Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Odd Squad
Peg + Cat
Watch on PBS KIDS. Check local listings for specific airtimes.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows.
I have always created stories and wanted to turn them into shows and cartoons. While growing up, I would get my neighbors to make shows with me inspired by everything from The Amanda Show to James Bond. Before joining the FRP team, I produced all types of digital media for an educational nonprofit. They asked me to take over as educator for an afterschool classroom of kindergarten and first graders. I was hesitant at first, but I ended up having tons of fun drawing, making crafts, playing games, and watching the kids grow over the course of two years. Their growth inspired me to learn more about childhood development and begin creating stories that help kids grow and ignite their curiosity for the world.
What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?
There isn’t one particular show I can think of, but Arthur was on every morning in my house while I ate cereal before school. If I woke up early enough, I would catch the last half of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, too. I watched any cartoon I could find on TV or at video rental stores, so I found some animation gems from before my time like Scooby Doo Where are You? and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Donkey Hodie?
I manage communications between all the awesome teams that create Donkey Hodie. There are so many creative people working on the show, but because we’re each based in different parts of the country, it can be difficult to make the show right now. I do what I can to keep everyone on the same page (literally, because I keep track of all our hilarious scripts!). There are new opportunities for me on the show every week because Donkey Hodie is still growing while we get closer and closer to its release.
What are you excited for families to experience with Donkey Hodie?
Donkey Hodie is unlike any other puppet show I’ve seen, and I quickly fell in love when I first dove into the world through my work. It has the same type of goofy humor and characters that I love in everything else I watch, but Donkey Hodie’s soundtrack is where it really shines.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?
I like to run or bike or hike whenever I get the chance. It’s been a great way to explore Pittsburgh and feel like I’m going on real adventures. If I’m stuck inside while not working on the show, I’m probably watching different TV shows, or reading and writing. I also like to try out new hobbies; right now, I’m obsessed with chess and learning the piano.
Since we just celebrated Thanksgiving, what is your ideal holiday meal?
I’m convinced you can have a full Thanksgiving meal of only root vegetable dishes, because there is a MASSIVE variety of root vegetables. My favorite part of my family’s Thanksgiving table is always the mashed sweet potatoes topped with cinnamon-sugar and pecans.
Donkey Hodie, which is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, is coming to PBS KIDS in 2021.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to build costumes for children’s television shows as a career.
Theatre and films have always been in my life. Growing up, I loved to watch classic movies, and for my birthday, my parents would always take me to see a live show. Leading to the Phantom of the Opera being the soundtrack of my youth, as funny as that is. Raised in a creative environment with my mom being a sewer/crafter and my dad always doing something to the house, it was only natural that I chose to become a seamstress in the theatrical world.
I obtained Fanshawe College’s Fashion Design advanced diploma and then a Costume Studies graduate studies certificate to hone my skills. I was lucky enough to get a work placement at the Stratford Festival. From there, I spent two seasons at The Shaw Festival as a milliner’s assistant, which made me further fall in love with hat making. Over the following years, I transitioned to Toronto theatre. I’ve worked on productions for Young Peoples’ Theatre, The Christmas Panto, and The National Ballet. Last year, I was invited to work for designer Christine Toye as a seamstress for Odd Squad Mobile Unit.
This is my second season on the show. It has been such an incredible experience. Children's shows are always colorful and fun, and Odd Squad is no exception. The amazing villains’ costumes are always my favorite garments to build with their interesting fabric as well as dramatic shapes, each costume is unique and exciting.
What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?
Not sure if I actually had a favorite show; I have always preferred movies. I do fondly remember watching Popular Mechanics for Kids, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Power Rangers with my older brother. I always loved the interesting characters and over-the-top villains.
What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Odd Squad?
My first step into building a costume is usually talking to my Cutter, someone who takes a sheet of measurements, turns them into a paper pattern, then uses it to cut the fabric. We discuss the design, as well as if there are any specific instructions I need to follow. I initially sew the garment to prepare it for a fitting with the actor. After the fitting, the Cutter will mark the alterations I need to make, and it is at this point I finish sewing the garment.
