Category: Uncategorized

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to working in game design.

My preparation for working in game design started at birth. Whether it was playing card games—like Spades and Russian Rummy—at family gatherings or my brothers and I battling it out in Mario Kart 64 upstairs in the den, games were a constant in my childhood. However, the chief training I received to be a game designer came from my oldest brother, Scott. He fell in love with video games and board games, and he passed that love on to me. And he didn't only love playing games, he loved dissecting them and discerning what made them work. Whenever Scott and I were together we were talking about games and dreaming about making them ourselves. By the time I went to college, it seemed natural that I would study computer science with the goal of making game design a career.

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

I watched some really dumb TV shows growing up, but two shows that I think were actually great were Batman: The Animated Series and The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Both, in different ways, respected kids, trusting that they understand more than they are frequently given credit for and never speaking down to them.

Batman, despite being about superheroes, featured multidimensional characters and trusted kids to understand that evil isn't always cartoonish and that knowing and doing what is good isn't always easy.

Pete & Pete felt like it was written by children (though very intelligent children) in that it took things that kids loved and found funny and let those scenarios play out to their ridiculous end. It was frequently a bizarre show, but kids are delightfully bizarre too, and Pete & Pete relished in this.

What goes into your role in the creation of digital content for Alma’s Way?

My role at Makefully is two-fold. For each project, I'm involved in both the ideation and creation processes.

So, for something like "The Alma Train," the first step is determining what we are going to make. Fred Rogers Productions gives us a theme ("subway trains" in this case), and from there, the Makefully team and I figure out what a game about trains could be in Alma's world. To do this well, we consider the themes and goals of the show, the characters in Alma's Way and the roles they might play in the game, the audience for the game, and ask questions like “What do kids love about trains and how would they want to play with them?” This whole ideation process is messy and involves a lot of trust within Makefully and between Makefully and Fred Rogers Productions as we wade through a wide range of ideas so that we can eventually get to the great ones.

Once an idea is settled on, my role changes and suddenly, as a programmer, I get to bring the idea to life. Sometimes this leaves me cursing myself as I run into hurdles, I've created for myself; but there's also a lot of joy in being able to bring to life what previously only lived in imagination!

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

In the last couple of years, I've fallen in love with gardening! I come by my interest naturally through my father who, when I was growing up, always made sure the yard around our house was beautiful. I've always enjoyed painting and drawing and in some ways, gardening seems like a natural extension of that, except the canvas is alive and must be cared for and nurtured. In return, it surprises you with unexpected beauty.

I'm still an amateur gardener at best, and my wife has been very patient with me as I've learned, particularly when I show up with new plants from the nursery without thinking ahead about where they might go in the yard. If I ever impoverish my family, it'll be because I needed "just one more" hydrangea.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, August 2, 2022 – Alma’s Way, the newest animated hit series from Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy® Award-winning series, has been greenlit for a second season on PBS KIDS. The upcoming season of the show, created by Sonia Manzano (“Maria” on Sesame Street) and produced in association with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why), is slated to premiere in fall 2023 and will consist of 25 half-hour episodes, including two 30-minute specials.

Focusing on critical thinking, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, Alma’s Way is aimed at viewers 4-6 and follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her parents; younger brother, Junior; and Abuelo as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members. The series showcases Latino cultures through music, food, language, and more. All episodes are available in both English and Spanish.

“We’re thrilled that audiences have so warmly embraced Alma’s Way and will soon get to tag along on new adventures with Alma as she continues to think things through alongside her friends and family in the Bronx,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions and an executive producer of the series. “The show’s focus on critical thinking and community has resonated strongly with viewers universally, and the new season will provide them with an even more expansive look at Alma’s world.”

"Alma’s Way suggests to children that the process of thinking is exhilarating, joyous, and fun,” said Sonia Manzano, executive producer and series creator. “I’m delighted that my relationship with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions will continue as we bring another season of Alma’s Way to life.”

