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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.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows.

I have always wanted to work in the business of storytelling. As a kid, I couldn’t devour enough books, and spent countless summers on a picnic blanket in my front yard absorbed in reading, writing, and illustrating my own stories. And after many more years of picnic-blanket reading, I earned a B.A. in Fiction Writing, a minor in Studio Arts, and a concentration in Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, and turned my sights to carving out a career in a creative field.

When a former professor notified me of a job opening in production at Fred Rogers Productions, the position was exactly what I was looking for. Children’s television production felt like such a natural fit given my love of storytelling and visual art, and I was thrilled to join a company known for creating such positive content for children. Since first starting at FRP as Production Coordinator, I’ve worked on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Donkey Hodie, and am now Assistant Producer on both Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and our newly announced show, Alma’s Way.

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

The PBS KIDS shows Dragon Tales and Zoboomafoo were childhood staples for me. Who doesn’t love a talking lemur? To this day, I’m still a shameless consumer of kids’ and teen media (Avatar the Last Airbender and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, anyone?) and am lucky enough to have a friend group that shares that love. Forever a kid at heart!

What goes into your role for an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

I assist in coordinating various deliveries and providing feedback on all assets. I see episodes from start to finish through the production, beginning with attending the start-of-season story brainstorm with the larger FRP and 9 Story teams, to seeing the script through all iterations of writing and into animation and music, and then to final delivery. It’s a whirlwind process, but so satisfying to see the small seed of an idea bloom into a full-fledged episode that families and children love.

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood that you’ve worked on?

I’m a big fan of “The Family Campout” episode, where Katerina and her mom go camping. The strategy, “Families are different and that’s ok,” is simple and sweet, but also has a strong meaning about celebrating family in all the shapes and sizes that families come in. I have a lot more favorites in what we’re working on now, and can’t wait for viewers to watch!

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

Plants are my current obsession, and I find it tough to resist a purchase if I spot a leafy-green beauty for sale. There’s something about the small joy that a healthy plant brings to the home. I also love to paint, and have been recently spending time listening to music and painting terracotta pots for the plants inside my house, which is a nice way to disengage from screens and let myself get a little messy.

Since we are in the midst of the holiday season, what is your favorite holiday tradition?

The holiday this year is a little bit different for me as I won’t be house-hopping to the many homes of my extended family like usual, but I’m keeping bits of my family with me in some of the traditions here in Pittsburgh. My mom always breaks out a gorgeous vintage tablecloth and her fancy china for Christmas dinner, so I’ve been doing my best to curate some fancy vintage items of my own to carry on that mealtime tradition. My dad keeps the Yule log up on the TV, so I plan on cueing up that crackling fire and playing some old-timey Christmas tunes for the day.

Watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS and Odd Squad weekdays on PBS KIDS. Donkey Hodie and Alma's Way are coming to PBS KIDS in 2021.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Kidscreen announced that Fred Rogers Productions is #2 in the Production category of their annual Hot 50 honors. The Hot 50 rankings are the results of votes from our peers in the children's media industry.

The writers specifically lauded greenlights of forthcoming PBS KIDS series Alma's Way and Donkey Hodie, new seasons of Odd Squad and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, a sing-along special of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood created to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a social media partnership with the US Census Bureau and their "Count All Kids" 2020 campaign.

Kidscreen magazine is one of the premiere trades that covers children's media. The organization also holds an annual summit that brings together peers from across the childrens media industry.

We are grateful to share these kudos with our production partners, many of whom are fellow honorees.

Read more to see the full line-up on Kidscreen's website.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Sinking Ship Entertainment is thrilled to announce it has acquired global distribution rights outside the U.S. to Alma’s Way, the groundbreaking new animated series produced by Fred Rogers Productions. The series was created for PBS KIDS by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who impacted the lives of generations of children as “Maria” on Sesame Street. 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 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.

