Author: Brooke Wehrle

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Can you share a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows?

As a child I wanted to be a writer even before I could really read. I would always make my parents read me the "about the author" page in the back of my Arthur books, and it inspired me to want to be Marc Brown when I grew up! My love of storytelling grew as I did, and when I was eleven, I picked up a video camera and realized that I could make these stories on paper come to life on screen. I was a kid myself when I started wanting to tell stories, and I never grew out of that child-like wonder. I studied Film and Media at Stanford University and then received my MFA in Film & Television Production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. What makes me most passionate about children’s media is the ability to go beyond entertainment and teach important socio-emotional lessons that children take with them long after the television is turned off. Watching my little nieces and nephews use Daniel Tiger strategies to deal with their big feelings is the most rewarding part of working on this series.

Can you talk a little bit about your favorite television show when you were growing up?

Arthur! When I discovered that my favorite book series was now on television, you could say I was obsessed! I devoured Arthur episodes and when my parents made me turn the TV off, I would write up my own story ideas and play them out with my stuffed animals. I loved all of the kid-relatable lessons on the show and think it’s so wonderful that the series is still on PBS KIDS today.

What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

As a staff writer and associate producer on the series, I get to be involved in the show from the first kernel of an idea all the way through to the final mix of the episode. On the writing end, my days are filled with brainstorming, writing, table reads, and research. Spending time watching our littlest viewers during research sessions always reminds me why I love this job. On the production side, I review music, designs, voice-over records, animatics and animation. This show is really a team effort and what makes Daniel Tiger so great is the collaboration between our teams in New York, Toronto, Fred Rogers Productions, and PBS.

Can you share a little bit about your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

One of my favorite episodes to work on was the “Won’t You Sing Along with Me” special. Keeping the Fred Rogers quote in mind, “...anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary,” we aimed to address the big questions our littlest viewers and their families are facing during the pandemic. During such an uncertain time, it was so rewarding to put our efforts into creating this special for families (in such a short timeline and all from home!). I particularly loved how many strategies we were able to incorporate into this one special.

What do you like to do (hobbies, etc.) when you’re not working on the show?

I have 8 nephews and 2 nieces all under the age of 6, so when I’m not working on the show, I love watching it with them and getting inspiration for future episodes! I’m also a big musical theater fan and love to travel (of course, pre-pandemic!).

Can you share your experience on the upcoming episodes revolving around Max and creating a character that is autistic?

Bringing Max into our neighborhood has been such a labor of love from all departments—from our consultants and advisors to our voice actor Israel Thomas-Bruce, who helped bring the character to life. Representation is so important in children’s media, and we are excited for our viewers to see Max and Daniel’s friendship on screen.

 

New episodes of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood premiere April 5.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

*This article is originally from an exclusive interview with People.com.

There's a new kid on the block!

On April 5, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood will welcome a new character, a young boy named Max, who has Autism. Max is Teacher Harriet's nephew, and like many kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he is sensitive to overwhelming stimuli like loud sounds, bright flashing lights and uncomfortable fabrics, according to a release.

"It can also take more time for him to warm up to new friends and experience," the release continues, "and he sometimes prefers to play on his own." Like many kids, Max is a big fan of numbers, buses and bugs — plus his big sister, Amira, who is also joining the animated cast.

Daniel Tiger and his friends will learn what they can do to help make situations calmer so Max can play, too. See Daniel welcome Max into the fold in the clip below.

"We're so excited to introduce Max to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and help even more kids feel represented and included on TV," Chris Loggins, supervising producer at Fred Rogers Productions, tells PEOPLE. "It's also important for young viewers to understand that some friends have different needs and may learn, play and communicate in their own ways."

Max is voiced by newcomer Israel Thomas-Bruce, a 13-year-old eighth-grader who was diagnosed with ASD when he was 4. According to a release, he's "an active, smart and ambitious teenager who is very social and loves to tell jokes, play basketball and video games and hang out with his friends."

