Behind Bluey

Cricket is a real gentlemen's game... This episode encapsulates the teamwork, collaboration and care that goes into making an episode of Bluey. Thanks so much for listening to season 1 of Behind Bluey.

Something that comes up surprisingly often with kids is 'should you kill bugs or not'... Joe discusses capturing a favourite Aussie backyard past time and how vocal talent can help guide a Bluey script.Rich, Trudi and Claire share the beauty of designing and animating for two worlds in one story, and the role VFX played in bringing Slide to life. Joff gives a window into an unexpected Bluey critter motif, and Dan dives into creating the complicated soundscape of a watery, buggy adventure.

Pour one out for the episode that could have been... Joe shares the original inspiration for TV Shop, why the setting changed and the magic of being in a child-like state. Beth, Rich and Costa discuss the logistical mountain that art direction and animation had to climb to execute the episode. And Rhi goes into why there's no opportunity to rest on your laurels when making a Bluey episode.

Indy's in charge of Indy... Joe discusses the familiar ground of friendship triangles and the power-struggles inherent in kids games. Rich, Trudi and Claire transport us to a forest with texture and wonder, and share their favourite moment of a character who's out standing in their field. Joff explores the musical themes of two worlds and examines the balancing act of not making one seem better than the other.

The biggest dragons guard the biggest treasure.. Joe draws on the formative experiences he had drawing as a child, and share's how the biggest dragon you face when drawing is feeling like you're not good enough but still pushing through. Rich, Beth and Costa reflect on a mammoth episode that pushed art and animation into new worlds. Rhi shares how production adapted to support the challenges of a longer, more complex episode, and Dan discusses his sound design process and what it's like collaborating with his brother.

Even amongst all the hard work and effort we can still have those little moments of fun... Joe discusses how showing and not telling often sounds easier than it actually is, whether it's setting an example for the kids in real life or writing a script. Rich, Costa and Beth share how car shots are a real challenge for design and animation, and the wealth of Easter eggs hidden throughout the episode. Then Rhi examines how more straightforward episodes can be a real breath of fresh air during an intense production timeline.

When you put something beautiful out into the world, it's no longer yours really... Joe shares the real-life story of creating a stickbird on holiday and watching its destruction from afar, then gets into why it's not important to know what's on Bandit's mind. Trudi, Rich and Beth discuss the design and animation challenges of an episode set at the beach and what went into making the epic final shot. And Rhi examines the pressures of an unconventional episode on production, and why conversation is key to knowing what to fight for.

Have you ever tried to relax? It's a paradox! Pack your bags, it's time to head on holiday with the Heelers. Joe's script takes us to the Sunny Coast where the kids and grown ups have very different approaches to relaxing. Rich, Claire and Trudi discuss deliberately dated design and the difficulty of animating stillness. And Joff shares how classic music and a sprinkle of magic dust came together for Relax's soundtrack.

As soon as you become a parent, your time for fitness is under threat… Joe shares the personal inspiration behind Exercise, and why this episode is one for the kids. Rhi walks us through the Bluey production process, and the obstacle course each episode must undergo. Then it's design and animation boot camp with Trudi, Claire and Rich, where physical strain is all in the eyes, and feet become knees and heads become butts. And Joff gets hearts pumping with sweaty synths and the ingredients for Bluey workout music.

If you give a kid the budget to make their own house, obviously they're going to make a penguin room… Joe and Claire share the inspiration behind the story for Cubby, and why the some of the best episodes are when Bandit is at odds with the girls. Costa, Rich and Claire then get lost in the design and animation of a complicated, kid-created cubby – complete with stables, penguin room and an interesting toilet. And Joff gives a unique window into how the music for Bluey comes together, and the importance of play and imperfection in the process.

Ever wondered how an episode of Bluey, the #1 Australian children's TV show, is made? Join Bluey creator and showrunner Joe Brumm and members of the design, animation and production team as they talk shop about what goes into making the global phenomena. Behind Bluey is a rare opportunity for super fans, parents / carers and screen professionals to hear directly from some of the key Bluey creatives. They share warts-and-all stories of the screen craft and how they make each episode super special. Each podcast episode is full of spoilers, so make sure to check the TV episode on ABC iview before pressing play, exclusively on ABC listen.