Noah and Saskia
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's television |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Patricia Edgar |
| Headquarters | Australia, United Kingdom |
Area served | Australia, United Kingdom, international |
Key people | Patricia Edgar (Producer and Executive Producer), Elisa Argenzio (Line Producer), Paul Nichola (Visual Effects Director) |
| Products | Television series (13 episodes) |
| Parent | Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) |
| Website | www |
Noah and Saskia is a television series consisting of 13 episodes, created and produced by Patricia Edgar for the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) in collaboration with the BBC. This project marked the conclusion of Edgar's two-decade leadership as ACTF's Founding Director. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, centering on Saskia, a teenage girl from Australia, and her online relationship with Noah, a teenager from the United Kingdom. Both characters present idealized versions of themselves in the digital realm, examining how virtual interactions shape their personal development.[1] The narrative underscores the significant influence of digital communication on youth culture and its capacity to transform.[2][3]
Edgar's vision was to craft a unique drama that genuinely connected with young audiences, steering clear of conventional soap opera tropes or typical co-produced content. She highlighted the internet environment as an innovative platform for storytelling, reflecting young people's natural ease in expressing themselves through various online personas.[4][5] Production commenced in May 2003,[6] and the series debuted on Australia's ABC and the UK's BBC in 2004.[6]
Cast
- Noah King – Jack Blumenau – A socially awkward teenager residing in London with his family, later living with his cousin Eddie. He creates a webcomic titled "Max Hammer," inspired by his own experiences and environment. Throughout the series, Noah’s character evolves to resemble Max more closely; he spends less time online, has a brief romantic relationship, and participates in football.
- Saskia Litras – Hannah Greenwood – A reserved, musically inclined girl from Melbourne who lives with her single mother and holds a part-time job at the Chicken Coop. Initially adopting the persona Indy to confront Max about music theft, she eventually collaborates with Noah on the "Max Hammer" webcomic. As she embraces Indy’s confident traits, Saskia gains self-assurance, performs music publicly, and becomes more assertive at school. Her early infatuation with Max diminishes when he reveals he only sees her as a friend.
- Max Hammer – Cameron Nugent
- Indy – Teiya Moquiuti
- Renee – Emily Wheaton
- Clive – Adrian Fergus Fuller
- Specs – Alex Yates
- Eddie – Eugene Simon
- Deb Litras – Tracy Mann
- Ernesto – Bernard Angel
- Benny – Julian O'Donnell
- Gerald – Damian Neate
- Theresa – Alicia Gardiner
Synopsis
Noah and Saskia delves into the dynamics of an internet-based relationship between two teenagers and its effect on their lives. Although both adopt “false identities” online, their interaction proves to be constructive and transformative. By presenting idealized versions of themselves via digital platforms, they facilitate each other’s real-life growth despite being continents apart.
Saskia joins an online chatroom called Webweave initially seeking to confront Max Hammer over stolen music but instead develops a meaningful connection. Upon meeting Max online, she feels an immediate sense of understanding—he appreciates her music and inner self. Max is depicted as intelligent, strong, thoughtful, and sensitive—qualities Saskia recognizes within herself. Despite their seemingly perfect bond, physical distance between Australia and the UK along with mistaken identities introduce complications.
Saskia’s online alter ego Indy is confident and daring, a stark contrast to her shy real-world persona. This digital identity empowers her to become more assertive; by contemplating “What would Indy do?” she gradually adopts those characteristics. However, Saskia worries that revealing her true 14-year-old identity might end their relationship—unaware that Max Hammer is actually Noah, a 14-year-old science enthusiast who fears Indy would reject his authentic self as well.
Production
The series was a joint venture with the BBC, producing seven episodes in Australia and six in the United Kingdom. Patricia Edgar took on the roles of Producer and Executive Producer, while Elisa Argenzio managed the production as Line Producer. Australia's ABC secured pre-sale rights, and the Foundation oversaw international distribution apart from the UK. Funding came from investors such as the Australian Film Finance Corporation and Film Victoria. Pre-production commenced in February 2003, representing the Foundation’s flagship project for that fiscal year.
