Author: Brooke Wehrle

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to share that one of our interactive producers, Rubin Soodak, has joined the second cohort of the Well-Being by Design Fellowship from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. This is a professional development program for designers and producers in the interactive kids' technology and media space. Rubin joins nine other fellows and will participate in a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions over a five-month long period.

 

Learn more about the program, fellows, and Rubin here!

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.  

I was studying film production at Columbia College Chicago when I secured an internship at a company known for creating commercials that featured “kids being kids.” I had always wanted to work with children in some capacity, and this was the perfect environment for me to develop skills that combined both film production and working with kids. It feels like a career in children’s television was a natural progression. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie.  

My job title on Donkey Hodie is Associate Director, a position which is sometimes difficult to describe. My role as the AD is essentially keeping all the various departments on the same page and moving forward to “make our day” or stay on schedule. Each episode starts the same way; once the script and storyboards are finalized, I break them down and build a shot list. I then collaborate with the department heads and create a shooting schedule — that’s the easy part. The most challenging aspect of my job occurs when we begin shooting. Things change at the last minute or don’t always work out as expected — which is the nature of production. It’s my job to communicate with the crew and find solutions that will keep the show on schedule.  

Do you have a favorite Donkey Hodie episode?  

I don’t have a favorite episode, per se, but there are scenes that are close to my heart. In “Chili Jamboree,” Bob Dog sings a number called “The So Hard Waiting to Chew the Chili Blues,” about how waiting for something can be difficult. Another stand-out is when King Friday makes an appearance in the episode “Royal Sandcastle Builders,” which brought me back a childhood memory seeing King Friday on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I think a favorite moment for everyone on the crew, myself included, was in the episode “Bobbly Ball” where Uncle Panda sings the iconic Mister Rogers song, “I’m Proud of You.”   

Do you have a favorite moment while working on the set?  

My favorite moments on set are when crew members bring their families to visit. The look of amazement when anyone walks the stage and sees all the incredible sets and the army of puppets, the creativity, the detail, and the execution makes me so proud to be a part of Donkey Hodie. Everyone, especially the puppeteers, take time out of their day to engage with guests and make them feel special.  

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

One of my favorite childhood memories is watching The Muppet Show with my family. The show aired later in the evening, and I remember my siblings and I would put on our pajamas, bring our pillows and blankets down to the TV room, and my dad would make a big bowl of popcorn. Watching The Muppet Show was an event at my house.  

What do you like to do when you’re not working?  

On the days I’m not working, I enjoy not having a schedule to follow. I like to spend time with my girlfriend and our dog, take a weekend road trip, or get together with friends to enjoy a good meal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Our teams are extremely honored to have received four Children’s and Family Emmy nominations across both Donkey Hodie and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. You can see the full list of nominees here. The categories recognized are as follows:

Outstanding Preschool Series – Donkey Hodie
Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series – Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Interactive Media – Donkey Hodie: Cousin Hodie Playdate, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: My Bedtime

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you got involved with Odd Squad.
When I was at Sesame Workshop, I was lucky enough to work with Tim and Adam (co-creators of OS) on The Electric Company. Often, in the world of kids’ media, there is a clear line between the "education people" and the "creatives.” With Tim and Adam, that line really wasn't there. I had my world of expertise, and they had theirs, but there was a lot of collaborative exploration that went on, which made for the most fun job ever. When they got the green light for Odd Squad, they hired me as the education director, and I moved to LA for a few months for the start of the writer's room for the show. It was really significant to be an integral part of the show from the early stages, and I definitely think it helped the team to craft hilarious and bizarre stories with math authentically "baked-in.”   

Describe your role on Odd Squad over the years. 

I was the education director and consulting producer for Season 1 of the show and then an educational consultant for Seasons 2 and 4. At the beginning, my job was to choose and articulate the curricular goals for the show, fleshing out the math in language that would be easy for writers to access when pitching and writing stories. After we got into pre-production, my role was reviewing outlines, scripts, and initial edits of the show to ensure they successfully delivered on the learning (while maintaining the oddness and fun!) In addition to the show, I also advised on the suite of games that live on PBS KIDS and a "Be the Agent" outreach experience for camps and afterschool programs. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

TOUGH question. Most likely a four-way tie: The Smurfs, The Jetsons, Family Ties, and Benson. 

Do you have a favorite episode of Odd Squad? 

“Dance Like Nobody's Watching” Season 1, Episode 18. I am Soundcheck's #1 fan.  