Loggins tells PEOPLE it was "of utmost importance" to have an actor with ASD voice Max. To make sure they developed the character correctly, show staff consulted with the University of Missouri's Dr. Wes Dotson — who has conducted research that measures skill development in children with autism after watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood — and Autism Society.

Max will be a recurring character on the show, and Loggins says representation on the series will only continue to grow. "That continues to be one of our guiding principles at Fred Rogers Productions," he shares. "There is always room for more friends in the Neighborhood!"

Watch an exclusive clip from the episode at People.com!

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows.
All my life I’ve been an artist with an interest in animation. I grew up loving to draw, paint, and immerse myself in movies and shows. (I acted out every line of the movie Shrek as a toddler!) My own love of stories as a child made me want to be a part of bringing lovable stories and characters to children. During my time at Carnegie Mellon University, I worked on projects in animation, illustration, and story writing. Being a part of production for an animated children’s television show seemed like the perfect fit, and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to do that now!

What were your favorite television show when you were growing up?
It’s so hard to pick just one. One that comes to mind is Blue’s Clues. There are many pictures of me as a child hanging out in a Blue costume. It was a world that I always wanted to live inside of. Other favorites of mine were Sesame Street and Zoboomafoo. I definitely connected a lot with animal (and furry monster) characters: Blue, Elmo, and Zoboomafoo were some of my favorites to watch. I still enjoy watching them to this day.

What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Alma’s Way?
One of the great things about my role is that I get to work across a lot of different areas of production and interact with a lot of different people! Some of the things I do are proofread scripts, help with the review of designs, put together notes during animation reviews, and research reference materials. It’s so amazing to watch an episode evolve from a small seed of an idea to a fully formed animated episode and be able to experience each stage of that process.

What are you most excited about for the series?
I’m most excited for everyone to meet the amazing characters of this show! They have such unique, lively personalities and are always making me smile. The writers, designers, and animators have done a tremendous job of bringing life to everyone on Alma’s Way.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love drawing and illustrating whenever I can. One day I hope to illustrate a children’s book! I also really enjoy getting outside to walk in the park and bird watch.

Just for fun, what is your favorite treat to warm you up on wintry day?
You can’t go wrong with warm fudge brownies. The smell that fills the house is almost as cozy as eating them!

Alma’s Way is coming to PBS KIDS in Fall 2021.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to announce the ODD-mazing news that Odd Squad has won two 2021 Kidscreen Awards. The series won Best Website for pbskids.org/oddsquad and Best Web/App Series - Branded for OddTube. We're proud to share this honor with our production partners at Sinking Ship Entertainment and PBS KIDS.

Kidscreen is the leading international trade publication serving the informational needs and interests of kids entertainment professionals. In addition to the magazine, Kidscreen’s brand includes a website, an on-line newsletter delivered digitally every weekday and a marquee annual event that brings 1,500 of the industry’s top players together for three days of networking and professional development.

Read the full list of winners here.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle
Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the much-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has secured a $3 million, multi- year funding grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for Donkey Hodie. The highly anticipated, multiplatform puppet series for preschoolers, which is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures (Nature Cat), launches May 3, 2021 on PBS KIDS. The broad-based new funding agreement covers series production, digital content, station engagement, and promotional activities.

CPB has been a long-term partner of Fred Rogers Productions, providing funding for three of the company’s popular series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat. CPB also supported the pilot year of “Be My Neighbor Days,” community-based events hosted by local PBS stations designed to bring together children and families in volunteer service to their neighborhoods.

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been an invaluable partner in helping us fulfill our mission of bringing exceptional children’s programming to kids and families across the country every day, and we’re excited to expand our relationship to include Donkey Hodie,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “We are grateful to CPB for their support, and we look forward to continuing our meaningful collaboration for many years to come.”

“Fred Rogers was a pioneer in using public television to educate young children and help them understand and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and develop a positive attitude. Donkey Hodie is a wonderful continuation of his legacy,” said Debra Sanchez, CPB Senior Vice President of Education and Children’s Content. “We’re proud to support Fred Rogers Productions and Donkey Hodie in continuing this important work for a new generation.”

