Ludo Studio, the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning Queensland production company behind Bluey and Thou Shalt Not Steal, has begun principal photography on its first locally made live-action feature film, Allen (working title), for Netflix.
Filming is taking place in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive.
Created by Daley Pearson (Talk to Me, The Strange Chores, Content), the film is described as a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure set in a coastal Queensland town. Pearson co-directs with Jeffrey Walker (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Artful Dodger), and co-writes the script with Sophie Miller (Thou Shalt Not Steal).
Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall are executive producing for Ludo Studio alongside Miller. Sam Moor and Ross Allsop are producing, with Lauren Brown serving as co-producer.
“Allen is really a story about love, family and all those big and small moments from childhood that end up shaping who we are when we grow up,” Pearson said. “Getting the opportunity to make this story in this part of the world – in the town where I grew up in… is a dream. We’re creating Allen for families to watch together.”
Netflix’s Vice President of Content APAC (excluding India), Minyoung Kim, said: “The team at Ludo Studio are among Australia’s most exceptional storytellers, injecting this film with their characteristic relatability and wit. We are delighted to create a film that the entire family can enjoy, and the Queensland coast provides the perfect, heartwarming backdrop for this tale.”
John-Paul Langbroek, Queensland Minister for the Arts, added: “Ludo Studio is a Queensland entrepreneurial success story. The Crisafulli Government, through Screen Queensland, is thrilled to support their first locally made, live-action feature film. Filmed at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, this Netflix production will share our state’s stories and showcase our beautiful Gold and Sunshine Coasts to the world.”
Allen joins a growing slate of Australian Netflix titles, including The Survivors, Territory, Boy Swallows Universe, and the upcoming Son of a Donkey, Heartbreak High season three, and the newly announced adaptation of My Brilliant Career.
Allen will be released globally on Netflix. A release date is yet to be announced.