KIDS FIRST! Newsletter

Turning your TV Time into Quality Time

September 4, 2007 Issue #9

Christine L. Pollock, Editor         Ranny Levy, Publisher         Ranny's blog

In This Issue

• Letter from the Editor
• Web Store Features
• Ann's Avenues
• Festival Titles
• Members and Member News
• Media News and Contests
• Family and Parenting News
• Wilbur the Calf
• Crafts & Activities: Thumbprint Animals
• Events

Dear Friends

This summer, like most, passed in a blur. My family has just returned home after 5 1/2 weeks on the road, covering New York State. We began in the Adirondacks and headed off to Long Island, then ended up in northern New York before returning home to Western New York. It was a summer filled with relatives, friends, and lots of laughter. Perhaps only 10 years ago, this might not have been possible with my job. But now, with all the technology we have, not the beat was missed as I worked from the road. The same holds true for three mothers from San Diego who created "Wilbur," one of the sweetest preschool shows out there today. They use technology to collaborate with the production company in Canada while staying with their families in San Diego. You can read about it in my article below.

Also highlighted in this issue is our latest juror graduate. Our online media literacy course teaches you how to evaluate and critique a film, TV show, or video game. The course guides you in facilitating a children's jury as well. Once you register, you are assigned a personal trainer who guides you through the course. It takes about four hours to complete. You don't have to go anywhere to take it because the course is conducted entirely online, and in your own home or work environment. This enables you to participate at a time and place convenient to you. Click for more information.

Christine Pollock, Editor

Don't forget to bookmark Ranny's blog for her take on current media events, and give us your own opinions!

------------

Congratulations to Lois Rubin Gross, MLS from Drexel University; BS in Communications from Temple University.

Lois has been a librarian for 35 years, most of it serving children in Colorado and, now, Florida as Youth Services Supervisor for the Leesburg Public Library. Lois was the Assistant Director of the Library for the Blind and Handicapped in Colorado for 19 years and served as a consultant to the Library of Congress for collection development and children’s programs. She was the 1992 recipient of the “Raising Colorado” award from Colorado Parents” magazine. Her book reviews appear on many websites including Childrenslit.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Lois is currently writing a book review and reading issues column for the Family Enquirer. In her spare time – and there’s not a whole lot of that – Lois is a storyteller and has been a featured teller at the Rocky Mountain Storytellers’ Conference. Lois and her husband, Eric, have one grown daughter who writes for LifetimeTV.com, so “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Lois is hoping to develop a jury program in her area to teach kids that there is more to viewing than reality shows.

Online Juror Training Program

Concerned about what kids watch? Want to do something about it? Become a KIDS FIRST! juror. through our online training. To register or get more information, please visit our KIDS FIRST! juror's page.

KIDS FIRST! Web Store Features

Open your child's window to the world with quality media educates, inspires and entertains. The KIDS FIRST! Web Store offers you the opportunity to customize your family movie library with confidence through its blend of studio and independent titles. Search by age or interest and find out what child professionals and kids themselves have to say about the titles you choose.

"Twenty Trucks." Watch your child name and number twenty trucks in action. This fun and informative video teaches children about more about twenty different kinds of trucks and the work they perform. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Comments: Full of good information about trucks from delivery to rescue. It's easy to follow. Good background The variety of trucks is extraordinary. Best audience is a child who is infatuated with trucks. KIDS FIRST! KID Juror Comments: The kids who love trucks thoroughly enjoyed this. Others just didn't stay with it. "I learned more than I ever knew about trucks. This is cool." "If I wanted to know about trucks, I'd read a book." DVD. 40 mins. Ages: 4-6. Hammershark Media, LLC.

 

"The Big Space Shuttle." Explores the behind-the-scenes action at the space shuttle program, including the astronaut training, the crew roles, shuttle maintenance and orbital gravity experiments. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Comments: A big hit. Everyone liked the narrator, the backstage look, and seeing real astronauts. A look at a topic kids relate to. "It was great to watch with my child, interesting, no violence, and a great learning tool," one mom said. KIDS FIRST! KID Juror Comments: Captured kids' interest and motivated further inquiry into the subject. Kids liked it because it was real. They particularly enjoyed the launch. "Everything in it is great." "I liked seeing the girl scientists." DVD. 50 mins. Ages: 6-10. Little Mammoth Media.

