Australia’s SLR Productions is celebrating a major milestone — 25 years of producing original, award-winning entertainment for children and families around the globe.
Founded in 2000 by CEO and Executive Producer Suzanne Ryan, the company began as one of the few female-led independent houses dedicated solely to children’s content.
What started as a bold step into a male-dominated space has since evolved into an Emmy® and multi award-winning powerhouse, delivering series that have aired in more than 160 countries.
A turning point came in 2007 when SLR Productions claimed a Daytime Emmy® Award for I Got a Rocket! — a fast-paced comedy adapted from an award-winning picture book.
Four years later came another defining success: Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare.
Based on the bestselling picture book that has sold more than 60 million copies, the series blossomed into a global franchise across television, streaming, consumer products, YouTube and even theatrical release.
The company has continued to evolve with ambitious original storytelling, including the CGI sci-fi series Space Nova in 2020 — a STEM-forward production backed by Screen Australia and Screen NSW, co-produced with partners such as ABC ME, Super RTL and Nine Network.
It has since become a flagship title, reflecting the company’s production strength and international reach.
Across its 25-year catalogue, SLR Productions has adapted acclaimed children’s books and developed original IP, bringing stories like Deadly, Sam Fox: Extreme Adventures, Alice-Miranda, GASP! and Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs to the screen.
Its own creations — including Lexi & Lottie: Trusty Twin Detectives and The Skinner Boys — have been recognised for strong values, diverse characters and imaginative world-building.
Looking ahead, the company plans to grow its digital and licensing footprint, while supporting emerging Australian talent through new training opportunities and co-production partnerships.
Recent developments include Monkey Base, an ambitious animated feature now in development with Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment after being officially announced at the Australian Children’s Content Summit in August this year.
CEO Suzanne Ryan reflected on the milestone with gratitude for the people who helped shape the company’s journey, emphasising the creative spirit behind SLR Productions’ success, saying:
“Celebrating 25 years of creating world-class children’s and family entertainment is a true privilege… This milestone belongs to every person who has contributed their heart and craft to SLR Productions’ journey.”
SLR Head of Production and producer Yasmin Jones praised the heart of the company, noting that the strength of each project comes from the people behind it:
“From adapting iconic children’s books to developing bold original ideas, it’s the people and the passion for storytelling that make SLR Productions such a remarkable place to create.”
As the company marks its 25th year, peers and partners across the sector have recognised its influence on Australia’s children’s television landscape.
The Australian Children’s Television Foundation CEO Jenny Buckland said:
“SLR Productions, under the dynamic leadership of its owner, Suzanne Ryan, has had a profound impact on the Australian children’s television landscape over the last 25 years… Suzanne is a leader in the field and greatly admired by many.”
ABC Director of Screen Jennifer Collins also paid tribute to the studio’s ongoing collaboration and contribution to the sector, stating:
“I’d like to congratulate Suzanne and the team on 25 years in the industry. SLR Productions is a valued part of the children’s screen landscape in Australia, and the ABC has been proud to partner with SLR Productions on a number of series.”