Patricia Edgar originated the concept around the start of the millennium, intending to incorporate Kahootz software—created by her and Paul Nichola for the ACTF—and to investigate digital production possibilities. The narrative unfolds across England, Australia, and virtual spaces, combining live-action footage, animation, and visual effects to portray teenagers’ inner experiences. Episodes alternate between Australian and UK locations, emphasizing differing everyday realities. The Webweave chat platform was developed utilizing ACTF’s Kahootz technology.
Writing
In February 2000, Patricia Edgar organized a writers' workshop to shape the series idea, involving ABC representatives Claire Henderson and Tammy Burnstock alongside BBC’s Elaine Sperber. Script development was assigned to Chris Anastassiades and Robert Greenberg, with additional financial support from the BBC in 2000. By 2001, multiple scripts had been crafted by Anastassiades, Greenberg, and Philip Dalkin; a follow-up workshop further refined the concept. Writers such as John Armstrong and Sam Carroll were subsequently brought on board.
The storyline delves into themes of self-discovery and online personas, questioning whether genuine friendships can be formed without face-to-face interaction or if characters conceal themselves behind idealized digital identities. Elaine Sperber emphasized these interpersonal dynamics as central to the plot. Paul Nichola contributed by developing WebWeave and visual effects elements, utilizing Kahootz software to achieve sophisticated digital effects within budget constraints.
Filming
Each installment centers on one protagonist—Saskia in Australia or Noah in England—with separate casts ensuring that these actors never met during production. All scenes filmed in Australia were completed before Jack Blumenau was cast as Noah. The stylistic approach features Saskia addressing the camera through flashbacks and daydream sequences, whereas Noah’s narrative is presented through an observational lens.
Casting for UK roles took place in July 2003. After concluding filming in Australia that same year, production shifted to the UK for a six-week shoot beginning in August—marking the first ACTF series filmed outside Australia. Patricia Edgar and director Pino Amenta worked closely with the BBC team on episodes centered on Noah, with Jane Stevenson serving as producer for the UK segment.
Noah and Saskia appear together only in the final episode; this scene was digitally assembled by separately filming Jack Blumenau and Hannah Greenwood. To create realistic eye contact, three variations of Saskia’s shots were recorded with Greenwood looking at stand-ins of different heights.
The series integrates live-action sequences with animation and visual effects to illustrate both real-life teenagers and their online personas. Actors interact with live-action versions of characters Indy and Max Hammer, while their animated counterparts engage within digital settings like the "Web Weave" chat room. Distinct visual styles clearly differentiate these environments.
Visual Effects Director Paul Nichola led a team combining ACTF’s New Media division with Melbourne-based Unreal Pictures. Employing techniques such as CGI, motion capture, split-screen effects, and ACTF's 3D animation tool Kahootz, they developed a distinctive aesthetic for the "Web Weave" sequences.
"The diversity of virtual worlds and visual effects provided a stimulating challenge that resonated with today’s visually literate youth," Paul Nichola stated.
Premiere
The children's drama series Noah & Saskia, produced by the ACTF, debuted with a special one-hour episode on ABC at 5pm on 4 May 2004. The show continued its broadcast on ABC from 4 May through 29 June 2004, airing at 5:30pm.
To support the Australian airing, ABC released a Noah & Saskia DVD set containing bonus materials, alongside a novel authored by Chris Anastassiades and Sam Carroll. Additionally, the official website www.noahandsaskia.com provided fans with discussion forums, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive animation features.
Success
After two decades as Director, Patricia Edgar stepped down in 2002 to concentrate on producing Noah & Saskia, marking her final project with ACTF.
By May 2004, the series attracted approximately 60% of viewers aged 5 to 12 and 40% of teenagers aged 13 to 17, significantly enhancing ABC's ratings during that timeslot. It achieved particularly strong viewership in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, where it commanded over three-quarters of the audience within the 5-12 age group.
The program made its international debut at MIP TV in 2004 and swiftly secured distribution deals with BBC Canada and Cartoon Network for regions including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. ABC Enterprises acquired video/DVD, publishing, and music rights for the Australian market.
Noah & Saskia was showcased in the Live-Action Television category at the 2004 Chicago Film Festival, selected from a pool of 700 international submissions. This festival is recognized as the largest annual event dedicated to children's films worldwide and features a diverse range of culturally rich productions evaluated by both young audiences and official juries.