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, “can-do” yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane, 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 boogie to music or fetch a ball.

Donkey Hodie is the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (now reimagined as “Grampy Hodie”), who appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved classic children’s series. The new social-emotional series is designed to empower children ages 3-5 to dream big and overcome obstacles in their own lives, to work hard and persevere in the face of failure, to be resourceful and discover they can solve problems on their own—and to laugh themselves silly along the way.

The series will feature new music, along with reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ songs, that reinforce the stories’ positive messages and fun adventures. Each episode of Donkey Hodie will include two 11-minute, character-driven stories. The series is currently in production on 40 half-hour episodes.

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.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.

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 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and 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 Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows as a career.

I have worked in film and television production in Canada for 30 years as an Assistant Director. I began as a Production Assistant on sets in the AD department, then graduated to Fourth, Third, and Second Assistant Director over the first 12 years of my career. For 18 years now, I have worked solely as a First Assistant Director, and one of my first shows in that position was on a terrific children’s puppet show called The Mighty Jungle. I loved the innocence, education, and fun in those scripts, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I began working on kids shows regularly with Sinking Ship Entertainment.

Prior to my film career, I had worked with young kids in different areas: first as a choir director (especially for Christmas Masses each year!), as a catechist (at the local school, teaching religion to first grade children), and, finally, after university, I worked as a nanny for two years in London. I have always loved kids and continue to enjoy playing my guitar and singing with them. Whenever we have completed filming on Odd Squad close to Christmas, I have been very happy to organize a little Christmas choir with the kids working on the show!

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

Although I didn’t spend a lot of time watching TV growing up--we spent as much time as we could running around outside back then--I do remember watching and loving Sesame Street with my youngest sister. I loved the puppets, the humor, and especially the music as I was singing and playing instruments from a very young age!

What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Odd Squad?

In my job as a first assistant director, I begin with an analysis and breakdown of the scripts to create what we call the shooting schedule. Basically, I put all the scenes of a script into a different order, which we will then film each day. I have to identify all the individual elements and production needs in each scene. For example, I determine which actors are in each scene, how many background performers will be needed, the props, stunts, locations, camera, special equipment, and art department requirements.

I do this work in consultation with the producers, director, production designer, and locations manager, but other department heads have to be consulted as well along the way. Once we have all settled on a workable shooting schedule and pre-production is concluded, we begin to film each day of the schedule. I am the person on the film set managing the movement and timing of the day and yelling, “quiet please,” and, “roll sound!”

My assistants take care of getting the actors ready for filming through the hair/makeup and costume departments and getting them to me on set for a pre-planned time. My second AD produces the call sheet every day, which is a film crew’s most important working document. It includes our call times, pickup times, scenes to be shot, elements needed for each scene for example, and most importantly, the locations and addresses of where everyone needs to report each day to film--maps included. It would be a disaster if people showed up to the wrong place!

What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad?

I’m afraid I can’t come up with a favorite Odd Squad episode. I really, truly loved all the scripts and the kids!

What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?

When I am not working on a show, I love to golf, sail, and go for long walks with my husband. We also love to travel and spend time in our other home in Nova Scotia right by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. I do still love to play the guitar and sing as well!

We Oddballs have loved following the adventures and antics of the Odd Squad Mobile Unit throughout the season! What was it like filming on-location in Australia?

Filming in Australia was a tremendous experience, and everything about it was special! I have never flown that far away, so I was a little nervous. However, we had a fantastic time from the moment we landed. We were able to visit and film at a wildlife reserve where kangaroos, koalas, and emus were roaming around on their own. We filmed a day at an amazing 1920s-style amusement park in Sydney called Luna Park. The Sand Queen villain filmed with us that day, and she and the kids and many of the crew were able to go down the old-fashioned but VERY steep slides.