“Families across the country are telling us that Alma’s Way’s curriculum, music, and focus on community truly resonates with them, and is making an impact in their children’s lives. We’re excited to bring another season to PBS KIDS,” said Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, PBS KIDS.

Season 2 of the critically acclaimed series will introduce audiences to a range of diverse, new characters and present stories that deepen their relationship with those they already know and love, including Alma’s Uncle Nestor, little brother Junior, and her Granny Isa (voiced by Manzano). The new season will also take viewers to more New York City cultural landmarks. Music, a key component of the series, will be prominently featured in one of the upcoming specials.

The new season also sees the promotion of two key staffers. Head Writer Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) has been promoted to co-executive producer. Dana Chan, former junior story editor, has been promoted to story editor. 

Alma’s Way premiered in October 2021 to critical acclaim and recognition among a variety of audiences. Since its debut, the series has been noted as a Selection for Families by Common Sense Media, the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. It has also been selected as the recipient of the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award by The American Library Association Youth Media Awards, an award given to a producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience. Alma’s Way has ranked in the top ten PBS KIDS series in streaming video every month since its launch.*

Additionally, children can continue to learn and play with Alma through the PBS KIDS Games app and on pbskids.org/almasway. “Bop or Pop!/¡Bop, no Pop!,” an action-puzzle game that helps kids practice their problem-solving skills, and “Party at Alma’s/Fiesta con Alma,” a game in which players use social awareness skills to help make the party fun for everyone, launched in 2021. Between October 2021 and May 2022, both games combined have been played more than 18 million times on the PBS KIDS games app and pbskids.org.** Two additional games supporting the learning goals of the series will debut in 2022. Like episodes of Alma’s Way, all digital content is available to view and play in both English and Spanish.

Scholastic serves as the worldwide master publishing partner for Alma’s Way with a multi-year agreement including a range of readers and activity books in both English and Spanish, which will begin publishing in spring 2023. Brand Central is the licensing agent for the series and will develop a full-scale licensing program that reflects the show’s fun, educational, and cultural themes.

Alma’s Way is created by Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios. Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Aguirre is head writer and co-executive producer. Co-executive producers are Luis Lopez and Juan Lopez. Supervising producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Olubunmi Mia Olufemi.

* Digital Sources: comScore visitors and Google Analytics streams, Selected months 2020-2021, 2021-2022

** Digital Sources: Google Analytics, October 2021 to July 2022. 

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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 created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and 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 children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

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Press contacts:

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)

Alison Grand

212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck

845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and your role as digital production assistant.

I work across all of our shows’ digital presence, be it their website, games, or apps. Of the 5 shows we’ve made, the spot for my favorite one is tied by Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie. Each show appeals to different parts of me - Alma is a clever little puertorriqueña, just like me! Donkey, on the other hand, captures all the whimsy and magic of childhood. I love them both!

What was your favorite video game growing up?

I have to pick just one…? My favorite games were Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, both on the GameCube, and Kingdom Hearts on the PlayStation 2. Even then, I loved a game’s ability to tell or create compelling stories, a key feature for determining if I will like a game or not. Recently I have been playing Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Stardew Valley, and Rune Factory 4 Special.

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

Other than playing video games, I love spending time with my partner, Austin! We’re both very crafty and artsy people, so we’re in the process of painting and decorating dice boxes in honor of his new Dungeons and Dragons campaign!

What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

Being outside! I’m not a very outdoorsy person, but every week I look forward to going to the local park for their Saturday morning farmers market. I also check out pet adoption websites semi-frequently - if I had a puppy to take on long walks and adventures, that would be my #1 favorite summertime activity!

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, July 13, 2022 – Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, has named Gabrielle Howard to the newly created position of Creative Development Manager. In her new role, Howard will manage the company’s growing portfolio of IP in development. She will report to Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer.