Ann's Avenues

Maitland Primrose Group Joins Forces with KIDS FIRST!

Entertainment media company Maitland Primrose Group, which operates and owns Moving Pictures Magazine, unites with KIDS FIRST!. The partnership comes on the heels of the major content deal Moving Pictures Magazine signed with AOL to provide AOL with film content across their online network.

The new theatrical and DVD label will be part of the Maitland Primrose Film Distribution (MPFD) arm. Films released under the new label will be branded as “KIDS FIRST! Presents” or “KIDS FIRST! Moving Pictures Presents.”

The new label from Maitland Primrose Film Distribution will acquire films on its own and independently of KIDS FIRST! KIDS FIRST! will recommend films that have been endorsed by them or accepted for their film festival.

Maitland Primrose Group’s experience within film festivals worldwide will help garner coverage and distribution for all different styles of media geared towards the youth market. Having the opportunity to showcase and distribute meaningful material through the new label, parents will know they are getting quality age appropriate programming. With Maitland Primrose’s commitment to quality films, the distribution company will be sponsoring an award within the KIDS FIRST! Best Awards Celebration.

“This new partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for our company as we align ourselves with quality films and organizations that are focused on making a difference! KIDS FIRST! and Ranny Levy are pioneers in movies for children of all ages,” said Margaret Tritch, President of Maitland Primrose Group. “We are pleased to lend our experience and expertise to help increase the visibility and availability of quality children’s media as KIDS FIRST! joins our film distribution arm.”

“I love this company!,” said Ranny Levy, Founder and President of KIDS FIRST!/Coalition for Quality Children’s Media. “Margaret Tritch’s commitment to quality media for children and families resonates with ours, both coming from a deep commitment to the potential of positive social change through media. What a great way to positively impact the future.”

Maitland Primrose Film Distribution is currently releasing the first KIDS FIRST! Theatrical Presentation, “The Tillamook Treasure,” which will next play at Harkins’ Superstition in Mesa, Arizona, on September 28, 2007. The film was a huge success at the KIDS FIRST! Festivals around the country and features Brian McNamara of Lifetime TV show Army Wives. The film tells the story of teenage sleuth Julie Kimbell, who searches for a legendary treasure buried in the mountains of Tillamook, Oregon.

Later this year, Maitland Primrose will be introducing the KIDS FIRST! Saturday Matinee at select theatres across the country. The idea is to have one Saturday a month at a local theatre in various communities that will screen short films and features to help create awareness of upcoming theatricals and DVD releases.

Selections from the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival

The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a showcase for new and classic children's films from studios, independent producers and youth producers worldwide that exemplify qualify media for children. The Festival travels year round and is hosted locally by more than 100 different venues including established film festivals, art and children's museums, nonprofit film centers, libraries, schools and local organizations. Venues include: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Newport Beach Film Festival, Avalon Theater in Washington D.C., Belcourt Theater, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Denver Film Society and Starz Denver International Film Festival, Film Center at the Cinema Cafe. To find out what is being played in a venue near you, visit this link . For a complete list of all Festival titles currently being shown, visit here.

Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies. L. 44 mins.
Baby animal characters from around the world join their maternal elephant host, Mama Mirabelle (voiced by Vanessa Williams), in the Savannah to watch home videos of themselves and other amazing creatures of the natural world. Ages 2-5. National Geographic Television.

 

R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It.. L. 86 mins.
Cassie is a 13-year-old goth girl having trouble adapting to a new school and neighborhood. She acts out by playing spooky and outrageous pranks - mostly at the expense of her scaredy cat little brother, Max, and the "oh so popular kids" at school. All is fun and games until the day before Halloween. It was an odd little book called, "The Evil Thing." And it had an odd little warning: "Do Not Read Aloud." But Max insisted, so Cassie began to read him the story. That's when something began to stir in the woods behind their house - and nothing would ever be the same for anyone! Director: Alex Zamm; Writers: Billy Brown & Dan Angel; RLStinesHauntingHour.com. Ages 8-12. Universal Home Studio Video.

