Birmingham TV talent shortlisted at Australian awards

Rock Island Mysteries - created by Popcorn&Co. founders Matt Cooke and Vince Lund - has been named as a finalist at the 2025 Logie Awards, Australia’s most prestigious television honours.

The show is one of only six finalists in the Best Children’s Program category; a shortlist that also includes global phenomenon Bluey.

The Logies hold a place in Australian culture similar to the BAFTAs in the UK making this a significant milestone for the Birmingham-based creative studio.

Originally commissioned by Nickelodeon, and brought to the screen through partnership with Threewise Entertainment, Fremantle Australia and Screen Australia,  Rock Island Mysteries is an Australian adventure-comedy show aimed at tweens and teens, blending mystery, humor, and friendship.

The story centers around Taylor Young (played by Alexa Curtis), a spirited teenager who, along with her close-knit group of friends, delves into the enigmatic secrets of the fictional Rock Island.

Their adventures often involve unraveling mysteries and confronting otherworldly phenomena, all while navigating the challenges of adolescence.

This nomination marks Popcorn&Co.’s first recognition at the Logie Awards and highlights the company’s strength in creating engaging, narrative-led content that resonates with global viewers.

Matt and Vince said: “From script to screen, Rock Island Mysteries reflects our belief that great storytelling is the most powerful tool for capturing attention and building connection, whether in entertainment or brand communication.”

While this nomination celebrates Popcorn&Co.’s work in broadcast television, the same creative approach underpins their work with UK businesses, where story-first thinking is used to enhance marketing, internal comms, and audience engagement strategies.

The Logie winners will be determined by public vote and announced at a ceremony held at The Star Sydney on Sunday August 3, broadcast live on Seven.

Voting is now open for all awards and will remain open until 7pm AEST Friday 1 August 2025.