As Cheeky Little Media grows its international footprint, Abby Dorrian is promoted to head up the Australian creative studio’s global partnerships.
Formerly head of new business at Smith & Western Sound, Dorrian joined Sydney-based Cheeky Little in 2024 to lead creative partnerships and studio development.
With a slew of projects in development and increasing international demand, Dorrian’s elevation signals a strategic move to deepen partnerships with studios, streamers and brands, and to bring more productions to audiences around the globe.
“Things are moving at speed at Cheeky Little. It’s a pleasure to represent them on the world stage,” Dorrian comments in a statement. “They have a strong track record of building brands and placing them within culture, be it through their own original IP or servicing others in the family market. They’ve a proven history of designing distinctive characters and worlds that resonate with audiences everywhere. In a time when technology is mutating and we resolve to seek deep human connection, I’m excited to unearth opportunities for even more stories to be told.”
Cheeky Little’s legacy productions include “Kangaroo Beach” and the CG animated series “Ginger & The Vegesaurs” (known simply as “Vegesaurs” outside Australia), now in production for season four.
As previously reported, “Vegesaurs,” produced in Unreal Engine, recently launched in the US on PBS following its evolution into a fully immersive experience at Sydney’s iconic Luna Park.
Since launching in 2022, it has become the second most watched ABC Kids-commissioned show behind “Bluey.” Known simply as “Vegesaurs” outside of Australia, the show is available in more than 70 territories worldwide.
With over 48 million views on the BBC’s iPlayer, the success of the show in the UK has brought the BBC on board as a co-commissioning partner for seasons four and five, alongside the ABC.
“Aussie animation is having a moment,” Dorrian tells Variety AU/NZ.
Also currently in production is “Flower & Flour,” an international co-production with Canada’s Sinking Ship, directed by Cheeky Little’s Cindy Scharka and produced by Celine Goetz, plus feature film “Zac Power,” a collaboration with Flying Bark and co-directed by David Webster.
Dorrian’s promotion is announced ahead of Screen Forever 39, Australia’s premier screen industry event, running April 29-30 on the Gold Coast.