“We are delighted to be the international distribution partner on this series, and to be once again working with the Fred Rogers Productions team,” said Kate Sanagan, Head of Sales and Distribution, Sinking Ship Entertainment. “From the first time we saw the materials for this show, we fell in love with Alma, her sense of confidence and optimism. We are looking forward to bringing this beautiful new series about decision-making and problem-solving to our global buyers.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with Sinking Ship to bring Alma’s Way to audiences all around the world,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “While the series is set in New York City, its focus on the importance of family, culture, and community will resonate with young viewers no matter where they live.”

Currently in production are 40 half-hour episodes showcasing different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more. Alma’s Way is slated to debut fall 2021 in the U.S. on PBS KIDS and will be available to international buyers soon after.

Alma’s Way is created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

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.

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, Parents’ 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.

For more information, please contact Sarah Tung at sarahtung@sinkingship.ca.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

PBS KIDS today announced ALMA’S WAY, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions. The series 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. It is slated to debut nationwide on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and PBS KIDS digital platforms in fall 2021.

“I am thrilled to return to public television and to work with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions on this project inspired by my own childhood,” said Sonia Manzano. “Alma's way is to think things through, and I hope by animating the thought process, kids will be inspired and excited about what goes on in their own minds. I want them to know we all have the power to think regardless of who we are.”

“Sonia has been an important part of the PBS KIDS family for decades and we are so excited to be working with her on ALMA’S WAY,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content.

“Sonia is naturally funny and perceptive, and she has created in Alma a heroine who is similarly able to confront challenges with humor and thoughtful intention. As kids join Alma, her family, and friends on their adventures, we hope they’ll also see themselves reflected in these characters and learn new things about one of the many beautifully diverse communities that exists across the country.”

The engaging modern-day series stars 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members. In each 11-minute story, Alma speaks directly to young viewers, sharing her observations and feelings, working through challenges, and offering them a window into her everyday life.

“We can’t wait for kids to meet Alma. She’s an optimistic and confident Puerto Rican girl who models for viewers how to think their way through any dilemma,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “The show is funny, warm, and relatable. We love how it showcases the diversity of New York City, too, and authentically reflects the cultures of all the characters.”

In every episode, ALMA’S WAY aims to model self-awareness, responsible decision making, and empathy, encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. As she uses “Think-Through” moments to stop, listen, and process in the face of a tough decision, Alma reflects and takes action while demonstrating social awareness.

Currently in production for 40 half-hour episodes, the series will also showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more. For example, viewers will see Alma help make mofongo, take part in a bomba show, and celebrate Noche Buena.

ALMA’S WAY is created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

Digital content for kids, parents and teachers, launching in tandem with the television show, will further the messages and goals of ALMA’S WAY. Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish 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, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.

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 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.

Media Contacts:

PBS | Lubna Abuulbah | labuulbah@pbs.org
Grand Communications | Alison Grand | alison@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

We are thrilled to announce the O-mazing news that Odd Squad has been nominated for two Kidscreen Awards!

The nomination categories include Best Website for the pbskids.org/oddsquad, and Best Web/App Series - Branded for OddTube Season 2. We're grateful 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 a magazine, Kidscreen’s brand includes a website, an on-line newsletter, and a marquee annual event that brings the industry’s top players together for networking and professional development.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

  • Daniel's Winter Adventure/Neighborhood Nutcracker: December 4, 6, 23, & 30
  • A Snowy Day: December 9, & 29
  • Snowflake Day!: December 14, & 31

Odd Squad

  • Reindeer Games: December 17, 21, & 23

Peg + Cat

  • Peg + Cat + Holidays: December 4, 10, 18, 24, 25, & 27
  • The Hanukkah Problem: December 10 & 18
  • The Christmas Problem: December 15, 24, & 25

Watch on PBS KIDS. Check local listings for specific airtimes.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

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.

Watch Odd Squad weekdays on PBS KIDS.