Emma Jane Unsworth wrote the screenplay based on her novel which was first published in 2014 in the UK, followed by editions in the USA, Canada, Germany, France and Spain.
Australia's co-production treaty with Ireland was signed in 1998 and to date has produced five official co-productions, one television mini-series, two children's drama series, documentary series, and one feature-length documentary. 'Animals' is the first theatrical dramatic feature film made under this treaty. The competent authorities tasked with administrating the co-production program in both Australia and Ireland are Screen Australia and the Irish Film Board respectively.
This film's director, Sophie Hyde, said of this film's source book: "Emma's novel [and screenplay] is a celebration of a female friendship and an examination of being a modern woman, a woman with faults and longings, aspirations and competing desires...I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with both Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat to bring two characters to the screen who are funny, disturbing, charming, and nuanced, and I am delighted to bring this 'Animals' world to life with an exceptional team from both Ireland and Australia".
Caitlin Moran described the film's source 2014 novel of the same name by Emma Jane Unsworth as: "'Withnail and I' with girls". 'Animals' went into development in 2017, which was the 30th anniversary year of Withnail & I (1987).
Adam Smith, Aacting CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), said of this production: "The SAFC is thrilled to continue the journey with the now renowned South Australian production company Closer Productions, and the unique creative voice of Sophie Hyde, as they take this exciting next step into international co-production with Animals. It is an amazing opportunity for the South Australian team to work on an international production, which has roots in South Australia".