Brisbane students make Fruit Ninja video for global fans

Griffith University film students are showcasing their work to a global audience with a series of videos that go behind the scenes of super successful digital game Fruit Ninja.

Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch said the YouTube project, titled Fruit Ninja Nation, was an opportunity of a lifetime for Griffith University film students.

“The students are lucky to be working with a professional filmmaker on a project about one of the world’s most popular mobile games for a potentially huge international audience,” Ms Enoch said.

“That’s a combination that will be hard to beat when the first videos screen on YouTube later this year.”

Created by Brisbane company Halfbrick, Fruit Ninja is one of the most downloaded games of all time on mobile devices, with more than one billion downloads since its launch in 2010.

The Minister today met students at Griffith Film School’s LiveLab at South Bank where the 13-part series featuring Fruit Ninja-themed live-action shorts, documentaries and developer diaries is being made. 

Ms Enoch said Queensland Government support had enabled LiveLab to contract experienced local filmmaker Amelia Paxman to work with the students on the project.

“This project aligns with the State Government’s $180 million Advance Queensland initiative which aims to develop a highly-innovative, knowledge-based economy­—creating new industries and exciting new jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Enoch said.

“Halfbrick is an excellent example of the innovation and business acumen we hope to see emerge from Advance Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.

“They are a true local success story and sharing this insight will help to inspire the next wave of creative entrepeneurs.”

Halfbrick’s Vice President for Entertainment and Licensing Sam White said the company always had close ties with tertiary education in Brisbane.

“We are excited to further strengthen those ties with the LiveLab students on Fruit Ninja Nation,” Mr White said.

“It is a truly symbiotic project - Halfbrick benefitting from the talent and creativity of the students, while the students benefit from the real-world experience and exposure via Halfbrick’s YouTube and game network.”

Creative Director of LiveLab and Senior Lecturer at Griffith Film School Richard Fabb said the project provided students with an opportunity to showcase their talents on the global stage.

“Partnering with Halfbrick, one the world’s leading games producers, is an amazing opportunity for our students,” Mr Fabb said.

“With the final product set to air on YouTube, the world’s largest video platform, our films can really make a mark.”

Fruit Ninja Nation complements a series of short Fruit Ninja animations Halfbrick is producing for YouTube Kids in the United States.

Media contact: Kim Lyell 0437 859 987