“Gabrielle is a terrific addition to our team. She knows the kids industry, and has a great eye for talent,” said Doherty. ”I look forward to working with her to find and generate even more extraordinary content for young viewers.”

“I’m over the moon to join Fred Rogers Productions, a company that is so well known and respected for quality programming that serves the needs of children and their families,” said Howard. “I’m excited to dive in and help build a programming slate of content that resonates with current fans and attracts many new ones, too.”

In addition to managing the company’s production slate, Howard will seek out new collaborators and projects that she will help guide through the development process.

Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Howard was a media consultant and advisor on podcast development and social media strategy who developed original concepts for the web and television. She worked for The N, later named TeenNick, from MTV Networks, where she developed live-action and animated properties with production companies including Endemol and Klasky Csupo. Howard started her career at Sesame Workshop, where she headed the children’s casting department for the Emmy® Award-winning Sesame Street and later worked for J.P. Kids, producer of the hit series, The Famous Jett Jackson. She holds a B.A. from the University of South Carolina and received a Podcast Certificate from The Made in NY Media Center by IFP.

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 created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and 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 children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Press contacts:

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)

Alison Grand

212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck

845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Primary Administrator

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

Welp, I was born in Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal), and my family immigrated to Canada in 1988. The first thing my older sister, Sandra, did when we got here was plop me down in front of an old black and white television and tuned the station to PBS so I could watch Sesame Street. She was adamant that I learn English as soon as possible, and Sesame Street really helped with that.

I was always a goofy kid. I loved acting out scenes in movies, coming up with funny characters, doing impressions, and I had a passion for art and drawing. In the 8th grade (or grade 8 as it’s known in Canada), I was informed that the local College was offering an animation program, and it struck me that I could combine all these interests and goofy habits into a possible career! So, I went on to eventually graduate from said program and moved to Toronto in 2008, landing my first job as an animator at 9Story Media Group. From there, I was able to work on lots of exciting projects from preschool to adult for a number of different studios, eventually ending up in my current role as Animation Director!

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

I grew up on a mix of wholesome learning from shows like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, mixed with a heaping dose of action from shows like Masters of the Universe and my ultimate favorite, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was obsessed with those funny, cool, half-shelled dudes! When I got a bit older (not by much), I was really molded by The Simpsons. Specifically seasons 1-10, which I consider some of the best television ever made!

Describe your role on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

As the Animation Director on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, my job is to push the quality of animation and the acting/emotional delivery that the characters on screen share with the home viewer. I work very closely alongside the series director, Tammy Langton, to make sure we’re delivering the best visual examples of the story points and pushing the acting far enough. I get to work with a big team of extremely talented animators, supervisors, and artists in a fun, collaborative environment. We’re always striving for better, and not to spoil anything…but this new upcoming season of DTN, we’ve really raised the bar and can’t wait to share it with everyone!

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

I’ve been on the show since the pilot episode, so this is a tricky question! I will say, my favorite type of episode is when we push the envelope and tackle a more emotional issue. The COVID special that we did comes to mind, as well as “Daniel’s Fish Dies” as it was a very impactful episode. I actually lost a pet while working on it, so it always resonated with me. I’m also extremely proud of what we made with the new DTN movie that just aired, “Daniel Visits a New Neighborhood.” We worked really hard on it and pushed the style and look so much that I think we really made something special!

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

I love going for hikes in nature, and over the last few years I’ve gotten really into mountain biking! But lately, my wife Samantha and I have been prepping the house (and our lives) for the delivery of our daughter who is due in mid-July! We’re stepping into parenthood for the first time. It’s been exciting, scary, and emotional already. It’s nice to know that I have an entire library of Daniel episodes to help us navigate raising our little lady. We’re both so excited to meet her!

