Australian Animation Studio Like a Photon Creative Unveils Seven-Film Slate, With Up to 1,000 Jobs Projected

Australian animation studio Like a Photon Creative has announced an ambitious slate of seven new animated feature films, with international distributor Sola Media securing worldwide distribution rights outside Australia and New Zealand.

Unveiled ahead of the American Film Market, the agreement marks a significant expansion for the independent studio, with the upcoming productions projected to generate up to 1,000 jobs across Australia and Ireland.

The slate is supported by Elevate Production Finance and Alceon Entertainment Partners, while Maslow Entertainment has acquired distribution rights across Australia and New Zealand.

The first project, Familiar, is an original animated feature developed in-house by Like a Photon Creative and will be produced as an official treaty co-production with Ireland’s Elephant Goldfish.

Production is expected to commence in March 2027, with further titles from the seven-film lineup to be announced.

Set inside Ironclaw Academy, Familiar introduces audiences to a magical world where the animal companions of powerful sorcerers undergo training to become loyal sidekicks.

The story centres on Josie, a spirited young cat navigating the academy’s demanding and often chaotic training programme.

Beyond traditional theatrical releases, Like a Photon Creative plans to develop original short-form content for each of the seven films, designed for distribution across social media and other digital platforms.

Featuring footage not included in the finished features, the additional content will allow audiences to engage with the characters and stories beyond the cinema.

Like a Photon Creative CEO Kristen Souvlis said the announcement reflected the studio’s commitment to developing family entertainment with international appeal.

“Families keep coming back to our films, and we’re focused on making projects that deserve that trust, with strong stories and broad appeal,” Souvlis said.

“Familiar is the first of seven new features in our growing pipeline. Sola Media has a proven track record with our work, and together we see real opportunity to take Australian and European content to international audiences.”

The announcement follows the release of The Pout-Pout Fish, the Australian animated feature based on the bestselling children’s picture book series.

Distributed internationally by Sola Media, the film opened at No. 9 at the United States box office following its March 20 release through Viva Kids.

The film was released in Australian cinemas on January 1 through Maslow Entertainment and has also enjoyed success on streaming platforms, with the studio reporting that it reached No. 1 on Amazon Prime’s children’s chart.

Sola Media will also handle international distribution for Like a Photon Creative’s next release, The Neverending Pillow Fort.

The animated feature, scheduled for release in early 2027, marks Crayola Studios’ first feature film and is being produced in partnership with MIMO Studios.

Directed by Allison Brownmoore, the film features Elizabeth Cullen and Sofia Rose as best friends Maggie and Abby, alongside a voice cast including Guy Pearce, David Tennant, Teresa Palmer and Marsai Martin.

Sola Media managing director Solveig Langeland welcomed the expanded partnership, highlighting the studio’s approach to storytelling and its plans to connect with audiences before the films reach cinemas.

“Combining humour and heart has always been at the core of Like a Photon Creative’s storytelling, complemented by their exceptional ability to bring characters to life through outstanding voice talent,” Langeland said.

“With their expansion into co-productions with Ireland, Like a Photon is taking another exciting step forward.”

The expansion also comes as Like a Photon Creative strengthens its commitment to developing emerging Australian screenwriters.

In partnership with Screen Queensland, the studio is participating in the Escalate: Feature Focus Writers Initiative, which will see six Queensland-based screenwriters each develop a screenplay for a potential 3D animated feature.

The writers will work from concepts provided by Like a Photon Creative, with writers’ rooms scheduled to begin in February 2027.

With international distribution secured for its seven-film slate and new partnerships spanning Australia and Ireland, Like a Photon Creative is positioning itself for further growth in the global family animation market.