As well as being a seamstress, I am also a milliner. It is hard to describe a process because the hats are many different shapes and structures that take different methods to make. No matter the type of hat, it always starts with an illustration from the designer. From there, I might have to do some research on the ways to structure the hat and materials best for the project. I then go back to the designer to discuss the hat so I get all the particulars. Next is making the pattern; from there, it depends on what I’m making. For something like a wizard’s hat or a bellhop hat, I make a base out of a canvas, then cover it in fabric. For something like a fascinator or headdress, it is all about a wire structure and creating the topper, which can also vary in materials. Every project is unique and has its own challenges that are always fun to solve and have structural needs.
What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad?
My favorite episodes tend to be based on which costumes I enjoyed making the most.
One of those includes the episode with the goats—it's not every day you make a three-piece suit for a goat. Another episode that I will always be fond of is “Villain Network.” For this episode, I was able to build the costumes as well as be on set helping the actors get ready. It is amazing to get to see the characters come to life.
What is your favorite costume you have made for Odd Squad?
If I had to choose, it would be Ancient Orla/Ancient Agents, Shelly Catessan, the Goat Suits, StarWipe, and Mr. Unpredictable. I know that's a lot, but they are my top picks for many different reasons. I come from a more classical background, and I love to work on period pieces like the Ancient characters as well, as this is the first costume I made for the series.
For characters like Shelly and StarWipe, I love building their headpieces. It is so hard to make them look realistic, and it paid off. Mr. Unpredictable was the first costume I was able to pattern, cut, and help sew. Usually a sewer is not responsible for the patterning and fitting of the garment, but for this project my designer and cutter trusted me enough to help create the adorable character.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?
My projects outside of work vary, but always have to do with creating. I like to crochet, embroider, work with thermoplastics, resin, and of course I sew in my spare time as well. The creativity never stops, so neither do I, unless my dog is in want for someone.
Since Halloween is this week, what is your costume going to be?
I'm a big fan of Halloween! I love to dress up. I'm presently making a mushroom costume, with a giant cap for myself. It is a big project, but I am excited for the end result.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Won’t You Sing Along with Me? has been recognized by Common Sense Media's selection seal program for families. The special, created to help parents manage conversations with their children about the COVID-19 pandemic, is a sing-along special including such favorite songs as "We Take Care of Each Other," "When You're Sick, Rest is Best," and more. Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to share this honor with our partners at 9 Story Media Group, Brown Bag Films, and PBS KIDS.
"Preschoolers are encouraged to think critically about current problems and are offered positive examples of ways to cope," the editors note. "Characters model positive ways to handle challenges, and offer empathy for the young kids and others struggling during this time."
Read the full write-up from Common Sense Media here.
Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, and 9 Story Distribution International, the global distribution arm of 9 Story Media Group, a leading kids’ content creator, producer, and distributor, are joining forces to bring Donkey Hodie to preschoolers and families around the world. The eagerly-awaited puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures will be available to international broadcasters for the first time at MIPJunior in October.
The (80x11-min) series, set to premiere in the U.S. on PBS KIDS in 2021, was created by Spiffy Pictures’ co-founders, Adam Rudman and David Rudman, and developed by Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer at Fred Rogers Productions. It is inspired by the work of Fred Rogers.
“Donkey Hodie is a series with universal appeal for children around the globe, and we’re excited to be partnering with the 9 Story Distribution team to bring the show to a worldwide audience,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re proud to be modeling resilience and problem solving for young viewers with every new Donkey Hodie adventure.”
“We are so happy to be working with our long-standing partner, Fred Rogers Productions, to distribute this delightful show to viewers everywhere,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP, Distribution and Acquisitions for 9 Story. “Donkey Hodie combines humor, silliness, and a lot of heart to help young viewers tackle some of the problems they face in their daily lives.”
Donkey Hodie is an imaginative social-emotional series that follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie along with her pals, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog, as they empower preschoolers to dream big, persevere, and discover that they are capable of overcoming obstacles on their own – and laugh themselves silly along the way! The series is inspired by the quirky sense of humor of children’s TV pioneer Fred Rogers and his mission to help young viewers navigate the everyday challenges of childhood. Donkey Hodie is the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character (now known as “Grampy Hodie”) from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, who appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved classic children’s series.