Posted on by Primary Administrator

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

As a child, I was fascinated by the world around me. The ability to recreate or re-interpret our environment was something I naturally gravitated towards. Growing up drawing and painting, and building dioramas, I discovered a joy for creating imaginary worlds. As I pursued a career in advertising, I found myself attracted to work that allowed me to use this approach on a larger scale. Thankfully, I found a home with Donkey Hodie where I can really expand on a wonderful world of curiosity.

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

My favorite and certainly the most influential TV show for myself as a child would be Sesame Street. I was captivated by the enthusiastic puppets and the look of a practical textured world. Sesame Street was the place I wanted to live!

Describe your role on Donkey Hodie.

As the Production Designer for Donkey Hodie, I lead the process of creating the look and feel of the land of Someplace Else. I design our locations and props, then I get to work with a very talented team to bring the world to life. Because the puppets cannot actually hold an item or walk on the ground, we are constantly finding new and creative solutions to allow the puppeteer to get the most out of their performance.

What is your favorite episode of Donkey Hodie?

There are so many fun episodes of Donkey Hodie that it’s hard to choose, but I’d have to say “Poetry Problem.” It was a joy to imagine and a challenge to create the big mess our pals Donkey and Purple Panda may have made inside Donkey's windmill.

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

When I am not working on Donkey Hodie, I enjoy being out in nature or outside exploring our neighborhood with my children. As a father of two young boys, I remain forever curious and surprised. Often, I feel as if I’m living with a couple of our silly puppet characters!

Posted on by Primary Administrator

Pittsburgh, PA, May 24, 2022 – Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, and 9 Story Brands, the worldwide licensing agent for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, are again expanding the ”Neighborhood” for the beloved hit animated series with 16 new and existing licensing partners. The upcoming product offerings will span multiple categories, from apparel to books, sporting goods to food and beverages, and more. In addition to signing exciting new deals, Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story have finalized contract renewals with master publishing partner Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing as well as current licensees Cottage Door Press (sound books), Happy Threads (apparel), Komar (pajamas), Playmonster (Colorforms), and University Games (games).

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues to be a favorite with preschoolers and their families nearly a decade after making its on-screen debut, and our consumer products program has been growing steadily to meet demand for more ways for fans to experience the brand off-screen,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs for Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re very excited to work with these outstanding companies to provide terrific new products that will deepen kids’ connection to the brand.”

“As we celebrate Daniel Tiger’s 10th anniversary, it’s exciting to see the demand for our consumer products program continue to grow,” says Kyra Halperin, co-VP of Consumer Products for 9 Story Brands. “We’re thrilled to be working with leading partners on such a diverse range of products to bring kids their favorite tiger in new and meaningful ways.”

New consumer products partners for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood include:

  • CreateOn – Magnatiles magnetic toys
  • Glo – Sensory toys
  • Good2Grow – Consumables, drinks
  • Isaac Morris – Apparel
  • PACT – Apparel
  • Pioneer Life Sciences – Vitamins
  • Spirit – Kohl’s Cares plush
  • Tonies – Audio toy, which has been named to the Spring & Summer 2022 Influencer Choice List by The Toy Association and Clamour
  • Waloo Products – Sporting goods
  • Weatherman – Umbrellas

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is distributed in 180+ countries and has expanded beyond the screen to include more than 40 licensees, two live-action stage shows, and an amusement park ride plus award-winning web games, top-rated apps for parents and children, and outreach events with public television stations across the country. In February 2022, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood was the #1 PBS KIDS show for kids ages 2-8 across broadcast and digital with over 47 million streams on the PBS KIDS Video app. *

*TV Source: Nielsen National Toolbox NTI Broadcast months, GAA%, Reach% (75% Uni, 1+ Qual.). Telecast counts from Carriage 2.0. Digital Sources: comScore visitors and Google Analytics streams, Selected months 2020- 2021, 2021-2022

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 created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and 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 children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About 9 Story Brands
9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manages merchandising rights for top children’s properties including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Colorforms, Wild Kratts, Super Why! and Karma’s World. www.9story.com

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Press contacts:
Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions) Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Primary Administrator

Pittsburgh, PA, May 12, 2022 – Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, has tapped Scholastic as worldwide master publishing partner for Alma’s Way, the critically-acclaimed animated PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street). The multi-year agreement includes a range of readers and activity books in both English and Spanish, which will begin publishing in spring 2023.

