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Production begins on series inspired by AFL great Eddie Betts’ books Eddie’s Lil’ Homies

An animated television series inspired by the popular children’s books Eddie’s Lil’ Homies has commenced production in South Australia and Victoria and will air simultaneously on Netflix and National Indigenous Television (NITV).

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is the first co-commission between Netflix and NITV, with major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).

The 10 x 12-minute comedy series follows eight-year-old Eddie and his two best friends Lottie and Tal as they navigate the complex and often fantastical waters of childhood. Their friends are their family and the playground is their universe, one where anything and everything is possible, where imaginary friends can be real, games of rock paper scissors can take on stupendous importance and kindness, empathy and a good rap can help put anything right.

Produced by Sophie Byrne (The Lost Thing), Eddie Betts and Anna Scullie, the series has been developed and financed with principal investment from the ACTF, along with production support from Coles and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

With the writing talents of comedian and Triple J host Dave Woodhead (Barrumbi Kids, Thalu), Yaraman Thorne (Black Comedy), Ray Boseley (Round the Twist, Lil’ Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers), Lorin Clarke (Beep and Mort, Larry the Wonderpup) and Julie Sam-Yue (Kangaroo Beach), and scripts produced by Mark O’Toole (Black Comedy, You’re Skitting Me), this series will appeal to children across Australia.

The animated series is inspired by the Eddie’s Lil’ Homies books for early readers, My Kind and My People, by Eddie Betts.

The books were written to motivate and inspire literacy and learning, with My Kind focusing on spreading kindness and understanding, acceptance and equality, and My People designed to start conversations about First Nations cultures and to combat racism and bias.

Producer Eddie Betts said: “The Eddie’s Lil’ Homies books have been a labour of love for myself and Anna and something I’m really passionate about. Seeing the enthusiasm for the books as I go around the country, and kids doing the raps on social media and asking us about more stories, were what pushed us to team up with Sophie Byrne and the ACTF to develop the animated series. To then have Netflix and NITV immediately see our vision for the series and come onboard to help us bring Eddie’s Lil’ Homies to life is really exciting. I can’t wait for the kids across the country to see it!”

NITV Head of Commissions Marissa McDowell said: “NITV continues to bring world-class, First Nations children’s stories to Australians. We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the ACTF following previous success with Barrumbi Kids and Thalu. We are also thrilled to be working with Netflix for the first time, and we hope that children come to love this brand-new series inspired by Eddie Betts’ wonderful books.”

Netflix Director of Content ANZ Que Minh Luu said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with ACTF and NITV for the first time on this charming and fantastical look into the wonder of childhood. As we deepen our local investment we continue to focus on stories and ideas that make Australian audiences feel seen, heard and understood.”

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony said: “Eddie Betts has always been a role model for kids across the country, so when he, Anna and Sophie first approached us we loved the idea of taking Eddie’s message of respect, acceptance and inclusion for each other and country, to the screen in an entertaining, funny and imaginative series. We know kids here and around the world will want to hang out with Eddie, Lottie, Tal, Decks, Junior and friends in their inner-city neighbourhood as they explore, laugh, learn and rap their way through life.”

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is produced for Netflix and NITV with major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Production is supported by Coles and financed with the assistance of the South Australian Film Corporation. International sales by the ACTF. Produced by Sophie Byrne, Eddie Betts and Anna Scullie. Executive Producer: Bernadette O’Mahony. Executive Producer/Story Producer: Mark O’Toole. Director: Arthur Moody. Co-Director: Luke Jurevicius. NITV Executive Producer: Marissa McDowell. Netflix Executive Producer: Nakul Legha.