Donkey Hodie features new, original music as well as reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ original songs to reinforce and underscore each story’s positive message.
In addition to granting 9 Story Distribution the global distribution rights to Donkey Hodie, Fred Rogers Productions recently named 9 Story Brands worldwide merchandising and licensing partner for the brand in all markets outside of the U.S.
About 9 Story Distribution International
9 Story Distribution International is the international distribution arm of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Barney, and Garfield and Friends, 9 Story Distribution International represents over 4,200 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With facilities in Toronto, New York, Dublin, Manchester and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs more than 1,100 creative and corporate staff.
About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, Emmy Award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, as well as Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS. For more information,
visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
# # #
Press contacts:
Alison Grand, Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com
Laura Liebeck, Grand Communications
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com
Jennifer Ansley, 9 Story Media Group
416-530-9900; jennifer.ansley@9story.com
Odd Squad, the Emmy® award-winning live-action school-age series co-produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Sinking Ship Entertainment, has begun production on an extension of its third season.
The new episodes of Odd Squad will continue to take the agents on far-flung adventures to solve oddness wherever it occurs. With the help of their decked-out Mobile Unit, the Squad will use their hard-earned math and science skills as they travel the world and team up to stop villains in their tracks. In addition to the agents that viewers know and love, an all-new character will make an exciting debut.
Odd Squad is a live-action series designed to help kids 5-8 build math, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The show focuses on intrepid young agents who are part of Odd Squad, an agency whose mission is to investigate strange happenings. All three seasons of Odd Squad feature a math concept embedded in each episode that the Squad uses to set things right. Named one of the best kids’ shows of the decade by Common Sense Media, and with a track record as one of the most-streamed series on PBS KIDS digital platforms,* Odd Squad has solidified itself as a long-standing family favorite. Odd Squad airs daily on PBS KIDS.
* Source: Google Analytics January 2015 – July 2020
It's the most ghoulish time of the year! Celebrate the festivities all month long with your favorite Autumnal episodes of Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Check your local listings for specific airtimes.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Odd Squad
Peg + Cat
This fall, kids across the country can tune in to Odd Squad in an exciting new way with a fun and educational podcast that will take young listeners beyond the screen and even deeper into the exciting world of the familiar series. ODD SQUAD: Odd Squadcast will premiere on November 25. Audiences can listen along on pbskids.org and anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Spinning off from the “odd-ventures” of Odd Squad, the multiple Emmy®-winning series from Fred Rogers Productions and Sinking Ship Entertainment, the eagerly-anticipated ODD SQUAD: Odd Squadcast follows The Big O as she hosts a weekly radio address for agents all over the world—and tries to stop an odd invasion on headquarters at the same time! The podcast will consist of seven episodes, with two episodes launching weekly.
Odd Squadcast was created with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
A live-action series designed to help kids 5-8 build math, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, Odd Squad centers on four young agents who are part of Odd Squad, an agency whose mission is to investigate strange happenings. Launched as part of the Ready To Learn initiative, a collaboration between CPB and PBS funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Odd Squad is now in its third season. Every episode features a math concept that Odd Squad uses to set things right. To crack each case, the agents use deductive reasoning and logical thinking—along with teamwork and a hefty dose of humor—to explore the “math in the science.”
Also premiering in Fall 2020 from PBS KIDS will be Season 2 of the Molly of Denali Podcast and the debut of the Pinkalicious & Peterrific Podcast.
Tell us about yourself and how you came to direct children's television shows as a career.
I fell in love with drawing and animation at a very young age. It was magic to me, and I was pretty driven to follow it as a career choice. I took both traditional animation and 3D animation programs in college.
I started off working as an animator, having fun with characters on such shows as Peep and the Big Wide World, Best Ed, and Almost Naked Animals. Over the years, my interest in other parts of the pipeline kept me curious about each department and how it all came together. Opportunities came to try storyboards, and I fell in love with being able to make different choices that influence story and performance, and I got to draw!
