ABC Piki Lullaby

We were honoured to be asked by ABC Kids to animate the beloved lullaby for 2025.  We worked with the legendary singer/songwriter Christine Anu to write, direct and produce an animation for her song, ‘Piki’ (‘Dream’).

Our story is inspired by a recurring dream from Christine’s childhood of her soaring above Mabuyag Island on her Waku Mat. Inspired by Christine’s memories, our young hero ‘Yathana’ (Little One) embarks on a similar journey, soaring across Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) not only above the shimmering moonlit waters, but also exploring the curious depths below. Much like the intricate weave of the Waku, this story depicts the profound interconnectedness between our hero and the world around her. Showing how the fibres of the natural world are woven and connected with Torres Strait Islander people.

Much like Christine’s song and lyrics, we wanted to visualise a bedtime lullaby that echoes the gentle ‘nai-guy’ (northern) breeze of Mabuyag Island. It feels aloft and warm and lulls the listener into beautiful dreams while ‘Athe’ (Grandfather) Moon and the stars watch from above.

Written and performed by Christine Anu (Saibai/Mabuyag), the lullaby plays nightly through 2025 on ABC Kids as well streams on ABC iView.

 

Development Process

Character Designs

 

 

Animal Designs

 

 

Scene Designs

 

 

Map Showcasing Where The Story Takes Place

 

Viewers Enjoying Piki Lullaby On ABC Kids

 

Credits

Original Song: Written by Christine Anu (Saibai/Mabuyag) & Produced by DOBBY (Muruwari)
Director: Jake Duczynski(Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
Producer: Melissa Azizi
Writer: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
Storyboard Artist: Emily Hestelow, Bella Meagher
Animatic: Emily Hestelow, Bella Meagher
Character Design: Emily Hestelow, Bella Meagher
Background Design: Emily Hestelow, Bella Meagher
2D Rigging: Genevieve Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba), John Paine, Bella Meagher
3D Rigging: Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri)
3D Modelling: Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri)
3D Animation: Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri), Paul Carlton
2D Animation: Genevieve Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba), John Paine, Bella Meagher, Emily Hestelow
Compositor: Emily Hestelow, Paul Carlton, Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji), Genevieve Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba), Zoë Velonas
Editor: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
Sound Design: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
Vocals recorded by: Patty Preece
Mixed by: Chunkyluvbeats
ABC Producer: Kirra Homer (Wiradjuri)
ABC Commissioning Editor: Nicole Cheek