ACTF News

The ABC, Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) have announced two new children’s series at the Australian Children’s Content Summit in Coffs Harbour: animated sitcom Happy House and live-action comedy Caper Crew.

In Caper Crew, supported by Screen NSW, Amelia and Kai Delaney’s quiet lives are upended when their con-artist Grandmother Queenie mysteriously turns up, teaching them the art of the grift – sparking their hunt for the priceless Woodspring Nug. This is the first children’s series from acclaimed production company Easy Tiger. Set up director is Guy Edmonds (Hardball), joined by directors Stef Smith (It’s Fine I’m Fine) and Shelly Lauman (Birdie). The series is written by Keith Thompson (Lockie Leonard), Matthew Whittet (Heartbreak High), Amy Stewart (Beep and Mort), Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers) and Erica Harrison (Gold Diggers).

In Happy House, supported by VicScreen, internet-famous animals are the creators of their own adorable viral content. The series follows a crew of teen animal content creators as they navigate friendships, rivalries and awkward crushes, all while juggling the pressures of being teens in the digital age. Happy House is co-created and written by Alix Beane (Surviving Summer) and Marisa Nathar (Rock Island Mysteries) with animation by 12field Animation and directed by Kelly Lynagh (The Flamin’ Thongs). It is produced by Media World Pictures.

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony said: “These two projects are fresh, clever and original and are set to become family favourites. Happy House is a hilarious and whip-smart animation that kids will relate to, while Caper Crew is a quirky and comedy led live-action series that will keep audiences guessing.  Both series are high on laughs and will resonate with audiences here and globally.”

ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said: “The ABC is proud to deliver on our commitment to world-class children’s stories and we’re delighted to bring these original series to the screen. Happy House dives into content-creator culture with sharp humour and fun, and Caper Crew brings mystery and mayhem with a uniquely Australian quirkiness.”

Screen Australia’s Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “We’re excited to support Easy Tiger’s first foray into Children’s content with Caper Crew, a live action series full of adventure and heart, set to captivate kids and parents alike. Media World Pictures’ animation Happy House offers a timely look at happiness in a contemporary online world, in a fun and adorable way. These series will extend the canon of high-quality Australian stories for children here and around the world.” 

Caper Crew and Happy House will air on the ABC from 2026.

HAPPY HOUSE – 26 x 11 mins

Happy House is a Media World Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Financed in association with VicScreen. Distribution by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Co-created and written by Alix Beane and Marisa Nathar. Animation by 12field Animation. Directed by Kelly Lynagh. Producer: Carmel McAloon. Executive Producers: Colin South, Carmel McAloon, Alix Beane, Marisa Nathar and Bernadette O'Mahony.

CAPER CREW – 10 x 30 mins

Caper Crew is an Easy Tiger production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia, ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Distribution by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Set up director Guy Edmonds, directors Stef Smith and Shelly Lauman. Written by Keith Thompson, Matthew Whittet, Amy Stewart, Jack Yabsley and Erica Harrison. Script Producer: Keith Thompson, Guy Edmonds. Series Producer: Yingna Lu. Executive Producers: Ian Collie, Rob Gibson and Bernadette O'Mahony.

Images – R: Happy House, L: The Caper Crew cast in pre-production (Isabella Zhang, Caitlin Niemotko, Luka Sero and Tevita Hau), photo by Lisa Tomasetti.