ACTF

Virtual Q & A

Talking Tales with Shaun Tan

Join the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and ACMI for a rare opportunity to connect with one of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers, Shaun Tan. 

During a special Q&A event, Shaun will take students on the journey of transforming his beloved anthology, Tales from Outer Suburbia, into an exciting new animated series. Shaun will delve into his creative process as an illustrator and writer, and share how he collaborated with some of the country's most talented animators to bring his extraordinary ideas to life on screen. 

Perfect for Years 5 and 6 students, this session offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into storytelling, adaptation and visual design, as well as practical inspiration to spark creativity in your classroom.

The session includes interactive activities and a behind-the-scenes segment with series Director Noel Cleary from Flying Bark Productions.

Please ensure your class submits their questions for Shaun Tan prior to Friday 8th May 5pm. Submit your questions HERE.

Details

Monday 18th May 2026

VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, ACT (AEST): 12.30pm – 1.15pm  
SA, NT (ACST): 11.30am – 12.45pm 
WA (AWST): 10.30am – 11.15am 

This event is suitable for Years 5 - 6 students. 

Can’t join us live? No worries! Register and we’ll send you a link so you can enjoy the recording whenever it suits your class.

Victorian schools also have the option to join this event and a screening live at ACMI. To register to join in-person please click HERE. 

Talking Tales with Shaun Tan

Max 500 characters

This event is co-presented with ACMI.  

The logo features a yellow, rounded square with a stylized pink face peeking from the left. Next to it is the text "Australian Children's Television Foundation" in black, followed by the abbreviated "acmi" in a bold, lowercase font.

Tales from Outer Suburbia Production Credits

Tales From Outer Suburbia is a Highly Spirited and Flying Bark production. Adapted from Shaun Tan’s multi-award-winning book Tales from Outer Suburbia.
 
Tales From Outer Suburbia is a Highly Spirited and Flying Bark production for the ABC and BYUtv. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in association with ABC. Produced in New South Wales and Western Australia with Siamese and financed with support from Screenwest. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.