WPP Motion Entertainment has launched its inaugural Australian production, 'Footy Shorts', in collaboration with Foxtel and the Australian Football League (AFL). The weekly show is designed to engage the next generation of footy fans, specifically targeting children aged 5 to 15.

'Footy Shorts' combines the excitement of the AFL and AFLW with content from Australia's leading footy content creators. The program is fully endorsed by the AFL and provides advertisers with a brand-safe environment to reach family audiences. New episodes of the show are broadcast on Thursdays at 4.30 pm, with replays scheduled for Fridays at 4.30 pm and Saturday mornings.

The series is accessible on Kayo Sports’ YouTube channel, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel. Additionally, segments are optimised for social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, aiming to capture the attention of younger audiences where they are most active.

The show features appearances from prominent AFL players including Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron, and the Daicos brothers. It also includes contributions from content creators like Marmalade and Baseline Footy. Furthermore, Fox Footy legends Eddie Betts and Brad Johnson make appearances in the show.

The series is set to run until mid-November, offering a sustained period for advertisers to engage with its audience. Lisa Squillace, who leads Motion Entertainment in Australia following her appointment last year, expressed enthusiasm about the project.

"We’re thrilled to partner with Foxtel, Kayo and the AFL to bring this show to life. As Motion Entertainment’s first new format production in Australia, Footy Shorts demonstrates how WPP Media is investing and co-creating content to deliver premium content for local audiences. This highlights our commitment to working closely with broadcasters and platforms to create premium content that audiences and advertisers can authentically connect with," Squillace said.

Michael Neill, Fox Footy General Manager, highlighted the potential for advertisers within the show. "Footy Shorts offers brands a high-impact way to connect with passionate footy fans in a premium, mobile-first environment. With fast, funny and highly shareable content designed for how fans consume sport today, it’s an ideal platform for advertisers looking to tap into the energy of the game and drive real attention in the moments that matter. Footy Shorts is an exciting new chapter for Fox Footy, giving us the opportunity to connect with the next generation of fans in a way we never have before," Neill stated.

Motion Entertainment is the global entertainment division of WPP Media, operating in over 35 countries. The division has co-produced over 2,100 TV series and films worldwide.