I spent the first three seasons of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood as the assistant director. I then spent some time in Ireland as storyboard supervisor on The Stinky & Dirty Show. When I was asked to step into the director role during season four of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, I felt I knew the show very well, had support from the team and clients, and had learned so much from the director that came before me that I was ready for the challenge.
Directing wasn’t an ambition of mine, but the opportunity to try it was amazing, so I jumped in! Now we’re more than half way through season five and I’m enjoying how much I’m learning and growing in this role. I’ve spent a quarter of my life working on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which I think is pretty remarkable!
What was your favorite television show growing up?
I had so many favorites, I could never choose! I loved He-Man and She-Ra, Thundercats, Care Bears, X-Men, Rainbow Brite, Jem and the Holograms, Looney Tunes, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Mr. Dressup, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and more.
I loved the endless worlds, characters, and possibilities they presented. I loved Mr. Dressup because he taught kids to draw, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood because he showed kids how to ask questions and face the world with open hearts and kindness.
What are the steps that go into your role to make an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?
My role involves collaboration at every step with our partners at Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group, as well as each department on the team here at Brown Bag Films. We work together to influence and provide feedback on how things come together with the intended look and feel.
I have the pleasure of being involved in everything from scripting, to final delivery of the animated episodes and shorts, all while working with a lot of brilliant people. My time is spent reviewing scripts and lyrics, working with many artists to plan out setups, compositions, and story flow; launching and reviewing storyboards, designs, layouts, background paintings, miniatures, and animation; working with editors to time out leicas; and fusing together ideas from partners and the team to make the best choices we can for the show.
On any given day, there could be a dozen episodes or more, all in different stages, coming together bit by bit over many months and years. I have the best “seat in the house!” I’m lucky to see things start as ideas, words, and sketches. Through a lot of hard work and heartfelt dedication from very skilled people, those ideas, words, and sketches evolve into something special and alive on screen that people really care about—that’s magic!
What are your favorite episodes of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood?
It's impossible to choose just one! I feel a real connection to a lot of them and find the strategies helpful in my own life.
“Tiger Family Trip” was made right after I’d done a 24-day road trip with my Mom and her dog from Toronto to Tofino and back. It was great fun to associate my happy memories with the Tigers’ journey to Grandpere’s house. It definitely influenced a few of the visuals along the way!
“The Big Slide” has helped me cope with my fear of flying. I’ve chirped, “I’m a brave owl!” just like O, while stepping on to the plane, and got some laughs when the flight staff heard me.
“Nighttime in the Neighborhood” is also a favorite. I loved seeing the Neighborhood of Make-Believe at night and seeing Daniel dancing among the stars. The songs from that episode are some of my all-time favorites. Don’t get me started on the songs, they are all so catchy and wonderful!
There are several episodes we are working on this season that have yet to air or be completed that are very meaningful to me, and I can’t wait to see them finished! The entire team has continued working so well during this pandemic; even though we’re apart, it feels like we’re together.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?
I enjoy family time in various fun forms: board game nights, movie nights, video calls, backyard BBQs and cooking show marathons, gardening, beach days, video games, spending time with my partner, parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces.
I like taking road trips when circumstances allow. I love driving and the freedom of exploring. With family and friends, I’ve traveled coast to coast across Canada, down to Key West in Florida, and lots in between, all by car.
I have enjoyed photography for a long time. I mostly photograph clouds, flowers, bugs, and everything in nature. In recent years, I’ve had the unique joy of photographing raptors (birds of prey). I’ve been able to photograph some really gorgeous hawks, golden and bald eagles, kestrels, falcons, and owls outside in all seasons.
Watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS.
Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the much-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Odd Squad, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Peg + Cat, has inked a national sponsorship deal with Age of Learning’s Adventure Academy for Odd Squad.
