Describe your role at Fred Rogers Productions.
I’m a producer on the animated series Alma’s Way. In my role, I support all aspects of the series, including, reviewing and giving feedback on scripting, design, casting, music, and animation, facilitating communication with partners and collaborators, and working with the team to fulfill the overall creative vision for the series. I also review the design of ancillary materials in relation to the show such as posters and promotional materials, parade balloons, costumes, and the recent Alma’s Way museum exhibit. Alma’s Way is an ah-may-zing show, and I’m so happy to be a part of it!
Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.
I’ve always loved children, animation, and storytelling, so working in children’s media is a very natural fit for me. When I first started college, I was planning to be an elementary school teacher, but I found myself drawn to the film and television field, so I switched my major to communications media with a double minor in theater and English. Along with the productions I worked on, I took a series of courses which led me to write and animate a short episode for a children’s series and which really grounded my appreciation for the field.
After graduating, I worked for a non-profit where I managed independent film initiatives designed to foster filmmakers and stimulate creative projects in Pittsburgh. As luck would have it, that company was across the hall from Fred Rogers Productions, so over the course of a few years I did freelance work with FRP, and then eventually came to work at FRP full time to aid the creation of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood website. After that, I worked on a few development projects for FRP, one of which was Alma’s Way.
What do you like most about working at Fred Rogers Productions?
Fred Rogers Productions is an absolutely wonderful place to work. The people here are so kind, genuine, and passionate about creating valuable content for kids and families. Through my work at FRP, I’m proud to be a part of creating something meaningful that kids are able to connect to, learn from, and grow with.
What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?
There were lots of shows and movies that I enjoyed throughout different times in my childhood. A lot of the PBS shows like Bill Nye, The Magic School Bus, Arthur, and Reading Rainbow were staples for me, but also I distinctly remember loving the animation style of the Disney films; looking at movies like The Lion King and appreciating how detailed and beautiful the backgrounds were, and at the time wondering if it would be possible to make the animated characters just as detailed! At one point, along with a childhood friend, we hosted “24-Hour Disney Movie Night,” where the rule was at least one of us was supposed to be awake and watching the all-day/night movie marathon!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband and daughter, baking, having picnics, and doing artistic endeavors!