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Crossword puzzles. Play with my 8-year-old. Organize stuff in my house. Walk around Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Make things out of other things. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you got started in children’s media.
I was a magazine editor for many years. But I always did a lot of improv and comedy on the side and dreamed of being a comedy writer. I had all these funny stories I wanted to write, inspired by my culture and family. So in 2020, I went to The Second City Film School and focused on screenwriting. That led to fellowships at Sesame Workshop and Fred Rogers Productions, which helped me land my first freelance scripts in children's media.

What was it like being a Writers’ Neighborhood Fellow?
The Writers’ Neighborhood program felt like joining a super supportive children’s media family! It was such an incredible experience, from bonding with the other fellows in Pittsburgh to meeting so many wonderful mentors. The fellowship focuses on how to have a career freelancing for children’s media, and it was exactly what I needed to kickstart my freelance screenwriting career. I had freelanced one script prior to the fellowship and, in the year following the fellowship, I freelanced 13 scripts for kids’ TV and YouTube series!

Describe your role on Alma’s Way.
I’m a staff writer on Alma’s Way, and my job includes writing episodes, brainstorming ideas with the writing team, proofing scripts, collecting and distributing script notes, and working closely with the Head Writer and Story Editor. I love working on a series that’s so full of heart and humor with so, so many amazing characters. It's a comedy writer's dream!

Do you have any advice for other freelance writers looking to get into the industry?
Write script samples that you really love and highlight your unique voice. Keep entering and applying for fellowships, pitch contests, script competitions—you never know where these things will lead. Join an industry organization like the Children's Media Association— they have tons of great events. And I'm a big fan of improv as a way to get more comfy with pitching, finding your voice as a writer, and meeting other creative friends—it's the best kind of networking! 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?
DuckTales—I loved any show with funny siblings and treasure. I still do!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I perform improv and stand-up, and I continue my lifelong search for the most almond-y almond croissant in New York City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

I’ve always been drawn to technology. In high school, I would spend time at a friend’s family-owned television production company, experimenting with their gear. I thought TV might be a fun career, so I enrolled in the Media Arts program at Sheridan College. After graduation, I spent eight years with the Toronto Police Video Services Unit, producing training videos and providing investigative support. Wanting to explore something more creative, I began freelancing as an editor with a local production company, which led to a full-time role. We produced several commercials for a major toy company, sparking my interest in children's television. Over time, I transitioned into visual effects, taking on roles at various studios and gaining experience on increasingly challenging projects. In 2014, I met Matt Bishop from Sinking Ship Entertainment and started working with them on an effects-heavy children’s show, which would become Odd Squad. Since then, I’ve collaborated with them on several children’s series, including Annedroids, Dino Dana, Ghostwriter, and Endlings. In 2022, our team won an Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards. I’m still a kid at heart, and working in children's television has been some of the most rewarding and meaningful work of my career. 

 What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?  

Sesame Street had a big impact on me. Growing up in a new, predominantly Caucasian neighborhood, it was my first real exposure to multiculturalism. Teaching me that despite what might seem to set us apart, we are all fundamentally the same. I was also fascinated by puppets and model trains, which made Mister Rogers' Neighborhood a favorite as well. 

 Describe your role on Odd Squad. 

As the visual effects supervisor and producer on Odd Squad, I work with the director and showrunners to develop a creative brief for the CG characters, gadget zaps, and other 'Oddness' effects in each episode. I then lead the artistic teams through each phase of production, ensuring we stay within scope, on schedule, and on budget. Odd Squad holds a special place for me as I've been involved since the very first episode, representing 10 years of my career. 

 What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad? 

It's hard to choose just one, but I'd say season 1, episode 8 “A Case of the Sing-Alongs" is a standout. Sean Cullen was brilliant as Mayor Macklemore, and the Chili Cook-off scene still cracks me up. On a more personal note, season 2, episode 1 “First Day” holds a special place in my heart because my two sons had the chance to appear as background agents. Odd Squad was their favorite show, and they couldn't believe they got to be part of it. Having them on set with me was an unforgettable experience. 

 What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy axe throwing, off-roading in my Jeep, cooking, live music, and spending quality time with my family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

While I was in university for political science and African studies, I simultaneously pursued my lifetime interest in creating music and entertainment. I began to produce music for local hip-hop artists. This created a love for a combination of being creative and entrepreneurial. This experience led me to an audio production program after completing my university studies, where I developed a strong desire to create sound for picture. After working in live sound on movie sets, an opportunity came up for me to work on sound for animation. I developed a lot of experience in this area and then opened my own business focusing on audio postproduction. While I have worked on a variety of projects, including TV series, films, music videos and advertising, my primary focus and love remains in children’s television and animation. In this time, I have accumulated over 1000 credits working on children’s animation. 

