
Often creative,
forever curious.
The Open Group tells stories and shapes experiences, each informed by a sense of purpose and optimism.
The best become television series, books, products, events—or entire businesses. Many occupy the shifting, heady junction between real life and the digital world.
stories
media, publishing and television
Flying Workshop
With Nathan Peter Wong, we develop tv drama and animation for young people and families. Every show—quirky or profound—features diverse and relatable characters. Industry leaders have mentored us and commissioned our work.

Best Bugs Forever
Our first animation follows the escapades of a community (or infestation) of friendly vermin. The show was commissioned by The Walt Disney Company, which added its characteristic vibrancy and polish. Fifty-two episodes (in six languages) have been produced by the Academy-Award®-nominated studio, Je Suis Bien Content. Families across the world have enjoyed the show on Disney Channel, ABC Australia and other networks.
Character Parts
Flying Workshop has a family focus. In parallel—and in contrast—we’re exploring arresting adult drama and factual programming. Character Parts complements Flying Workshop’s recognised name while establishing our presence as ‘grown-up’ independent screenwriters.
Petergate Publishing
Our books will move young readers to grow in understanding, courage and resilience, to explore and improve their world, and to express their imaginations through the arts.
experiences
education, the arts and commerce
Real Experiences
We work on paper, on screen and in the imagination. But we long for the tactile, analogue, barefoot, hands-on world too: authentic lived experiences.
Real Creativity
Generous mentors helped make our early dreams realistic. We aim to share that good fortune through publications, education and group events for people pursuing a creative living and life.
Real Childhood
Once, our plan for a low-key, irregular parent-and-child magazine seemed sufficient. But now, a positive, anti-pink, outspoken, inclusive, un-plastic movement for families is imperative. Now we must build broader media and experiences underpinned by hope, resilience and respect.
Hearts and Culture
Our fledgling charity campaigns for creative and performing arts spaces, resources and education in regional communities.
The Harris Institute, Preston
Starting in 2015, we instigated a £5 million bid to restore a Grade-II*-listed Victorian-era landmark for the community. We envisaged its quarter-acre of floor space buzzing with education in creative and technical crafts, exhibitions, music, film and performance. Sadly, the building’s poor condition halted our work. Now, a broader coalition is driving the project ahead, and we look forward to contributing our expertise.
The Open Store
Can e‑commerce be reconciled with multi-sensory and worthwhile, real retail? We’re designing ethical products and authentic customer experiences.
Can we add to your project? Our loyal clients commend our insights, skill and warm professionalism.
Soon, our new specialised sites will offer help and information that’s relevant to you.
design, editorial and marketing
publishing, the arts and culture
Print is Read
When Book Design Australia outgrew its name, we split our services between publishing houses and individuals. Print is Read adapts to the systems of large firms to design highly-visual picture books, textbooks and lifestyle titles. Satisfaction lies in bringing together the work of authors, illustrators, editors, photographers and publishing specialists. Clients have included Scholastic, Cengage, The University of Technology Sydney, McGraw-Hill and Horwitz.
★ Relaunching 2024
A Book Inside
We partner with emerging self-publishers to get their words into print and into readers’ hands. Our literate, step-by-step approach covers editorial, design, production and marketing. We’re ready to help with traditional and on-demand print, e‑books, retail and direct sales. Everyone has a book inside. What’s yours?
☆ Launching 2024
Arts Marketing
When marketing entertainment companies, theatre, dance and exhibitions, we establish a ‘total experience’ for audiences before the curtain rises. Close research and our heartfelt response to each production guides our work: directors have even adopted our imagery when staging their events. Our ideas—tiny or comprehensive—have appeared for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Only Shadows Theatre Company, Peter Darren Productions, Curious Works, Ensemble Theatre, DS Productions, The Lingalayam Dance Company and pre-eminent venues in the United Kingdom and Australia.
☆ Relaunching 2024
We’re small—but human. Two of us guide a growing creative circle of helpers, while industry mentors keep us nimble and knowledgeable.

Stuart Gibson
director, publishing consultant, project developer
A varied education means Stuart knows a little about journalism and theatre, and rather more about education.
At theatres in Sydney and London, Stuart found an affinity for arts marketing. His knack for vibrant writing and design was welcomed at Scholastic Australia, where he promoted educational and children’s books. In 2002 Stuart founded a publishing consultancy, which has provided editorial and design for 160 books with some 500,000 copies in print.
His work at The Open People centres on themes of storytelling, childhood, education, creativity, design and innovation.
Please be reassured that Stuart’s computer is not currently on fire: that’s his smoky Lapsang Souchong.

Peter Hilton
arts and experience consultant, project developer
When young, Peter quickly recognised the power of storytelling.
After joining a progressive youth theatre, Peter honed his quick wit, improvisation and writing skills. His ear for dialogue and accents counted, but an empathy for others did most to ground his portrayals. Later training in Community and Educational Theatre saw Peter encourage the trust and esteem of disenfranchised young people as they told their own stories.
Peter’s knowledge of theatre and television extends across the uk, us and Australia. He’s drawn to muscular, character-driven drama.
Alongside his own work, Peter’s career in the arts, heritage and tourism sectors has included roles at The Sydney Opera House, London’s Barbican Centre, York Museums Trust and Madame Tussauds.
Peter is known for his humour, humane insight and good judgement.
leo burnett
From our base south of Sydney, Australia—and thanks to online chats and cups of tea—we collaborate with people around the world. How may we help you?
The Open Group Pty Limited
po Box 1050
Moss Vale nsw 2577
australia
In Moss Vale, it’s on .
acn 108 809 794
abn 74 317 400 213
Registered for Australian Goods and Services Tax (gst).
The Open People Limited
Preston, Lancashire
united kingdom
In Preston, it’s on .
Company 09250517, registered in England and Wales.
vat gb 213 8625 18.
Our Preston office is temporarily closed; you can contact us in Sydney.
In the spirit of reconciliation, The Open Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.
We offer our respect to their Elders past, present and future, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise and can learn from their continuing spiritual, cultural, educational and environmental practices.
Copyright © 1998–2023, The Open Group Pty Limited.
The names and logos for Petergate®, Book Design Australia®, Hearts and Culture™, Modest Store™, The Open Group™, The Open People™, The Open Store™, ‘Open’ logo™, Real Childhood™, Real Creativity™, Words with Ways™, Print is Read™, A Book Inside™, Character Parts™ and Spice and Friends™ are trademarks of The Open Group Pty Limited.
The name and logo for Flying Workshop™ are trademarks of The Open Group Pty Limited and Nathan Peter Wong as joint-venture partners.
The name Best Bugs Forever™ is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company Limited in association with Je Suis Bien Content.
‘Freight’ typefaces by Joshua Darden are licensed from Typekit. The ‘Open’ logo was adapted from ‘Zantiqa’ font by Sergiy Tkachenko, licensed from MyFonts.
Site written and designed by The Open Group Pty Limited.
Please email us with any questions you may have about this website.