Australia’s SLR Productions (slrproductions.com) is celebrating 25 years of creating world-class entertainment for children and families. Founded in 2000 by CEO and Executive Producer Suzanne Ryan, the Emmy and multi award-winning company began as one of the few female-led independent production houses focused solely on children’s content.
“Celebrating 25 years of creating world-class children’s and family entertainment is a true privilege. At the heart of the success is our exceptional team, a dedicated, long-standing group whose talent, passion and care shape everything we do,” said CEO Suzanne Ryan. “Alongside them, we’ve been fortunate to work with brilliant writers, directors, artists, cast and crew, composers, editors and sound studios, many of whom have collaborated with us across multiple productions. We’ve also had the honor of working with outstanding authors, publishers, co-producers, broadcasters, funding bodies, investors and distributors. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust, creativity and shared commitment that have brought our stories to life. This milestone belongs to every person who has contributed their heart and craft to SLR Productions journey.”
In 2007, SLR Productions set a new benchmark for Australian children’s animation, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for its fast paced comedy I Got a Rocket!, (co-produced with KiKA [Germany] and Splash Entertainment [U.S.]), based on the Crichton Award-winning picture book by Matt Zurbo and Dean Gorissen.
SLR Productions developed Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare in 2011, a standout literary adaptation created in partnership with KiKA and HR, and distributed internationally by 9 Story Entertainment. Based on the bestselling classic picture book written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram, which has sold more than 60 million copies and is published by Walker Books. Broadcast in over 160 countries, the award-winning property grew into a global franchise spanning television (including two seasonal specials), streaming platforms, a YouTube channel, consumer products and a theatrical release.
“When we collaborated with Suzanne Ryan and her team at SLR Productions to create the Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare series and specials, based on the globally renowned and highly successful book. Our work together always was extremely professional, genuinely inspiring and an absolute pleasure. As a result, the program became an outstanding success, on KiKA and worldwide!” Sebastian Debertin, Head of International Content, Acquisitions & Co-Productions for KiKA – The Children’s Channel of ARD & ZDF, reflected.
In 2020, SLR Productions showcased its high-end CGI storytelling and global co-production strength with Space Nova, a science fiction original series promoting STEM for kids. With partners across its two seasons including ABC ME, Super RTL, Nine Network and Giggle Garage, it is distributed internationally by ZDF Studios, and in Australia and New Zealand by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. With investment from Screen Australia and Screen NSW, Space Nova has become a flagship production for the company.
“Our partnership with SLR Productions has been a true privilege,” said ZDF Studios – Vice President Junior, Arne Lohmann. “Suzanne Ryan and her team’s creativity and commitment to world-class storytelling have inspired us for years, and we’re proud to have collaborated on projects that bring joy to children and families around the globe.”
SLR Productions has brought a number of acclaimed children’s books to screen, creating globally broadcast and award-winning series and films including Deadly by Morris Gleitzman and Paul Jennings; GASP! by Terry Denton, Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey; Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto; and the live-action adaptation of Sam Fox: Extreme Adventures by Justin D’Ath.
The company’s original IPs, including Lexi & Lottie: Trusty Twin Detectives and The Skinner Boys – Guardians of the Lost Secrets, have also reached international audiences, earning recognition for their imaginative storytelling, strong values and diverse, relatable characters.
As SLR Productions looks to the future, it remains focused on bold storytelling, dynamic co-productions and content that reflects the evolving lives of children and families. It is expanding its digital footprint and licensing business, while working with collaborators to support training opportunities for emerging talent. This next phase reflects a commitment to content excellence and to guiding a stronger, more connected screen sector.
SLR Productions Head of Production and Producer Yasmin Jones said, “Being part of SLR Productions for so many years, I’ve had the privilege of working across every stage of production and with the incredible teams involved in each of them. 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.”
With a robust catalog and trusted global partnerships, SLR Productions continues to develop original IP, innovative co-productions, including the recently announced development of the animated feature Monkey Base with Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment, and compelling adaptations for major broadcasters and streaming platforms, reinforcing its role as a world-class creator of premium family content.
“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. Beyond the consistent production output, it’s the leadership and collaboration that Suzanne brings to the industry that stand out,” commented Jenny Buckland, CEO of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. “When she established SLR Productions, Suzanne was a disruptor who challenged the status quo: I felt the established children’s producers of the time (mostly men) viewed Suzanne as an upstart whom they didn’t take seriously. But Suzanne’s success in financing multiple projects and the relationships she developed with broadcasters and co-production partners quickly turned that around. Her generosity and the way she contributes to the communities she lives in and works with have been instrumental in shaping the inclusive and collaborative tone that we see in the children’s production sector and at Screen Producers Australia. Suzanne is a leader in the field and greatly admired by many.”
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins said, “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.”
NINE Commercial Director – Entertainment, Streaming & Broadcast Kim Kevans said, “SLR Productions is an important place to find stories for children and families. They’ve been able to deliver these stories and thrive by remaining nimble in a challenging environment. SLR Productions is also a great advocate for the industry.”
