KIDS FIRST! Radio

Meet Jane and Dragon.

Jane is a medieval middleclass girl being raised as a Lady-in-Waiting, but she’s got much bigger plans for her future! Training to become a Knight is what she’s all about – good thing she’s got a 300 year-old fire-breathing dragon as a best friend. 

In the episode selected by the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Women’s Museum in Dallas, Dragon is feeling sick, very sick with a pig disease: curly tail. It is curable but the antidote is a difficult quest away. Jane volunteers for the quest and Theodore assigns Gunther to quest with her. Meanwhile, Dragon is proving to be a very difficult patient.  Also here’s your chance to get the inside scoop on all things Jane. Martin Baynton, creator of “Jane and the Dragon,” answers YOUR questions! 

http://www.qubo.com/jane_ask.asp    

 Dad’s Pet Food Joins with Governor Ed Rendell  in Honoring K-9 Officers and their Partners at the Premier of Ace of Hearts

 Dad’s, a leading pet foods manufacturer in Pennsylvania, has joined with PA Governor Ed Rendell in honoring the work of the K-9 units in our local communities. In a letter of support, the Governor has declared April 12, 2008, as “K-9 Recognition Day in Pennsylvania.”

The recognition is all part of the excitement surrounding the premier of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s feature family film, Ace of Hearts, on April 12th at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle, PA. The movie, staring Dean Cain, tells the story of Officer Daniel Harding, a distinguished member of the K-9 police unit and his K-9 partner, Ace. Ace of Hearts is part of the PA Children’s Film Festival. Admission for the full day of films is free to everyone!

Dad’s contributed over 500 lbs of dog food to be handled out to the movie goers “as a way for Dad’s to recognize the importance of both the K-9 dogs that will be honored at the screening and the family pet in our lives.” The local rescue shelter, Promises For Pets, will be on hand to distribute the pet food.

Also featured Saturday is the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie with a surprise appearance by Alvin, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy, Care Bears: Grizzle-ly Adventure, Bob the Builder: On-Site Roads and Bridges, My Senator and Me, and the Mr. Men Show.

In an effort to bring quality children’s programming to our region, the PA Film Institute, in partnership with The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, has established the PA Children’s Film Festival. The Children’s Festival is dedicated to “promoting excellence in children’s films” and in “enhancing the opportunities for children and their families to view some of the most outstanding children’s films available anywhere.”

With our partnership, the PA Children’s Film Festival becomes part of the largest children’s film festival in the world…KIDS FIRST! Film  Festival.

Manoa’s Outreach College was honored with the Best Non-Credit Program for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival by the Western Association of Summer Session Administrators.  The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is the largest traveling children’s film festival in the world, providing films that are free of racial, ethnic, gender or religious bias; inappropriate content; and condescension toward children. 

Outreach College held the festival in June and July with a second festival slated for summer 2008. In March and April in honor of Women’s History Month, the festival presents the GRLS R GR8! Mini-Film-Fest celebrating the achievements, challenges and adventures of girls.   

Expand Cultural Literacy through Four Weekends of Free Family Fun and Enjoyment!
PHOENIX — Children and families are invited to enjoy the screening of KIDS FIRST! films across Maricopa County during the month of April.

The first family film festival in the region is being held at a variety of arts and cultural organizations to give families the opportunity to expand their cultural literacy and enjoy some of the highest quality films available to children.

Starting Saturday, April 5^th at the Glendale Public Library from 2:00 – 5:00 PM
 

Bugville: 78 minutes. Ages 5–12.  When Hoppity the grasshopper returns to Bugville, he finds all is not well when humans threaten the survival of this town. 

John, Paul, George, and Ben:  9 minutes. Ages 5-12.  Narrated by James earl Jones, this is a humorous and factual history of 5 lads who grew up to become Founding Fathers. 
The Prince and the Pauper.  92 minutes.  Ages 6-12.  Eddie and Torn Cole and Dylan Sprouse from TV’s The Suite Life of Zack and Cody are two 14-year-olds with one thing in common: they both look exactly alike.  Kay Panabaker (TV’s Phil of the Future) co-stars in this adventure based on a story by Mark Twain. 

Saturday, April 5^th 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Glendale Public Library, 595 W. Brown St. Glendale 85302
Every weekend during the month of April, the Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture

(MPAC) will partner with the Glendale Public Library, Arizona Historical Society Museum, Desert Botanical Garden and Arizona Science Center to feature entertaining kid and family-friendly films related to their current activities at no cost to movie-goers and visitors.  Door prizes and free stickers will be available at some venues.  http://www.mpacarts.org for the list of upcoming screenings.

MyBoneYard® was created to help people like you recycle electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops in a smart, responsible and eco-friendly way. We are the Simple, Safe and Smart way to recycle your old electronics.