 

Barney: Dino-mite Birthday. L. 56 mins.
Surprise! Barney's favorite friends are getting ready to throw him a SUPER-DEE-DUPER surprise birthday party! Join in the fun and celebrate Barney's special day! Ages 2-5. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

 

 

New and Renewing Members

MagicFrank produces magic how-to videos that offer children a multi-sensory experience. They strive to create videos that give enjoyment and are entertaining. They believe children will be more encouraged to learn while having fun.

My Learning Steps. Kody & Company produces My Learning Steps educational DVDs and learning accessories. Their DVDs take interactive learning to the next level by giving parents/caregivers the opportunity, if they choose that menu option, to be the narrator of the DVDs. They believe there are numerous benefits that can be achieved by having a parent / caregiver watch and narrate the DVD with their child.

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the independent recording label of the Smithsonian Institution.

Member News

Twentieth Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment Salute National Breast Awareness Month
Joining forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure on a multi-title “DVDs For The Cure” promotion, they have pledged a minimum $250,000 donation. The selection of best-selling DVDs will be available, starting September 18, in distinct pink packaging that includes the Susan G. Komen for the Cure logo and the cause ribbon graphic. Read More.

Alvin and the Chipmunks go Interactive
The Alvin and the Chipmunks video game will focus on Alvin, Simon and Theodore's musical prowess, as well as building on the storyline of Fox's new live-action movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks." The game will ship December 4, 2007, while the Chipmunk movie is set for release on December 14. More Information.

Koch Records Releases New Strawberry Shortcake CD
"Let's Dance," comes out on September 25, 2007. The CD is the soundtrack to the newest Strawberry Shortcake DVDs, including "Let's Dance," a nd "The Berry Blossom Festival," as well as an upcoming Spring 2008 DVD title. Check it Out.

Media News and Contests

HD DVD or Blu-ray?
Paramount and DreamWorks Animation said they would exclusively back the HD DVD format for the release of high-definition movies on disc. Paramount determined that this format offers lower costs in manufacturing and lower-cost players. Read About It.

Power of Branding Kids
Researchers from Stanford University found that preschool children think that foods that come in a McDonald's wrapper taste better than the exact same food in an unwrapped wrapper. Study author Dr. Tom Robinson notes that McDonald's branding is so powerful that it actually physically altered the children's perception of taste.

Family and Parenting News

Back to School With "Cyberchase"
Through September 21 on PBS KIDS GO! the young heroes of "Cyberchase" meet hippos, wizards, cyberbugs, and skateboard champs as they are challenged with adventures and mysteries that make math fun. The Back to School with CYBERCHASE TV/Web event is designed to help kids, excite educators and relieve anxious parents searching for a new way to refresh their own understanding of math.

Cartoon Network Backs up Nutrition
Healthy eating is prioritized with new guidelines concerning their licensed characters and the marketing of food/beverage to kids 12 and under. Effective January 1, 2008, Cartoon Network will limit the use of its characters from its series geared to kids 12 and under to food and beverage products that meet specific nutritional criteria. More Information.

Feature Article

Wilbur the Calf by Christine L. Pollock

It only took a decade to take their dream to Discovery Kids. This autumn, moms Jill Luedtke, Kim Anton and Tracey Hornbuckle treat preschoolers to a world of book discovery through delightful puppetry and animation in their adorable show, “Wilbur.” The amazing thing is that they work from home, thousands of miles away from production.

Their story began once upon a time when they visited a farm in Utah. After meeting a real calf named Wilbur, the moms were inspired to produce three home videos for the youngest viewer with Wilbur as the host. This hugely popular video series, which focused on early literacy skills, soon developed into a TV show.

They presented “Wilbur,” along with their Canadian partners Mercury Filmworks and Cathy Chilco, to several networks and found a great home with Discovery Communications. Together, they chose to do a mixed-media series with unique puppetry, animation, and live action in order to engage and captivate young children. According to the moms, “It allows kids to feel connected to the puppet characters while transporting them to beautifully illustrated settings and lastly to enjoy and be inspired by watching other children reading books.”

Because of advanced technology and computers, they are able to be part of Canada’s production on a daily basis--music scores are sent via mp3 files, episodes are sent via ftp sites and visual images are sent as jpeg files. This allows them to be involved with every aspect of the production while living thousands of miles away at their homes in San Diego. It also provides them the flexibility they need as moms still raising their children.