We also filmed a day right in front of the famous and stunning Sydney Opera House. The actors, their parents, and various members of the crew spent our one day off walking Bondi Beach and enjoying Sydney’s downtown Sunday market. It was all just amazing, and the whole experience really is a highlight of my many years in television!

Watch Odd Squad weekdays on PBS KIDS.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Donkey Hodie, a whimsical, new PBS KIDS puppet series produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, will encourage preschoolers to aim high, embrace challenges and work hard to achieve their goals when it premieres on May 3, 2021. The colorful multi-platform show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (now known as “Grampy Hodie”). The original puppet appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved children’s series. Inspired by the quirky, funny side of Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie furthers the children’s TV pioneer’s mission of helping young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. The series features original new music along with reimagined versions of Rogers’ songs.

“We’re thrilled to bring Donkey Hodie’s engaging, character-driven stories full of adventure, imagination and music to PBS KIDS,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. “As kids laugh and sing along with Donkey Hodie and her friends, they will learn important life lessons about teamwork, empathy and resilience to help them see a world full of possibilities.”

“Perseverance is a skill that’s of extra importance for children right now,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions, and Executive Producer of Donkey Hodie. “We hope Donkey and her pals will inspire kids to keep trying even when tasks get hard and to face challenges with an ‘I can do this’ attitude. The show will also help parents guide their children in becoming strong critical thinkers and problem solvers.”

“We are excited to introduce young viewers to Donkey Hodie and the world of Someplace Else,” said Adam Rudman and David Rudman, co-founders of Spiffy Pictures and Executive Producers of Donkey Hodie. “We hope Donkey’s inherent positivity combined with the fun and inviting nature of the puppets will charm kids everywhere.”

Set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, created by Rogers on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the imaginative social-emotional series for children ages 3-5 centers on the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic, “can-do” yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane, 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 boogie to music or fetch a ball. In Someplace Else, everyone’s big dreams are possible—whether it’s Purple Panda finding the end of the Golden Rainbow, Duck Duck planning a Book-A-Palooza Festival or Bob Dog playing the largest kickball game in history. Episodes include catchy songs that reinforce the stories’ positive messages and fun adventures.

Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman and developed by Ellen Doherty. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman and David Rudman. Adam and David Rudman have produced, created, written and performed on a number of other celebrated children’s series, including Nature Cat, Jack’s Big Music Show and Bunnytown.

Digital content for kids, parents, and teachers will launch in tandem with the series. Games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. Parent resources such as tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.

Donkey Hodie is made possible with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

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 television, digital 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 watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS’ large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning, 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 Emmy Award-winning creative 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 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 brand of home videos. The team also produced Scooby- Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map for Warner Brothers and most recently created 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 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and 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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Contacts:

Lubna Abuulbah, PBS KIDS; 703-739-8463; labuulbah@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Gabrielle Torello, Grand Communications; 917-312-2832; gab@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to announce that Olubunmi Mia Olufemi has joined the company as Supervising Producer for Alma's Way, the new PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions, set to debut in Fall 2021. Mia is responsible for overseeing all phases of production, serving as the company’s liaison with the animation studio and broadcaster. Additionally, she coordinates the creation of series assets for marketing and licensing efforts, among other duties.

Alma's Way is created by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who positively impacted the lives of generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, breaking new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national television, for which she received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Alma's Way gives children ages 4-6 the power to find their own answers to their problems, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

Mia started her career in children’s television at WGBH (now known as GBH) Educational Foundation, where she worked on acclaimed children’s properties including Arthur, Curious George, Martha Speaks, and Design Squad Global. Most recently, she was the producer of Molly of Denali, the Peabody Award-winning PBS KIDS show.

Her work is devoted to building inclusive productions, on screen and behind the scenes, that authentically celebrate and highlight under-represented populations, particularly minorities and immigrant cultures. For Alma’s Way, she has worked to create spaces to uplift these new voices in children’s media. Mia received her M.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers. The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions.

Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.