The Sapphires Movie to Become Animated Kids’ Series

SYDNEY: Australian TV drama and feature film producer Goalpost Pictures and kids’ and comedy production company Sticky Pictures have entered into the final stages of development for the animated series The Sapphires, based on the feature film of the same name.

The 26×22-minute series, inspired by the Goalpost Pictures film, is being developed with support from ABC TV Australia and Screen NSW. The Sapphires, which targets kids aged 7 to 12 and their families, combines comedy, character-driven drama and musical elements. The show follows Aboriginal Australian teens Gail, Cynthia, Julie and Kay on their musical misadventures in a fictional rural town in Oz.

The movie was the top-grossing Australian feature of 2012 and won 12 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. The soundtrack went double platinum for Sony Music.

“The Sapphires has been a wonderful journey and we are delighted Sticky Pictures is partnering with us to reach a brand new audience,” said Kylie du Fresne, producer and partner at Goalpost Pictures. “We are thrilled to be working again with writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson; the magic that was created on screen for the original movie looks certain to appear again with the TV series, which, like the movie, will have a phenomenal soundtrack. The characters in The Sapphires are strong and inspiring role models and it is exciting for us to see the connection with a young audience.”

“We are thrilled to be in the final stages of development with Goalpost Pictures on The Sapphires,” added Donna Andrews, Sticky Pictures’s CEO and executive producer. “Goalpost Pictures enjoyed incredible international success with The Sapphires feature film and we know this animated series will be a winner with local and international audiences. The animated series will stay true to the award-winning elements of the feature film, however, with contemporary story lines, fresh soulful music and animation it will take on a whole new feel that will be enjoyed by lovers of the movie and will win itself a new generation of fans.”