During production, on a daily basis the moms reviewed 26 scripts and worked closely with the illustrators and animators at Mercury who created the storybooks. They decided to use Shadowmation, which combines bunraku-style puppetry and shooting against a blue screen with all of the puppeteers dressed in blue as well. Each puppet needed three puppeteers to perform and they, all three, worked as a team in harmony -- almost like a dance -- in order to deliver the performance that was needed. This technique gives the puppeteers freedom from the traditional hand-and-rod style to allow their puppets to move freely. The characters are then placed in front of digital backgrounds, transporting them throughout Wilbur’s farm.

"Wilbur" is a unique series that engages, educates and delights young children through literacy-rich experiences, which will help them acquire the foundational skills that are prerequisites to literacy. Wilbur encourages oral language development, stimulates cognitive thinking skills, builds vocabulary, and enhances print and book awareness.

The moms attribute their success to, “The four g's —great idea, girlfriends, guts, and God. You need to have an idea you’re passionate about, some friends to help you (we can’t imagine how anyone can do it alone), you must be tenacious and not take no for an answer, and overall ask for [[God's]] guidance, patience and wisdom.”

The moms feel very fortunate to be able to balance work schedules with raising their families. They coordinate work hours according to production deadlines and children’s schedules. It requires many late night computer sessions, but, according to them, “When you’re having fun with your partners/girlfriends, it’s hard to call it work.”

Crafts and Activities

Thumbprint Animals

Need: paper, pen/pencil, and washable markers

Directions: Have children put colored marker on their finger then make thumbprints on the paper. Pink thumbprints turn into pigs. Use black marker for cows, red for roosters etc. Use a pen/pencil to add legs, beaks etc.

For other craft/activity ideas, go to our craft index.

Events

September 9th - Seattle, WA. Make It Reel at Pravda Studios. Join Reel Grrls for an incredible evening of media and art. Meet the girls, bid on great prizes, and even get a chance to see finished work from our summer internship program: Media That Matters. Dinner and drinks are included! Tickets are $50 before August 30th, and $60 afterward. Information.

October 7 - 11 - Mesa, AZ. The 29th National Media Market will be held at the Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa. 50 producers and distributors will showcase new educational programming and related technology. Discounts and special pricing pay for most of the cost of attendance. Information here or contact Ursula Schwarz at (520) 743-7735.

October 5-7 - Los Angeles, CA and Malibu, CA. KIDS FIRST! Best Day and Awards Ceremony. Save the date! Read More About It.

April 3-5, 2008 - Boston, MA. CCFC's 6th Summit. Consuming Kids: The Sexualization of Children and Other Commercial Calamities. More Information.

Special Offers

KIDS FIRST! Cares
Through the combined efforts of Corporations for Character, KIDS FIRST! , and your generous donation, we can fulfill our mission to provide positive, encouraging movies into each of more than one million children's hospital beds. This effort will provide entertainment for children while they are confined in a hospital. To support KIDS FIRST! Cares, go to www.kidsfirstcares.org. All credit card transactions are secure.

Support the Coalition

Become a Member - If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please consider becoming a member of KIDS FIRST! By doing so, your contribution helps help underwrite the various projects of this organization. The Coalition relies on the generous support of its members and donors to support its programs. An individual/family membership is only $25/year. An organizational membership is $100/year. An independent producer membership is $200. To join, visit our site or contact our office at 505.989.8076. KIDS FIRST! Travel Site - Support KIDS FIRST! by booking your travel on our travel website. Prices compare with those of Travelocity and KIDS FIRST! earns a commission on any travel booked here. What a great way to support a nonprofit without having to write a check. Become an Affiliate of the KIDS FIRST! Web Store - By linking with our online store which sells films from our independent producers, you can earn a commission off of each sale.

VISIT OUR MEMBERS' SITES

Support our members. Visit their sites by visiting our members' page.

ABOUT CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!

The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media. More.

Our Ratings:

*** = Titles receiving the highest scores are given a three-star rating.
** = Titles that meet or exceed the criteria receive a two-star rating.
* = Titles that meet the baseline criteria but require some extra consideration on the part of the viewer receive a one-star rating.