Co-Founder, Director

Samuel Leighton-Dore is a screenwriter, producer and co-director of Sad Man Studio, a boutique animation and creative studio based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is the co-creator and writer of 10-episode coming-of-age animation Willy, which is in development with Ludo Studio (Bluey) and Penguin Random House, with a YA graphic novel being released in early 2027. He is the writer, director and co-producer of animated sketch series Finally, A Show About Men!, set for release across YouTube and comedy streaming platform Grouse House in June 2026, with a 10-episode second season going into production at the end of the year. He has a slate of live action feature films, including teen sex comedy Blowies, which is currently in the works with Brouhaha Entertainment (Boy Swallows Universe).