Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joe Brumm’s Net Worth?
Joe Brumm, the Australian animator, writer, and director best known for creating “Bluey,” has accumulated a net worth of approximately $10 million. This figure reflects his success in the animation industry, primarily driven by the global phenomenon that “Bluey” has become. While Brumm doesn’t own the full rights to “Bluey,” his profit-sharing arrangement contributes significantly to his financial standing.
“Bluey’s” Impact and Brumm’s Earnings
The success of “Bluey” is undeniable. In 2023, it was the number one most-watched children’s television show worldwide and the second most-streamed show overall, only surpassed by “Suits.” The “Bluey” franchise spans a wide range of merchandise, including plush toys, pajamas, toothbrushes, foods, potty-training seats, and books, which have collectively sold over 20 million copies globally. “Bluey” songs have garnered hundreds of millions of streams, and the live tour has visited over 200 cities in the US and Australia.
Despite the massive revenue generated by “Bluey,” the financial benefits are distributed among several entities. Ludo Studio, the Australian production company, owns “Bluey,” similar to how Matt Groening doesn’t own “The Simpsons.” The initial funding for the “Bluey” pilot was $13,000 from the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC). Subsequently, BBC Studios and the ABC invested $4 million to finance the first season. As part of this deal, BBC Studios acquired international distribution and licensing rights outside of Australia. In 2023, BBC Studios generated around $5 billion in revenue, with approximately $2 billion attributed to “Bluey.” In 2019, Disney paid BBC a substantial fee to air “Bluey” globally, excluding China, New Zealand, and Australia.
Joe Brumm’s specific percentage of the profit-sharing arrangement for “Bluey” isn’t publicly disclosed, but his income is derived from these deals. Given the show’s global success and diverse revenue streams, it is a substantial source of revenue for him. Furthermore, Brumm’s announcement in December 2024 that he would write and direct a feature-length “Bluey” film for Disney suggests further significant income potential. These announcements also highlight his value within the animation industry, implying that he could command substantial fees for future projects.
Brumm’s Career Trajectory and Previous Ventures
Before creating “Bluey,” Joe Brumm gained experience as an animator on British animated children’s television series. He worked on “Charlie and Lola,” “Tinga Tinga Tales,” and “Peppa Pig.” His time spent working on “Tinga Tinga Tales” took him to Nairobi, Kenya, where the show was produced. These experiences honed his animation skills and gave him valuable insights into the children’s television market.
In 2009, Brumm returned to Brisbane and established Studio Joho, a small animation studio. Through this studio, in 2016, he created a one-minute sample of “Bluey,” envisioned as an Australian counterpart to “Peppa Pig” with canine characters. His inspiration also stemmed from his experience raising two daughters and his desire to emphasize the importance of imaginative play in childhood. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would become his most successful project.
Brumm has also directed animated short films, including “Causes” (2001) and “The Meek” (2015). “The Meek” received an award at the Austin Film Festival, showcasing his talent and creativity beyond children’s television. He also contributed animation to many College Humor sketches, such as “Tinderella: A Modern Fairy Tale” and “Paperman Threesome.” Additionally, Brumm created “Dan The Man,” an original YouTube web series that was adapted into a successful mobile game in collaboration with Halfbrick Studios in 2015. While the specific earnings from these ventures aren’t public, they contributed to his professional development and financial stability.
Early Life and Education
Joe Brumm was born in the late 1970s in Winton, Queensland, Australia. He grew up as the middle of three sons to Bob and Chris. His mother worked as a librarian, while his father was employed by the Department of Primary Industries. The family moved to Cairns when Joe was five and settled in Brisbane when he was 12. Brumm attended Marist College Ashgrove, graduating in 1995. He then pursued higher education in animation at Griffith University. While the specific costs of his education aren’t public, attending university and gaining qualifications in animation undoubtedly contributed to his skill set and career prospects.
Ownership and Profit Distribution of “Bluey”
As previously stated, Ludo Studio owns “Bluey,” and BBC Studios holds international distribution and licensing rights outside of Australia. This arrangement means that while Brumm created the show, he doesn’t receive the majority of the profits. Instead, he earns a share through a profit-sharing agreement. In 2020, BBC Studios partnered with Moose Toys, an Australian-based toy company, to create “Bluey” toys. This deal has been highly successful, contributing significantly to Moose Toys’ revenue.
The specifics of the profit distribution among Ludo Studio, BBC Studios, and Joe Brumm are confidential, but it’s clear that all parties benefit from the show’s global popularity. The success of “Bluey” has also impacted the net worth of Manny Stuhl, the owner of Moose Toys, which has reportedly reached $2 billion due to the show’s merchandise sales. While Brumm’s direct financial gain isn’t as substantial as that of BBC Studios or Moose Toys, his creation has undoubtedly brought him financial security and industry recognition.
Comparisons to Other Creators
The arrangement between Joe Brumm and Ludo Studio is not uncommon in the entertainment industry. For example, Matt Groening doesn’t own “The Simpsons,” and Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld don’t own “Seinfeld.” In the case of “Seinfeld,” David and Seinfeld each own 15% of the show’s profits, which has earned them hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. Similarly, Mark Baker and Neville Astley, the creators of “Peppa Pig,” initially owned their animation studio, Astley Baker Davies, and held a significant share of the IP equity. However, through a series of acquisitions, Entertainment One (eOne) eventually gained control of the “Peppa Pig” franchise. In 2019, Hasbro acquired eOne for $4 billion, primarily to acquire “Peppa Pig.” These examples highlight the complexities of IP ownership and profit distribution in the entertainment industry.
While Joe Brumm isn’t an equity owner in Ludo Studio, his potential to negotiate favorable deals in the future is high. If he were to become a “free agent,” Disney or other major studios would likely offer him lucrative production deals, potentially including full ownership of IP rights for future creations. George Lucas, for instance, retained 100% ownership of the IP rights to “Star Wars,” which ultimately led to him selling the franchise to Disney for $4 billion in 2012.
Brumm’s Accolades and Recognition
Joe Brumm’s contributions to animation have been widely recognized. In 2021, he was named an Outstanding Alumnus of Griffith University. In 2023, he was named a Queensland Great for his contributions to his home state. These accolades acknowledge his talent, creativity, and impact on the animation industry and his community. They further enhance his reputation and potential for future opportunities.
Personal Life and Family
Joe Brumm is married to Suzy, who contributes to “Bluey” by creating storyboards and providing voice acting. They have two daughters, who have inspired and influenced the show. While their specific roles aren’t always publicly detailed, their involvement in the production of “Bluey” reflects the show’s themes of family and collaboration. His family’s connection to the show adds a personal dimension to his work and likely motivates him to continue creating content that resonates with families worldwide.
