Producers of Global Hits The InBESTigators and Odd Squad Partner On Lightning Primary

Australia’s Gristmill and Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment (SSE) announce their partnership on the new children’s series, Lightning Primary. Originally developed by Gristmill with the support of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Lightning Primary is a half-hour series aimed at 6 – 9 year olds that follows the adventures of a group of kids whose school is transformed into a magical realm after being struck by lightning. The series is being envisioned as an Australian/Canadian co-production with filming to take place in Australia and visual effects being produced out of Canada.  

“As longtime superfans of Sinking Ship’s work, we are tickled pink to be teaming up for our latest children’s adventure. Lightning Primary is a very special show and we can’t wait to watch SSE weave their magic into it.” Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, Gristmill. 

“There is a unique tone to the humor that Wayne and Robyn infuse into their shows that clearly resonates with kids and their families around the world. We are thrilled to be partnering with them to bring this ambitious project to life.” Says Carla de Jong, Executive Producer Sinking Ship Entertainment. 

Gristmill is an award-winning Australian production company founded by Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, celebrated for its expertise in high end narrative comedy and drama for kids and adults. Productions such as “Little Lunch,” and “The InBESTigators” have been stand-out hits on ABC in Australia and Netflix internationally.  Both showcase Gristmill’s unique blend of humor and heart. 

SSE has also garnered a stellar reputation internationally for their children’s and family series, most notably as an industry leader in live action/CGI blended series such “Jane” (Apple TV+), “Ghostwriter” (Apple TV+), “Dino Dana (Amazon Prime/TVOKids), and “Odd Squad” (PBS/TVOKids). With 26 Daytime and Children’s and Family Emmy® Awards under their belt, the most recent being their second Emmy for visual effects, the company is well poised to take on this latest ambitious project. 

Lighting Primary will mark the first official Canadian-Australian co-production for both companies.