Augusto Entertainment takes the story of The Wiggles to the world in new documentary

Augusto Entertainment takes the story of The Wiggles to the world with a new feature length documentary launching on Prime Video in 2023.

This colourful new film explores the incredible true story of early childhood teachers and friends who rock ‘n’ rolled their way into the hearts of millions around the globe in one of the greatest entertainment stories of all time.

Local kiwi entertainment production team, Augusto have led and produced the creation of a feature-length documentary about Australian entertainment icons The Wiggles which will be shown in over 240 countries and territories in 2023.

“Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles” charts the band’s story from the very beginning featuring founding members Anthony, Murray, Greg, and Jeff as they face doubters and disbelievers before finding unprecedented fame and continued reinvention.

Fraser Grut of Frog Productions pitched the original concept to Augusto Entertainment who loved the idea and formed a relationship with The Wiggles, Anthony Field in particular.

“We presented the idea of a feature-length documentary to them, and they were very keen to work with us,” says Daniel Story, Augusto Entertainment’s executive producer. “We developed the concept further with The Wiggles team and then brought on board two-time Emmy award-nominated Director Sally Aitken and esteemed Producer Aline Jacques of SAM Content in Sydney. Together we’ve been developing the project for the past 18 months so it’s incredibly exciting to be sharing the news of its release next year.”

“Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles” charts the coming together of four friends passionate about music. Inspired by the colours of yellow, blue, red, and purple, and engaging young children across the world in song and action was a novel approach to children’s entertainment in the early 1990s. Calling themselves The Wiggles after the way young children move, four young men—Anthony, Murray, Greg, and Jeff—and a dinosaur called Dorothy seemed an unlikely basis for a global sensation. But together, driven by their passion for entertaining and educating children, and after facing doubters, disbelievers, and then unprecedented fame and reinventions, they went on to become the world’s biggest children’s band, adored by generations worldwide. Now synonymous with their iconic colours, The Wiggles’ mission of spreading joy endures and their songs are classics, having captured the truth of childhood—a place of wonder, novelty, and delight. The story is an ode to childhood and homage to the power of friendship and dreams. Both a celebration and exploration of more than thirty years of The Wiggles phenomenon and their re-emergence into the cultural zeitgeist in 2022, the story of The Wiggles has never before been shared in a feature length documentary and the extraordinary behind the scenes personal footage has never previously been seen.

Adds Story: “The Wiggles’ extraordinary journey is underpinned by their relentless positivity in, what can feel like, an increasingly dark world. Theirs is a powerful message and it’s such a privilege for us to tell their story in a feature film format which offers a unique insight into the internationally admired group.”

Says director Sally Aitken: “It’s a thrill to bring this wonderful story to life. Naturally there’s a huge sense of responsibility to do justice to the story of Australia’s most iconic and successful band and I have been stunned and deeply moved by many aspects of their story. I can’t wait to share this vision knowing audiences of all ages will delight in this documentary, whether they know The Wiggles of not.”

Says Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field: “When we first formed The Wiggles more than three decades ago, our aim was to educate and inspire children through music, and that continues today. Looking through the archives has brought back so many incredible and emotional memories, from our first shows for 30 children, to touring America and the world, playing to arenas. It’s been such an incredible and evolving journey and we can’t wait to share our story with everyone.”

Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles is one of multiple international scripted and unscripted projects Augusto will be announcing in the coming months.

Augusto

Daniel Story [Executive Producer]: Producer
Cass Avery [EVP of Production and Development]: Producer