACTF content, curriculum resources, professional development, student webinars and school participation in the My Place Story Writing and Little Lunch App competitions.

Peter Maggs
07 Dec 2018

Australia Is Not Alone in Navigating the Future of Kids’ TV

Across the globe, children’s television is entering uncharted territory. As countries approach the same crossroads, it’s time to draw upon our shared experiences to pave a path forward for the future. A new world for kids’ TV is out there – let’s explore it together, writes ACTF Research and Executive Assistant, Julia Fimiani.

Julia Fimiani
26 Nov 2018

Clue in to the Action on The Inbestigators’ Set

Past the brick classrooms of Moorabbin Primary School, across the grounds and beside a wire fence, there is a pathway. Down the pathway, footprints lead to the teacher’s carpark. On the carpark is a giant shed. A thick lighting cable sneaks under the shed door - a clue to the movie-magic that awaits inside.

Lily Pavlovic
26 Nov 2018

Puppeteer, Peter Wilson: 41 Years of Bringing Kids' TV Characters to Life

Have you ever wondered what kind of magical authority brought EC to life? (No, it wasn’t the power of your nightmares). The life force behind the gentle, faceless doll was Peter Wilson, who worked as Head Puppeteer for the first season of Lift Off! and whose career in puppetry has since spanned over 41 years.

Ella Barton
12 Nov 2018

5 Reasons Why Parents Will Love Bluey

Ludo Studio’s delightful animated preschool series Bluey premiered on ABC Kids this month, and my four-year old daughter is its second biggest fan. Following me. Parents of Australia, here are five reasons why you will genuinely enjoy Bluey as much as your children will.

Janine Kelly
15 Oct 2018

Luke Carroll’s Lift Off! Memories

“It didn’t seem weird at the time.” In the '90s, faceless dolls, talking elevators and all-seeing plants were just normal parts of growing up Australian. Actor Luke Carroll remembers his time on the wacky and lovable OzKidsTV series, Lift Off!.

ACTF
15 Oct 2018