A Case Study in Producing 3D Animation for a Global Audience - Snick & Willow
Snick and Willow is an engaging 3D animated series consisting of 13 x 11-minute episodes designed for a global audience aged 7–12. It combines whimsical storytelling with rich, character-driven narratives, following the adventures of Snick, a curious and resourceful critter, and Willow, their imaginative and spirited companion, as they navigate a magical world filled with challenges, discoveries, and friendships.
At its core, Snick and Willow exemplifies a commitment to creating content that is both entertaining and impactful. The series champions resilience, teamwork, and creativity while promoting multiculturalism and gender equity through a diverse cast and inclusive storylines. By reflecting global cultures and challenging traditional gender norms, it fosters empathy, inspires equity, and celebrates diversity.
Driven by this vision, Kylie collaborated with Viskatoons and Xentrix in Australia and India to craft a thought-provoking story designed to inspire positive change within audiences and the broader media landscape.
Following the commencement of production, an unforeseen shift in funding required a strategic pivot in Kylie’s role. Remaining committed to the project and team, she refocused her efforts on securing government grants, developing commercial partnerships, and preparing investment materials to engage M&A advisors for private equity in Melbourne. Kylie cultivated strong relationships with clients, investors, and stakeholders to align objectives and ensure success. She also collaborated with partners such as Cricket Australia, the International Cricket Council, and Seven West Media to support strategic and financial goals.
Creative Approach - Kylie and her team implemented an innovative, adaptable approach to ensure consistency and quality throughout production. By leveraging custom technologies, they streamlined timelines, optimised budgets, and facilitated seamless collaboration with international partners. This strategy catered to diverse global audiences, balancing cultural nuances while maintaining the show's integrity.
Effective global project management, led by Kylie, was pivotal to the success of the collaboration between Viskatoons, Xentrix, and the Australian production team. Kylie fostered strong relationships and implemented clear communication channels, ensuring all stakeholders had a clear understanding of their roles. This approach streamlined workflows, enhanced efficiency, and cultivated a cohesive team dynamic.
Commercial Partnerships
Kylie successfully developed and produced the animation Snick & Willow while managing critical responsibilities to ensure the project's success. Key achievements include:
Kylie successfully developed and produced the animation Snick & Willow while managing critical responsibilities to ensure the project's success. Key achievements include:
* Independently conducting the research, development, and drafting of funding applications, ensuring all components were tailored to meet specific funding criteria and objectives. This included securing government grants for animation development, an AR closed-world video game, and associated launch events.
* Preparing investment-ready materials and collaborating with M&A advisors to secure private equity funding.
* Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, investors, and key stakeholders to align objectives and drive project success.
* Leading projects and facilitating partnerships with Cricket Australia, the International Cricket Council, and Seven West Media to execute strategic planning and achieve financial goals.
These accomplishments demonstrate Kylie’s expertise in forging impactful partnerships, navigating complex funding landscapes, and delivering exceptional results in the entertainment and media sectors.
The production of Snick and Willow refined key skills within Kylie’s team, including cross-cultural communication to bridge Australian and Indian collaborators and effective project management across time zones for seamless delivery. The team’s adaptability to diverse work environments strengthened problem-solving and cultural awareness, while collaboration and teamwork were essential to the series’ success. This project demonstrated Kylie’s leadership and innovative approach in managing complex international co-productions, solidifying her industry reputation and highlighting her ability to navigate challenges. Snick and Willow stands as a testament to the valuable skills developed and the lasting impact of Kylie’s strategic direction, underscoring her potential for future global collaborations.
