‘Pout-Pout Fish’ Studio Like a Photon Creative Unveils Seven-Film Animation Slate With Sola Media, Ahead of AFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Australian animation studio Like a Photon Creative has agreed a seven-film deal with international distributor Sola Media, expanding a partnership that includes its recent hit “The Pout-Pout Fish”. The slate is expected to support production in Australia and Ireland and could create up to 1,000 jobs, according to the companies.

The first film, “Familiar”, is an original about a young cat training at a school for sorcerers’ animal companions. It will be co-produced with Ireland’s Elephant Goldfish, with production expected to begin in March 2027; the other six titles are yet to be announced. Finance comes from Elevate Production Finance and Alceon Entertainment Partners, while Maslow Entertainment will distribute the films in Australia and New Zealand. The studio also plans to make extra short-form content for online and social platforms alongside each feature.