How a crime-fighting marsupial conquered the world and became a cherished TV star

Everybody remembers Skippy – 91 episodes sold in 128 countries watched by hundreds of millions worldwide and which put Australia firmly on the global map. And for those of a certain generation the heroic marsupial is synonymous with their childhood, often in more profound ways than they realise…

The film is both a tribute to the forward-thinking and hard-working individuals who created the ground-breaking series, and also an analysis of how they did it, and what it meant for all those millions of viewers around the world.

It is the first time that child star Garry Pankhurst, who played Sonny, has spoken of his experience as the most famous kid in the world, and we have also secured a world exclusive interview with none other than Skippy herself. The ageing diva’s sardonic wit and lingering ego make for revealing, and at times controversial viewing.

Skippy: The Bush Kangaroo was in production for two and a half years at a time when there were very few rival productions. The series trained an entire generation of media industry professionals, both in front of and behind the camera, that went on to make their mark both at home and overseas. Every surviving member of the regular cast is interviewed, as well as some of the guest actors, and some of the key crew – not least those animal wranglers whose job it was to get the best performances out of Skippy herself.

Awards & Festivals

• Winner Best Local Feature Documentary, Sydney Morning Herald 11th Annual Couch Potato Awards 2009