MyBoneYard® partners with industry leaders in the manufacturing, service and retail sectors working to provide even more value for your used electronic equipment through various national consumer electronics recycling programs. Not only is MyBoneYard® and environmentally-friendly program that helps our partners become more environmentally engaged, but it also gives consumers an opportunity to get rewarded for their own enviro-friendly efforts.  By partnering with MyBoneYard®, the “power of three” will be working for you. Young America, Wireless Source and eco | International combine forces to provide the only fully-integrated e-recycling solution in the industry – MyBoneYard®. MyBoneYard® provides the simple, safe and smart way to recycle unused electronics and can work for you in-store, online, through event marketing, charitable giving and employee programs. In the end, everyone is rewarded for their efforts. 

MyBoneYard® brings leading electronics product asset recovery and recycling capabilities so you can be assured that your recycled product will be stripped of any sensitive personal information and permanently deleted. Whether you’re getting rid of an old cell phone or computer, by recycling with MyBoneYard®.com you’ll find we provide: • A safe and best-in-class environmental recycling solution exceeding all state legislative requirements. • Guaranteed content removal of all personal information. 

• World-class customer service and project management. • An eco-friendly option to simply throwing your electronics in the trash.  Check it out! www.myboneyard.com  

A Wyoming short film contest was introduced at the Sundance Film Festival.
A $25,000 first prize is being awarded to the winning entry with a storyline that takes place in Wyoming, features Wyoming, or presents the state as a major character. Prize money will go toward production of the winner’s next film shot in Wyoming. “We’re trying to build a buzz. If you can get more independent, smaller filmmakers interested in Wyoming first that will help us bring in bigger projects down the line. It’s a sort of trickle up effect,” said Colin Stricklin of the Wyoming Film Office.

The ‘Film the West’ reception at Sundance in Park City, Utah on January 24th allowed filmmakers the chance to lean more about the contest and invite their participation. “A lot of people seemed interested. We spoke with both domestic and foreign producers during a four-hour concentrated effort,” Stricklin said.

Films are due before May 9 and entries must be 15 minutes or less in length. “The short film format allows for all levels of experience and expertise. Our format is wide open and the possibilities are limitless,” Stricklin noted. There is no entry fee and submissions are being accepted at: http://www.withoutabox.com The winning effort is to premier at the Jackson Hole Film Festival, June 5-9, 2008 in Jackson, Wyoming.

“This is a first-time project designed to foster film production in the state while simultaneously giving filmmakers an opportunity they might otherwise overlook. We’re very excited at the early response,” said Michell Howard, Wyoming Film Office Manager. Howard also used the Sundance setting to promote the state’s new Film Industry Financial Incentive Program which allows production companies to be reimbursed up to 15 percent on dollars spent on a Wyoming film shoot.

More information about the incentive program and the short film contest is obtainable online at: http://www.wyomingfilm.org/

Read Across America March 3rd       

Horton Hears A Who! (read-along book) Free to Your Classroom. For the first time ever, an animated digital version of Horton Hears A Who! by Dr. Seuss is being released. Just in time for NEA’s Read Across America Day, this special Seuss classic will be available for free exclusively on kidthing™. The pages come to life on your computer screen with animation, narration and sound effects. Or, turn the sound off and read the book aloud. Download at www.kidthing.com/neasreadacrossamerica

For more information on Read Across America, please visit the NEA’s Web site at www.nea.org/readacross

WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! AND THE NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCE NEW GRANT PROGRAM FOR PRESCHOOLS
Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards will be granted to 75 winners

Burbank, CA/So. Burlington, VT  (February 6, 2008) – The National Gardening Association (NGA) and Starz Media have launched a new grant program – the Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards – sponsored by Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, a hit animated comedy television series for young children, which airs on Nick Jr. and Noggin in the U.S. The Awards will distribute 75 grants of products from NGA’s Gardening with Kids Store, valued at $1,000 each, to preschool organizations across the country.
Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards will be granted to 75 winnersBurbank, CA/So. Burlington, VT  (February 6, 2008) – The National Gardening Association (NGA) and Starz Media have launched a new grant program – the Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards – sponsored by Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, a hit animated comedy television series for young children, which airs on Nick Jr. and Noggin in the U.S.Just renewed for a second season, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! revolves around Wubbzy – an adorable, bouncy character with an expressive tail and a quest for fun – and his friends Wi­­­dget, Walden, and Daizy, who live in Wuzzleburg. Their many hilarious adventures entertain young children while reinforcing the importance of friendship. This theme dovetails perfectly with gardening, which engages kids in experiences that reinforce the value of cooperation, teamwork.
Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards will be granted to 75 winnersBurbank, CA/So. Burlington, VT  (February 6, 2008) – The National Gardening Association (NGA) and Starz Media have launched a new grant program – the Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards – sponsored by Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, a hit animated comedy television series for young children, which airs on Nick Jr. and Noggin in the U.S.Just renewed for a second season, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! revolves around Wubbzy – an adorable, bouncy character with an expressive tail and a quest for fun – and his friends Wi­­­dget, Walden, and Daizy, who live in Wuzzleburg. Their many hilarious adventures entertain young children while reinforcing the importance of friendship. This theme dovetails perfectly with gardening, which engages kids in experiences that reinforce the value of cooperation, teamwork.This sounds great to adults, but when you ask kids why they like to garden, you’ll get the message that, “Gardening is fun!” It gets them outdoors, gives them an outlet for their energy, and lets them participate in creating something beautiful that they can feel proud of. Plus, they actually like to eat the vegetables they grow!

