Australia’s Pixel Zoo Animation Studios, which has done service work for leading global brands such as Bratz and L.O.L. – Surprise!, is moving into original content production with the launch of a new division, Pixel Labs, and has tapped Emmy Award-winning kids TV veteran Josh Fisher to lead its development efforts.
Fisher will oversee Pixel Labs from a new Los Angeles office, marking the Brisbane-based studio’s first expansion into the U.S. The announcement was shared with Variety by Pixel Zoo founder and CEO Paul Gillett and head of studio Sebastian Gonzalez.
Known for its high-quality animation services for global clients, including Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Spin Master, eOne and Moonbug Entertainment, Pixel Zoo is part of MGA Studios. The launch of Pixel Labs signals a shift toward creating its own intellectual property across film, television and digital platforms.
“We’re excited to broaden our client business with the launch of Pixel Labs,” said Gillett. “The new division, which encourages artists and storytellers to push creative boundaries to bring new original worlds and stories to life, furthers MGA Studios’ vision of creating bold, global franchises that spark young kids’ imaginations both on and off the screen.”
Fisher brings more than two decades of experience in children’s content. He previously worked at Netflix as Senior Manager, Kids and Family, where he oversaw series like “Go, Dog, Go,” “Daniel Spellbound,” “Action Pack” and “Super Monsters.” He has also held executive roles at WildBrain, Spin Master and Brandissimo!, where he led the NFL’s global youth strategy.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Paul, Seb and the incredibly talented and nimble team at Pixel Zoo,” said Fisher. “We’re excited to be working with a variety of talent around the globe on a strong slate of film, television and digital/YouTube projects designed to reach young audiences wherever they engage.”
Gonzalez added, “We are delighted to be working with Josh, whose creativity and vision have been central to this new venture. We already have a handful of co-productions in the works which are a mix of our IP and projects that have come to us from other creators around the world.”
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Pixel Labs currently has several projects in development:
“The Secret Explorers,” A CG-animated action-adventure series for kids aged 4–7 based on the bestselling book series, co-produced with Spain’s Liquid Rock. The show follows a global team of young heroes who use teamwork and tech to solve real-world problems. MGA Entertainment is developing a toy line and YouTube strategy.
“You Wish,” Based on Jeff Victor’s IDW-published graphic novel, this story follows a girl who discovers she’s half-genie and sets off on a magical journey to rescue her mother. Victor is consulting on the film and TV adaptations.
“Fixie Pixies,” Created by Corey Powell (“Do Re & Mi”) and Aaron Simpson (“L’il Stompers”), this animated series follows three magical pixies who renovate miniature fantasy homes while solving quirky household dilemmas.
“Kitty Witch,” An original show from Australian creator Samuel Keene about a girl whose kitten turns out to be part of a secret coven of cat witches.
Pixel Labs aims to grow its original slate through co-productions, content partnerships and adaptations of books and comics into screen formats.
From Variety US