Netflix and Australia’s National Indigenous Television join in a new animated series

Netflix and Australia’s National Indigenous Television (NITV) started shooting of "Eddie’s Lil’ Homies", the first co-commission between both partners, with major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), who will distribute the series internationally.

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. 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).

The animated series is inspired by the "Eddie’s Lil’ Homies" books for early readers, "My Kind and My People", by Eddie Betts, an Australian Football League great.

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 Australia, 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 to see it!”

NITV Head of Commissions Marissa McDowell said: “NITV continues to bring world-class, First Nations children’s stories to our audience. 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 Australia, 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.”