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

My favorite tv shows as a young child were Sesame Street and the Electric Company. I loved the inclusivity and chaotic and fun feel of these shows.  I also enjoyed the full slate of Saturday morning cartoons that used to air when I was a kid.  

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 

On Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, I am the re-recording mixer and sound designer. I designed the original set of sound effects for the series, I assemble all of the audio elements for each episode, including music from the composers and music editor, dialogue and sound effects, and mix them together to present to the production. Then, I work together with the producers and directors to create the final soundscape for each episode. I am proud to say I have done this for every episode of Daniel since the pilot episode in 2011. 

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? 

It is very difficult to pick just one, there are many episodes close to my heart, and many which have helped me as a parent, as my son was born at the same time the series began.  I think if I had to pick just one, it would be Season 1, episode 11, “Daniel Goes to the Potty.”  It was a unique and brilliant way to help parents and kids with a tricky learning experience that every child needs. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

In my free time I enjoy making music, cooking, traveling and reading, as well as being physically active, cycling, and working out as much as I can! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television. 

As a child, I was always fascinated with characters and the worlds they lived in. This stemmed from TV and movies (Pokémon and Studio Ghibli) as well as computer games I played when I was elementary school age. That quickly evolved into an interest for the voices behind some of my favorite characters in video games — generally Japanese influenced. One voice actor in particular who I highly respected was Charles Martinet (Super Mario). You could say he is an early catalyst for my interest in performing as he brought so much life to a beloved character to so many. Naturally being so drawn to characters and needing an outlet as I was left to my own devices after school, I reconnected with the Muppets again as a middle schooler. I eventually branched out and taught myself how to build and perform with puppets. I started to post YouTube videos of my own puppet content (2011-2015), which were seen by my current friend and colleague, Tau Bennett. Over the years he and I, among several other friends, became a close-knit troupe that would work together. Due to this link, when we were much older (2019) David Rudman [Co-Founder, Spiffy Pictures and Co-Creator/Executive Producer, Donkey Hodie] asked Tau if he knew of any Chicago puppeteers, and I was one of the first names to come to mind. 

Describe your role(s) on Donkey Hodie. 

 My roles on Donkey Hodie include: puppet wrangling (dressing, styling, and rigging all the puppet characters), puppeteering (usually assist puppeteering, right hands, puppeteering musical instruments, or doubling as characters), costume building (build costumes for the characters), puppet building (build smaller scale, background and one-off puppets), and just recently I’ve made a few simple props. 

Do you have a favorite Donkey Hodie episode? 

My favorite episode of Donkey Hodie (so far) is the "Return of the Golden Crunchdoodles." It was our last shoot day of Season 1 and such an amazing shoot day at that. The sound effects, music, visuals, the 360° table rotation effect… it’s all so amazing. And the characters finally get what they have been looking for!   

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 

One of my favorite films growing up (I didn’t have access to much TV) was My Neighbor Totoro. This movie opened up my mind to anime and the rest of the fabulous Studio Ghibli films. I owe a lot of my own personal puppet designs to the Ghibli look. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

When I am not working, I love to work on my own puppetry projects, cosplay, and enjoy indie video games. 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

The Renewal of the Fred Rogers Productions Series Will Feature an All-New Format

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood kicks off its seventh season on August 12, 2024 on PBS KIDS. Season 7 of the animated series from Fred Rogers Productions will feature 14 episodes with exciting new interstitials plus one half-hour special. Since its launch in 2012, the relatable Daniel Tiger has become beloved by children and parents alike as he takes viewers along on his everyday adventures in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Now, viewers will experience the perspective of other fan-favorite characters in an exciting new format change for the series.

For the first time, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will feature stories from the points-of-view of familiar friends. Each half-hour will include one story from Daniel’s perspective and another from the perspective of characters including Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Prince Wednesday, Jodi Platypus, Max, and Chrissie. The show’s iconic “Imagination Moments" will also be presented from the unique perspectives of other characters to illustrate each friend’s own imaginative style.

“We’re excited that the new format will give children more opportunities to see themselves and their experiences represented as they get to know Daniel’s friends in a different way,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “Celebrating friends and neighbors is one of many ways that Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues the legacy of Fred Rogers.”

“We’re thrilled to continue bringing stories from Daniel and all his friends to kids across the country on PBS KIDS,” said Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, PBS KIDS. “Families love to share with us how much these characters and lessons resonate, and we can’t wait for everyone to see more.”

In addition to new songs and stories—including a helpful potty strategy tune—the seventh season will feature an episode where Daniel and friends wonder what's new about Trolley. Young viewers and their families will also get to visit a new location and meet Jodi’s dad, Mr. Plat, who lives outside the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.