Guided by heart: SLR Productions shaping future of children’s entertainment by blending diversity, resilience & authenticity

By Shaun Lim

At SLR Productions, storytelling is not just about animation and adventure; it is about heart, purpose, and connection.

Led by CEO & Executive Producer Suzanne Ryan, who is also the Founder of the annual Australian Children’s Content Summit, SLR Productions is redefining what meaningful children’s content looks like, blending emotional depth with imagination, and championing diversity, resilience, and authenticity.

APB+ sat down with Suzanne to understand the motivation and inspiration behind SLR’s passion to create stories that resonate with viewers – regardless of age – around the world.

What do you consider as SLR’s core storytelling philosophy and values when it comes to children’s and family content?

Suzanne Ryan: At SLR Productions, storytelling is guided by heart, imagination and a deep respect for our young audience. Our goal is to create stories that not only entertain but also empower. We believe children deserve emotionally rich and thoughtful content that reflects their world while sparking curiosity, kindness and creativity.

Our values are rooted in inclusivity, resilience and positivity. Whether it is an adventurous heroine like Alice-Miranda navigating friendship and growing up, or a science-driven space adventure like Space Nova inspiring young viewers to dream big, our stories aim to feel both personal and universal.

We encourage children to think critically, embrace differences and use their imaginations.

We also place high value on original storytelling with both local and global resonance. Children benefit enormously from seeing their own voices, environments and cultures reflected on screen.

Family viewing is equally important to us. Stories that unite generations to laugh, learn and connect lie at the heart of what we do.

How do you define success for a series beyond viewing numbers?

Suzanne: While ratings matter, we believe true success goes beyond data. A successful SLR Productions series is one that becomes meaningful to children and families, stories that are loved, revisited and remembered over time. For us, success means emotional impact, cultural longevity and lasting relevance.

We look at how deeply a series connects. Are children bonding with the characters? Are parents or educators telling us that a show has sparked conversations at home or in classrooms? These moments of genuine connection and reflection are incredibly rewarding.

A strong example is Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare. Its gentle storytelling and universal themes of love, family and emotional expression have made it a global favourite. Lines like “I love you as much as all the stars in the sky” are now part of everyday family language. The show explores timeless ideas such as connection, curiosity and unconditional love, with values that transcend borders.

At SLR Productions, we also define success by the integrity and care that go into a production. When a show becomes part of a child’s memory and encourages empathy and imagination, that is the kind of success that matters most.

Could you walk us through the typical journey of a show from concept to screen at SLR?

Suzanne: Every series at SLR Productions starts with a strong concept. This might come from a well-loved book, an in-house idea or an external pitch. We begin with development, building the characters, world and narrative arc. We create a series bible, pilot scripts and visual samples to ensure the project is creatively sound and ready to present.

From there, we take the project to market and secure partners including broadcasters, co-producers and funding bodies. SLR Productions has a strong track record in managing global partnerships, which helps ensure each show has a solid foundation for international distribution.

The production stage is when the story comes to life. Scripts are written, voice talent is cast, designs are developed and animation begins. Sound design, music and editing bring everything together. SLR Productions oversees this process closely to make sure the vision remains consistent and of the highest standard.

Behind each production are hundreds of talented people from writers, directors, designers, animators, editors and more, who are often working across multiple countries. These teams spend years bringing shows to life with care, skill and creativity. They are the heart of what we do.

Once the series is delivered, we work with our partners on a global rollout supported by marketing and distribution. It is a long journey from concept to screen, but every step is driven by passion, purpose and collaboration.

SLR’s content reaches audiences in more than 160 countries. What’s your approach to making stories that resonate globally while maintaining a distinct Australian voice?

Suzanne: We believe authenticity and universality go hand in hand. At SLR Productions, we start with stories based on strong emotional themes like friendship, courage, identity and discovery. These universal ideas resonate across cultures and help us connect with children around the world.

At the same time, we proudly embrace our Australian identity. That means celebrating our landscapes, humour and creative voice. Our productions often include Australian writers, voice actors and settings that reflect our culture. These local elements help make our stories unique, while still accessible to global audiences.

Space Nova is a great example. Although it is a science fiction adventure with international appeal, it is unmistakably Australian in tone. The series follows a bright and curious Aussie family of space explorers and reflects values such as imagination, curiosity, innovation and teamwork, while celebrating the importance of friendship, resilience and family.

We were honoured to launch it at the Australian Space Discovery Centre, where Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg spoke about her own journey and how shows like Space Nova can inspire the next generation.

Our very first show, Deadly, set the tone for our approach. Developed under a national programme to fund distinctly Australian children’s content, Deadly was based on a book series by iconic Australian authors Morris Gleitzman and Paul Jennings. The series mixed irreverent humour with a mysterious storyline involving eternal youth and the now infamous ‘blue farts’. It was fresh, fearless and fun with qualities that continue to shape our storytelling today.

We believe Australian stories belong on the world stage. It is about honouring where they come from while creating space for children everywhere to connect with them.

What emerging trends are you seeing in children and family entertainment that excite you?

Suzanne: At the Australian Children’s Content Summit, we are seeing a number of encouraging trends that reflect how the children’s media landscape is evolving with greater thoughtfulness, creativity and responsibility.

There is a clear shift toward emotionally intelligent storytelling. Today’s audiences are engaging with narratives that acknowledge the emotional depth of childhood. Stories exploring themes like resilience, identity, empathy and friendship are resonating more deeply, and content that combines humour with heart is standing out.

Diversity and inclusion are also taking centre stage. There is a growing recognition of the importance of representation both on screen and behind the scenes. Creators from under-represented communities are increasingly being supported, and audiences are embracing stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.

At the Australian Children’s Content Summit, we actively champion these voices and create space for industry-wide conversations that support meaningful change.

Technology continues to unlock new possibilities for storytelling. Advances in animation, real-time rendering and virtual production are streamlining workflows and enhancing visual quality. Interactive formats like immersive apps, augmented reality books and animated podcasts are giving children more ways to engage with stories.

AI tools are also supporting production pipelines. These innovations are not replacing traditional storytelling, they are expanding how stories are created, experienced and shared. 

Another significant trend is the increased focus on wellbeing and environmental awareness. Today’s young audiences are highly engaged with issues shaping their world, particularly mental health, sustainability and global citizenship. Content that reflects these values is striking a meaningful chord.

Perhaps most importantly, we are seeing a growing demand for high quality content. Families are seeking stories that are not only entertaining but also rich with purpose, crafted with care and creative integrity. Bold storytelling that reflects the needs and values of today’s children is not just being welcomed, it is being expected.

At the Australian Children’s Content Summit, (taking place from August 25-28) we are proud to be at the centre of these conversations and to support the creators, broadcasters and change-makers shaping the future of children’s media in Australia and beyond.