“We are delighted to partner with Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, and welcome them to the Alma’s Way family,” said Matt Shiels, VP of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “The upcoming Alma’s Way titles will provide engaging stories and creative activities that will allow children to fully immerse themselves in Alma’s world.”

“We can’t wait to bring the wonderful role model, Alma, to young readers everywhere with Fred Rogers Productions and the inspirational Sonia Manzano,” said Debra Dorfman, VP and Publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media. “In every story, children will relate to the everyday issues Alma faces and learn from her thoughtful reasoning as she thinks her way through life's ups and downs.”

Through the new partnership, Scholastic will have exclusive rights to multiple formats, including: 8x8s; leveled readers; board books; jacketed hardcover picture books; novelty, activity, and sticker books; phonics and bind-ups/box sets; e-books; and audiobooks. In addition, Scholastic holds non-exclusive rights to sticker and activity books outside the U.S.

Aimed at viewers ages 4-6, Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents, Abuelo, and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members. Each episode models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. The series’ 40 half-hour episodes showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.

Alma’s Way is created by Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why). Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer and co-executive producer. Additional co- executive producers are Luis Lopez and Juan Lopez. Supervising Producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Olubunmi Mia Olufemi.

About Scholastic

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e- books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

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 created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and 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 children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Press contacts:

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Naomi Duttweiler (for Scholastic)
212-965-7237; NDuttweiler@Scholastic.com

Posted on by Primary Administrator

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

In fact, Odd Squad started it all. I was mostly doing music for sitcoms and other grown-up things before that. I became friends with (series creator and executive producer) Tim McKeon, and he invited me to do music for the Odd Squad pilot, based on the fact that I said, “Hey Tim, I do music for TV.” He's a pretty trusting guy. I'll go out on a limb and say I don't think he regrets it.

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

I was definitely a PBS kid. There's a ton of Sesame Street, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, The Electric Company, and Villa Alegre rattling around in my head to this day. Joe Raposo (Sesame Street) and Fred Rogers and Johnny Costa (Mister Rogers' Neighborhood) totally broke the mold when it came to music for kids' TV. Kids are more sophisticated listeners than people think, and those composers never underestimated them.

Describe your role on Odd Squad.

I write the music. There are one or two great bits of music that I didn't write, like the Delivery Debbie jingle (I love that one!), but every other time you hear music on the show, it came from me. Sometimes when a script is a little short, Tim will call me and say, “How about we just put a song in there?” That's where “Potato Song” came from, I think.

What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad?

I don't know if this counts as an episode, but my hands-down favorite is Odd Squad: The Movie. I got to do a big score for that, along with a couple of Soundcheck songs and some other fun stuff. Plus, it's a good movie!

In terms of regular episodes, I'd probably go with “Training Day.”

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

I like to read, hang with my wife and kids, and visit out-of-town family when I can. I like to build things, so sometimes I'll tackle some home improvement. What I need to get better at is doing nothing. I have a long way to go on that one.

Posted on by Primary Administrator

Pittsburgh, PA, March 24, 2022 – Donkey Hodie, the hit puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, has been greenlit for a second season on PBS KIDS. The series is produced by Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Spiffy Pictures, the award-winning production company behind many acclaimed series for kids and families, including PBS KIDS’ Emmy®-nominated animated hit Nature Cat. Inspired by original characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie is a social-emotional learning series for kids ages 3-5 that empowers viewers to dream big and overcome obstacles through practicing skills including resilience, persistence, and problem solving. Season 2 of the imaginative series is expected to premiere in spring 2023 on PBS KIDS.