“A child’s early years are a crucial time of development, and preschool education can significantly influence the rest of their lives,” says NGA Education Specialist Sarah Pounders. “Gardening is a hands-on project that allows children to explore at their own pace and engage in age-appropriate experiential learning. We’re very happy that Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is sponsoring this award to give more children these valuable opportunities.”

“The Wuzzleburg Preschool Garden Awards are the ideal next step in our strategic partnership with the National Gardening Association, particularly since the little yellow star of the show is discovering the fun of going green in the second season that debuts later this year” says Amorette Jones, EVP Worldwide Marketing for Starz Media.  

To qualify, a preschool or day care center must submit a plan for a garden, to be planted and tended by a group of at least 10 children aged 3 to 5, during 2008. Award packages will include garden tools and garden- and nature-oriented teaching materials, plus a Wubbzy gardening activity guide for teachers. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2008, and awards will be shipped no later than April 15. For full details and to download an application, please visit http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants.asp

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is a co-production of Starz Media and Bolder Media. Since it began airing in August 2006, Wubbzy has been a hit on the air, online and in the international television market as well. Wubbzy enters the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival this spring!
 

14 Oscar Nominations for Movies Made in New Mexico
New Mexico-made movies receive 14 Oscar nominations. Governor Richardson credits aggressive marketing and incentives program for continued growth of state’s film industry.
Santa Fe, NM (Vocus) January 24, 2008 — Governor Bill Richardson applauded today’s announcement that four movies filmed in New Mexico have received a total of 14 Academy Award nominations from the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. The films include Best Picture nominee “No Country for Old Men” which tied for the lead with eight nominations.

“These nominations highlight the quality of the projects we are attracting to New Mexico,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “As importantly, they highlight the quality of our support staff, our production crews and the incredible versatility our state offers filmmakers in realizing their vision. We can say with proven certainty that New Mexico is a world-class film destination.”

Since Governor Bill Richardson took office, 90 major feature film and television projects have shot in New Mexico resulting in an estimated economic impact to the state of $1.5 billion dollars.

“The film industry is a key factor in the high-wage, prosperous economy we are building in New Mexico,” continued the Governor. “Because of our success, thousands more New Mexicans are working, and the industry is benefiting local businesses and communities across the state. Plus, with these nominations the additional exposure these films will bring to New Mexico worldwide is fantastic. I’m committed to keeping the industry thriving and to continue developing New Mexico as a full service production state.”

In addition to best picture, “No Country for Old Men” garnered nominations for best director, best supporting actor, adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing, sound mixing and sound editing.

Many consider the film to be the lead contender for this year’s Best Picture award. The Coen Brothers drama was filmed almost entirely in New Mexico in locations such as Las Vegas and Santa Fe. It is based on Santa Fe author Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name. Golden Globe winner Javier Bardem is considered the front-runner for the best supporting actor award for his role as Anton Chirguh the film’s menacing psychopath.

While the film takes place in west Texas, the Coen brothers say they chose to shoot the majority of it in New Mexico because of the state’s attractive film incentives.

Three other films nominated this morning also took advantage of the state’s film incentives, skilled crew base and varied shooting locations. Tommy Lee Jones earned a Best Actor nomination for his work on “In the Valley of Elah.” “Transformers” picked up nominations for visual effects, sound editing and sound mixing. “3:10 to Yuma” also received nominations for sound editing and mixing.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Hoffman
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Tel: 505-216-0889
Cell: 505-603-8643
Ballantines PR
Ballantines PR: Beijing, Los Angeles, London, New York, Santa Fe, Shanghai
   
Alarie Ray-Garcia
Office of the Governor
New Mexico Governor
Bill Richardson
Office:505-476-2248

The USA Film Festival announces a Salute to Mallory Lewis at the
24th Annual KidFilm® Festival – January 19-20, 2008
DALLAS – The USA Film Festival’s 24th annual KidFilm® Festival announces the schedule of events taking place Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20, 2008 at the Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas.
Salute to Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, Saturday, January 19th at 2:30 pm
Honoring the legacy of her mother, the legendary Shari Lewis, award-winning children’s entertainer Mallory Lewis brings a new puppet (Giggles) to a new generation – with some help from an old friend — the beloved Lambchop!  Mallory brings learning through music to young audiences through her new Phonics 4 Babies program.  KidFilm will feature a live performance by Mallory Lewis and Lambchop, and kids will also receive a free DVD.  Program presented with support and partnership from KIDS FIRST! a program of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media.  (Showtime = Saturday, January 19, 2:30pm.)
The USA Film Festival is a 38-year-old Dallas-based 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the recognition and promotion of excellence in the film and video arts.  Year-round events include KidFilm; the official Oscar Night® America Dallas; monthly screenings; special programs and premieres; and the USA Film Festival, held each spring.  Throughout the year, the Festival presents a variety of membership, exhibition, educational and cultural programs designed to bring together film enthusiasts and filmmakers for a “live cinema” experience.