ACTF News

Letf to right: Lizzie Violet, Cariba Heine and Maddie Young

Stan, in association with BYUtv, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), and Screen Australia today announced that the enchanting new family feature film Scales has officially swum into production on the Queensland coast.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of coastal Queensland, Scales is an uplifting sun-drenched modern mermaid fable exploring self-acceptance, friendship, and the courage it takes to stand out. Mira (Lizzie Violet) is a determined 12-year-old whose ultimate dream is to secure a spot in the Silver Haven Mermaids, an elite artistic synchronised swimming team. However, navigating intense competitive trials, insecurities, and shifting family dynamics takes an unexpected turn when a secret wish manifests into unexpected, life-changing consequences, forcing Mira to balance her sporting goals and everyday life with an extraordinary new reality.

Created by Rachel Davis (Mustangs FC, Turn Up The Volume), written by Alix Beane (Surviving Summer, Mustangs FC) and directed by Kacie Anning (Class of ’07, Upload), the film features Cariba Heine in a highly anticipated, nostalgic return to the mermaid genre after her starring role in the globally iconic H2O: Just Add Water. Joining her are Alexander England (Stan Original Black Snow), Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus S3), Katrina Milosevic (Stan Original Population 11, Wentworth) and Melanie Vallejo (All Her Fault), alongside a talented wave of fresh Aussie newcomers including Lizzie Violet, Maddie Young, Francesca Catipon, Sebastian Sero, and Noah Millhouse.

Marking Stan’s third major co-commission with the ACTF (following the success of Windcatcher and Whale Shark Jack), the film is produced by Werner Film Productions and the project unites an exceptional creative team whose collective pedigree includes hits like Dance Academy, Surviving Summer and Mustangs FC to bring this magical story to life.

Nine Entertainment’s Executive Director, Entertainment Content Commissioning, Michael Healy said: “Scales is exactly the kind of storytelling that brings families together, and we’re proud to work with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation on another charming, heartfelt production. Werner Film Productions has a phenomenal track record of delivering globally beloved content, and screenwriter Alix Beane has crafted a wonderful script that celebrates friendship and what it means to be different. Capturing the warmth, humour, and coastal charm of contemporary Australia, Scales is guaranteed to captivate viewers of all generations and we’re excited for audiences to dive into this magical story.”

Werner Film Productions, Creator and Executive Producer, Rachel Davis said: “Werner Film Productions are thrilled to be filming Scales in sunny Queensland thanks to the fantastic support of Stan, the ACTF, BYUtv, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland and VicScreen. Scales brings together the captivating worlds of mermaids and artistic swimming, combining the energy and emotion of a sports movie with some truly magical underwater storytelling. We can’t wait to share this feelgood family film with audiences in Australia and around the world.”

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: "I cannot wait for audiences to see Scales. It is ambitious. It’s fun. And it takes the mermaid story in a whole new direction."

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “Set against Queensland’s iconic coastline, Scales is a magical story of fantasy and belonging. With an exceptional creative team at the helm, the film promises to be an enchanting family experience, sparkling with colour, imagination and heart. Scales is set to captivate audiences of all ages at home, and make a powerful splash on the global stage.”

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said: “Screen Queensland is delighted to continue our partnership with Stan on exciting original Australian productions like Scales.  It’s fantastic to welcome Werner Film Productions to Queensland. We are proud to support Scales through our Production Attraction Strategy, with our picture-perfect Gold Coast locations and renowned crew base helping to create new screen magic for younger viewers and their families.”

BYUtv Head of Content Andra Johnson Duke said: “We immediately responded to the emotional authenticity in Scales, and we know audiences will too. Finding confidence and discovering one’s true worth are themes deserving of thoughtful and heartfelt exploration. Rachel, Alix, and Kacie have created something special and wonderful that families will enjoy together.”

Produced by Werner Film Productions, Scales will be produced and executive produced by multi-award winner Joanna Werner (Knee High Spies, Dance Academy), with EP and creator Rachel Davis (Mustangs FC, Turn Up The Volume), EP Tim Phillips (Knee High Spies 2), and Co-Producer Annie Flynn (Goolagong). Helmed by award-winning director Kacie Anning (Madam, Class of ‘07), the screenplay was written by AWGIE award-winner Alix Beane (Surviving Summer, Mustangs FC, Rock Island Mysteries). Stan Executive Producers are Donna Chang and Andy Ryan and Australian’s Children’s Television Foundation Executive Producer is Bernadette O’Mahony. BYUtv Executive Producers are Wendy Thomas and Andra Duke.

The Stan Original Film Scales, in association with BYUtv, is a Werner Film production, as part of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation / Stan Family Film partnership. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, and Nine Group. Financed with support from Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy with VicScreen. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.