Adventure Academy, from the creators of award-winning ABCmouse.com, is a highly engaging online game for elementary and middle school children featuring thousands of learning activities in an interactive virtual world. Both Odd Squad and Adventure Academy make learning enjoyable for kids through quests and adventures that help them become more proficient in math and science. As part of the sponsorship, a 15-second spot will appear at the start and end of each Odd Squad episode. The Adventure Academy logo will also be included on educational assets and digital media, including the series’ website on PBSKIDS.org and PBS KIDS for Parents (pbs.org/parents). The sponsorship runs from September 14, 2020 to December 26, 2021.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Adventure Academy as a national sponsor for Odd Squad,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “Like Odd Squad, Adventure Academy encourages children to persevere and work collaboratively to solve problems.”
Fred Rogers Productions partnered with public media sales organization Sponsorship Group for Public Television to secure the sponsorship. “As a sponsor of Odd Squad, Adventure Academy is part of a unique group of companies that sustains public television and our core mission of serving kids and families with quality, enriching programming,” said Suzanne Zellner, VP. “We are proud to have their support.”
Odd Squad is a live-action series designed to help kids 5-8 build math, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The show focuses on intrepid young agents who are part of Odd Squad, an agency whose mission is to investigate strange happenings. All three seasons of Odd Squad feature a math concept embedded in each episode that the Squad uses to set things right. Named one of the best kids’ shows of the decade by Common Sense Media, and with a track record as one of the most-streamed series on PBS KIDS digital platforms,* Odd Squad has solidified itself as a long-standing family favorite. Odd Squad airs daily on PBS stations (check local listings), the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and streams on pbskids.org and the free PBS KIDS Video app. Odd Squad also airs on TVO Kids and SRC in Canada.
Odd Squad was created by Tim McKeon (Fosterʼs Home for Imaginary Friends, Adventure Time, The Electric Company) and Adam Peltzman (The Electric Company, The Backyardigans, Wallykazam!) and produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment and Fred Rogers Productions. For more information on Odd Squad, visit pbskids.org/oddsquad and follow Odd Squad on Facebook and Twitter.
* Source: Google Analytics January 2015 – July 2020
About Age of Learning
Age of Learning® is a leading education technology innovator, creating engaging and effective learning resources to help children build a strong foundation for academic success. Based in Los Angeles, the company is Bringing Learning to Life® by blending educational expertise, innovative technology, and insightful creativity. Age of Learning’s flagship product in the U.S., ABCmouse.com® Early Learning Academy, is a comprehensive curriculum for preschool through second grade, available on all major digital platforms and used by tens of millions of children to date. In 2019 the company launched Adventure Academy™, the first AAA educational massively multiplayer online game (MMO), serving elementary- and middle-school-aged children with thousands of learning activities in a fun and safe virtual world. Connect with Age of Learning at www.AgeofLearning.com or on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
About Sponsorship Group for Public Television
The Sponsorship Group for Public Television represents the best sponsorships on PBS, with national inventory from GBH Boston and other producers of quality public media content across all genres and platforms. For more information on this or other PBS sponsorship opportunities, contact the Sponsorship Group for Public Television at 800.886.9364, email sgptv@wgbh.org or visit SGPTV.org.
About Sinking Ship Entertainment
Sinking Ship Entertainment is an award-winning production, distribution and interactive company specializing in family and kids’ live action and CGI blended content. Since opening its doors in 2004, Sinking Ship has produced over 500 hours of content, and through their globally recognized in-house distribution division, has sold to over 200 countries internationally. The company has rapidly earned a global reputation for high quality, groundbreaking original series and companion interactive experiences. Overall, Sinking Ship has won 21 Daytime Emmy® Awards and a variety of other international awards including Canadian Screen Awards, Youth Media Alliance Awards, Fan Chile Awards, Parent’s Choice Awards, the Shaw Rocket Prize, and the Prix Jeunesse International. In addition to production, Sinking Ship operates a cutting edge VFX and Interactive Studio, creating multi-platform digital experiences and interactive content for audiences around the world. The Toronto-based company is home to over 175 shipmates.
About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, Emmy Award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods as well as Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Roger's Neighborhood, launching early 2021 on PBS KIDS. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
# # #
Press contacts:
Grand Communications
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com
Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com
