Biologist and third-generation Indigenous educator Phil Breslin leads this Emmy Award Winning ten-part children’s natural history series for ABC ME filmed in Queensland Australia.

A partnership between Breslin & Butter Media, Built to Survive follows Phil as he braves some of the country’s most extreme and hostile environments in search of animal species that have evolved to withstand the conditions.

Phil’s journey includes consulting with First Nations peoples about habitats and lifecycles, as he explores ecosystems in the remote wilderness of the Sunshine State. Breslin produced alongside Jerry Butterfield, Dan Walkington and Luke Williams, with Mary Ellen Mullane, Margaret Ross and Bernadette O’Mahony serving as executive producers.

Built to Survive is supported by Screen NSW through the NSW PDV, Screen Australia through the Producer Offset and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, who distribute the series.

ABC head of children’s production Libbie Doherty said the series taps into the innate desire of children to better understand their surroundings.

“Aussie kids are adventurers at heart, captivated by our unique land, curious wildlife, and Indigenous knowledge,” she said. “Phil’s fresh perspective combines all three and takes the ABC ME audience on a wild ride across Australia.”

ACTF head of content Bernadette O’Mahony said the foundation was pleased to support Butter Media as they produce their first children’s series.

“Kids across the globe will enjoy travelling with Phil on his remote adventures and discovering our unique Australian wildlife and how they adapt to their environments,” she said.

In November 2023 Built to Survive scored a huge win, taking out the International Emmy Award in the Kids: Entertainment and Factual category. Phil Breslin was on ground in New York to accept the award.