“Woven into every light-hearted Donkey Hodie story is the central theme of resilience, which is an essential skill for children — and it’s one that can be learned,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer for Fred Rogers Productions, who developed the show and serves as an executive producer. “Donkey and her pals model positivity and persistence through stories focusing on being flexible and adapting to change, cooperating with your friends, managing big feelings, and more. Giving young children examples of how to overcome obstacles is especially important now given the unique challenges of the last two years.”

“We are excited to tell more silly, surprising, and endearing stories as we dive deeper into these beloved characters’ backstories and introduce kids and their families to some new neighbors and locales of the whimsical world of Someplace Else,” said Adam Rudman and David Rudman, Co-Founders of Spiffy Pictures, who created the show and serve as executive producers.

“Since its premiere last year, Donkey Hodie has brought engaging stories full of fun, humor, and important life lessons to kids across the country, helping them to see a world of possibilities,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “We couldn’t be happier to bring a second season of adventures from Donkey and her friends to PBS KIDS.”

Season 2 of Donkey Hodie will feature 25 half-hour episodes including two specials. This season will introduce viewers to new pals and locations in Someplace Else, a world where everyone is welcome and can pursue their big dreams. They’ll also learn more about the series’ main characters, Donkey Hodie, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog. The new season will explore all-new stories while modeling and practicing key learning goals, including empathy, perspective-taking, understanding and managing feelings, and more.
Inspired by the funny, quirky side of children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else. The imaginative puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic and charming go-getter who takes on each day with curiosity and resilience, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend who wears his big heart on his sleeve; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young mallard who loves to figure things out; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine who is always ready to fetch a ball or boogie to music.

In January 2022, Donkey Hodie was the #2 PBS KIDS series with Kids 2-8 and also
reached 2.4 million parents of young children.* The series has earned nominations for a
2021 Television Critics Association Award (Outstanding Achievement in Youth
Programming); 2021 Kidscreen Award (Best Website: Digital - Preschool); and 2022 Writers Guild of America Award (Children’s Episodic, Long Form, and Specials).

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is the publishing partner for the series with a wide
range of books that began rolling out in December 2021. Licensing Street, the U.S. licensing agent for the brand, is also developing a full-scale merchandising program for Donkey Hodie. The debut range of toys from Jada Toys, the series’ master toy licensee, is set to begin arriving at retail next spring. Additionally, the first Donkey Hodie album, “Here Comes Donkey Hodie,” in partnership with Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division, will debut on April 8, 2022. The album will be available on all digital platforms and features 16 tracks from the series, including the theme song as well as three reimagined Fred Rogers songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman, Co-Founders of Spiffy Pictures, and developed by Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Rogers Productions. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman, and David Rudman. Supervising Producers are Kristin DiQuollo (Fred Rogers Productions) and Caroline Bandolik (Spiffy Pictures).

* Source: Nielsen National Toolbox NTI Broadcast months, GAA%, Reach% (75% Uni, 1+ Qual.).

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spiffy Pictures
Founded in 2003 by brothers David Rudman and Adam Rudman, Spiffy Pictures is a creative development and production company specializing in family entertainment. The awardwinning team has created, produced, written and directed live-action and animated projects for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, Comedy Central, Sesame Street and Warner Brothers. Their projects include the Emmy®-nominated and Environmental Media Award-winning hit animated series Nature Cat for PBS KIDS, the Emmy and Prix Jeunesse- nominated Jack’s Big Music Show for Nick Jr., the Emmy®-nominated Bunnytown for Disney and Nick Jr.’s Parents’ Choice Award-winning Curious Buddies. The company’s additional credits include Scooby- Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map, a puppet adaption of Scooby-Doo! for Warner Brothers, and Frankie and Frank for Nick Worldwide. For more information, visit www.spiffypictures.com.

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 created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and 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 children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Press contacts:
Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Dana Green (for Spiffy Pictures)
310-738-6802; dgreenpr@gmail.com