A fresh Australian children’s series titled Knee High Spies has made its debut, showcasing creativity without relying on traditional Australian symbols like kangaroos or koalas. Created by Tim Bain, known for his work on popular shows such as Thomas and Friends and Fireman Sam, this live-action series was filmed in Melbourne and features an innovative combination of puppetry and animatronics.
In this enchanting adventure, the story revolves around four toys that come to life when no one is watching. The cast includes Christie Whelan Browne as the mother, Gareth Yuen as the father, and Ali McGregor lending her voice to the villainous guinea pig named Silver Paw. A talented group of Australian child actors contributes to the narrative, portraying a vibrant world where toys engage in secret missions to thwart Silver Paw’s mischievous plans.
Tim Bain expressed his enthusiasm for portraying the Australian lifestyle through television, stating, “I love to take any chance I can to make Australian TV shows reflecting the Australian lifestyle back to Aussie kids, and also to the world.” His previous works include Bob the Builder and the HBO Max animation Let’s Go, Bananas!, which reflects his experiences as a gay father of three.
Inspiration for Knee High Spies comes from a mix of classic children’s entertainment and action-adventure films. Bain cites influences such as Toy Story, Wallace & Gromit, and the works of Jim Henson, alongside action films like Mad Max and Mission Impossible. The series employs traditional special effects techniques, steering away from modern CGI in favor of a nostalgic approach to filmmaking.
The production features puppeteers dressed in animatronic suits, filmed against a green screen. This method, although initially perceived as a simpler alternative to computer animation, proved to be quite intricate and demanding. Bain recalled, “I originally thought this might be an easier way than computer animation and might save some budget. Boy, was I wrong about just how intricate and time-consuming making puppets and performing in puppet suits actually is!”
Directed by Jack Jameson, a BAFTA-winning talent known for his contributions to Teletubbies and Sesame Street, Knee High Spies consists of 20 episodes. The series aims to captivate children while maintaining a universal appeal through the concept of toys engaging in adventures that could happen in any household around the world.
Bain expressed satisfaction with the final product, stating, “I’m glad we persisted through all the headaches and heartaches, because the end result is magic.” With its unique blend of Australian flair and global themes, Knee High Spies promises to be a delightful addition to children’s programming, resonating with audiences both locally and beyond.
