Turning your TV Time into Quality Time
April 15, 2008 Issue #4b
Christine L. Pollock, Editor Ranny Levy, Publisher
By subscription only!
Christine L. Pollock, Editor |
Ranny Levy, Publisher Granny Ranny's Addenda |
Plugged In Parents/Educators
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Jane and the Dragon"
Watching “Jane and the Dragon” on qubo with my kids is one of my favorite Saturday morning activities. Not only is the storyline captivating, but I love the breaking of stereotypes as Jane trains to become a knight in her medieval world. She and her comrades deal with issues kids today relate to such as honesty and friendship. And, to my mothering heart’s delight, negative behaviors in the show are discussed at the end of the show with suggestions of how one should have acted in that situation.
“Jane and the Dragon” is a CGI animated series based on the much-loved books by Martin Baynton. In addition to the fabulous storyline, viewers are treated to stunning animation filled with rich color and texture. The visuals are so breath-taking that it isn’t much of a shock to discover that it was done by Weta, the company that also worked on the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Baynton, a father himself, knows what families are looking for. He studied electroencephalography but left his job at Barts Hospital in London after only one year to pursue a career in writing. He never regretted the decision as it meant he could work from home and be a full time writer and a full time dad with the privilege of being able to spend every day with his two children as they grew up.
Animator Richard Taylor also understands family and children. When asked about the incredible animated images in this show, he responded: We wanted to help raise the bar, that’s the honest truth of it. Children should be able to watch a world that is every bit as rich, and colorful and beautiful as the best that is on offer in adult TV. Our designers started by analyzing the way Martin had illustrated his original books. We wanted a picture book style and aesthetic that would feel as if the book had opened and the characters had come to life.
Read the full interview regarding “Jane and the Dragon” with Baynton and Taylor on our News Blog.Entertainment Insider News
Qubo
Joanna Lisanti knows a good thing when she sees it. She helped put Nickelodeon on the map in the 1980’s, worked at VH-1, Court TV and now, realizing her heart is in kids television, Lisanti works as Vice President of Marketing for qubo. At qubo, programming seeks to entertain children while simultaneously helping them to become learning ready, acquire a love of and respect for reading, and reinforce values that build a lifelong foundation for self-esteem and integrity. The programming, offered in English and Spanish, is based on books and promotes healthy minds as well as bodies. Starting in mid-April, animated qubo stars will interview Olympians about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
Observing that there are many terrific shows for preschoolers and tweens, qubo set out to entertain kids caught in the middle--specifically four- to eight-year olds. They provide a safe environment free of anti-parent sentiments and sarcasm. In fact, the programming is so clean and entertaining, many families enjoy watching the shows together. Lisanti is amazed at the amount of mail they receive not only from children but from adults as well—some who don’t even have children of their own. “Perhaps it’s because they want to watch something charming that reminds them of a softer time—something from childhood,” Lisanti speculates.
As the mail pours in, Lisanti observes a unique phenomenon. Viewers are asking who their sponsors are so they can purchase products from the companies. It seems they want to offer their support to those who make quality programming such as what qubo offers their priority.
Currently showing as a block on Saturday mornings, qubo is branching out to full-time programming. They have already initiated a qubo channel in approximately six million homes, and hope to expand. If you check out their programming and love it, offer your support by calling you local operating systems and ask for qubo 24/7.Blogs: Up-to-Date News from our President and VP
Granny
Ranny's Addenda
PBS KIDS Celebrates Earth Day (April 22)
PBS KIDS is celebrating the Earth with PBS KIDS Share the Earth Day,” a special programming and online event on Tuesday, April 22. Curious George, Clifford, Arthur and an all new episode of Super Why will explore fun and engaging ways to keep the planet beautiful. ... - Read It!
Kids Pick the President
Nickelodeon's Kids Pick the President campaign, a year-long initiative to build young citizens' awareness of the election process ... Read It!
Ann's Marketing Memes
How Would You Like To Have Your Own Personal 300 Year-Old Dragon as a Best Friend?
Meet Jane and Dragon. Jane is a medieval middle class girl being raised as a Lady-in-Waiting, but she's got much bigger plans for her future! ... - Read
It!
KIDS FIRST! Juror/Jury Blog
Get Paid to Become a Juror!!
Special ongoing incentives are being offered for new jurors. An educator incentive allows educators to pay $20 for their juror application ... - Read More!
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.