The series received two nominations from the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards for Best Children's Television Drama and Outstanding Achievement in Craft (animation and digital effects). It also won an Australian Writers' Guild (AWGIE) Award; on 22 October 2004, co-writer Sam Carroll was honored with the AWGIE for Best Children's Television Drama (C Classification) for the episode titled "Extra Spicy."
Visual Effects Director Paul Nichola spearheaded a collaboration between ACTF’s New Media division and Melbourne-based Unreal Pictures studio. Their work integrated CGI, motion capture technology, split-screen visuals, and modifications of ACTF’s Kahootz animation software to produce innovative webweave chat sequences.
Writers Chris Anastassiades and Sam Carroll received an Honourable Mention at the 2004 Chris Awards during the Columbus International Film & Video Festival.
Website
To complement the television series, ABC New Media launched the noahandsaskia.com website on 3 May 2004. The platform enabled users to create "Max hammer" comics, navigate the "webweave" interactive environment, and compose music tracks.
Merchandise
ABC Books released a Noah & Saskia novel alongside a DVD collection featuring additional content, available through ABC shops and centres starting mid-May 2004.
The series also provides a specialized educational kit designed for English text analysis, multiliteracies education, Internet literacy, media production skills, and ICT integration. Developed in partnership with the Australian Literacy Educators' Association (ALEA) and the Australian Association for the Teaching of English (AATE), this curriculum resource includes:
- Lessons focused on English language and multiliteracies
- Comprehensive coverage of the production process from scripting to final screen output via CD-ROM and ACTF learning centre access
- A trailer plus extra scenes included on the DVD
The ACTF distributed an educational package tailored for Australian schools comprising all thirteen episodes on video and DVD formats. The DVD features "The Making of Noah & Saskia," while an accompanying CD-ROM offers extensive production details, lesson plans, worksheets, video clips, and television scripts.
Reviews
Sunday Times, WA describes it as "an engaging and dynamic fusion of live action, animation, and visual effects, making Noah & Saskia a fresh and inventive series."
The Age, Vic observes that "Australian drama appears to cater more effectively to children than to adults."
According to West Australian, WA, the show is "captivating and offers a unique viewing experience unlike anything previously seen on television."
On the official website, Bree shares, "I love Saskia’s fashion sense… she’s completely unconcerned with others’ opinions about her appearance. It’s absolutely awesome!!!!"
Elaine Sperber, BBC Head of Children’s Drama, reflects, "Though the concept seems straightforward at first, as it evolved we delved into themes of self-disclosure… questioning whether Noah and Saskia would conceal themselves behind their idealized online personas or gradually develop trust."
Claire Henderson, ABC Head of Children’s Television, praises the series as "a genuinely groundbreaking and thrilling production. It is rewarding to contribute to a show that pioneers new directions in children’s drama."
Awards and nominations
| Year | Work Recognized | Award Ceremony | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Noah & Saskia | 29th Gold Chest Awards, Bulgaria | Nominated | |
| 2004 | Noah & Saskia | The Chris Awards, Columbus, United States | Honourable Mention | |
| 2004 | Paul Nichola | AFI Awards, Melbourne | Animation and Digital Effects | Nominated |
| 2004 | Noah & Saskia | AFI Awards, Melbourne | Best Children's Drama | Nominated |
| 2004 | Noah & Saskia | Banff Rockie Awards, Canada | Children's Program | Finalist |
| 2004 | Sam Carroll (co-writer of episode 'Extra Spicy') | AWGIE Award | Winner | |
| 2004 | Noah & Saskia | Chicago International Children's Film Festival | Live Action Television | Selected for Screening |
| 2005 | Noah & Saskia | Logie Award | Most Outstanding Children's Program Australia | Finalist |
Also known as
- Um Par Quase Perfeito (Brazilian Portuguese)
- Ной и Саския (Russian)
External links
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- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Australian children's fantasy television series
- Australian television series about teenagers
- BBC children's television shows
- British children's fantasy television series
- British television series about teenagers
- Television shows set in London
- Television shows set in Melbourne