While I was on my trip to Chicago earlier this year for the PBS Annual Meeting, we were able to learn about the new PBS Kids show Splash and Bubbles and meet and interview the cast. It was SO MUCH FUN! They are an amazing group of talented actors and actresses that have come together to bring us this fun and educational show. The told us about the animation/recording process and I was blown away. The sea life you see in the show are actually puppets that they are controlling and their movements are recorded digitally as part of the live action process.
The amazing cast of Splash and Bubbles includes Allan Trautman as Gush, John Tartaglia as Maury, Leslie Carrara as Bubbles, Aymee Garcia as Chompy, Raymond Carr as Dunk, Dan Garza as Charlie, and Donna Kimball as Lu. I loved sitting there with them listening to their creative processes, how their work days are, how the recording is done and many other topics. They are amazing and talented and it was a privilege to meet them and learn from them.
Here is a little clip to see more about the show.
Marine biology and ocean science multiplatform media property that builds social-emotional skills premiered November 23, 2016 on PBS KIDS
SPLASH AND BUBBLES from The Jim Henson Company (DINOSAUR TRAIN, SID THE SCIENCE KID) and Herschend Enterprises (Dollywood, Harlem Globetrotters). Using groundbreaking digital puppetry technology, the animated series will help children learn marine biology and ocean science concepts while building social-emotional skills.
Created by John Tartaglia (“ImaginOcean,” “Johnny and the Sprites”), SPLASH AND BUBBLES is designed to encourage kids ages 4-7 to explore the natural undersea world. Developed with an advisory panel of top marine biologists, digital innovators and educators, SPLASH AND BUBBLES is grounded in a marine biology curriculum that focuses on themes of diversity, individuality, interconnectedness and the celebration of learning and discovery. The series also introduces the concepts of ecological balance and the importance of taking care of the ocean.
“SPLASH AND BUBBLES emphasizes the important social-emotional skills needed to help kids discover the interconnectivity among all living creatures, while creating an understanding of the variety of life that exists under the sea, fostering an appreciation for the biodiversity in our ocean,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “PBS KIDS is committed to using the power of media to build science skills to help inspire children to explore the fascinating world of marine biology and the wonder that makes up the majority of our planet’s surface.”
Funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, SPLASH AND BUBBLES follows the adventures of Splash, a yellow fusilier fish who has migrated all over the ocean before settling down in Reeftown, where he befriends Bubbles, a Mandarin dragonet whose vivid orange and electric blue coloring matches her colorful personality. Until Splash came along, Bubbles and most of the other Reeftown residents had no idea what lived beyond the cozy confines of their coral walls. Together, Splash, Bubbles and their friends explore the world’s undersea habitats, make new friends and learn about the many different ways life looks and lives in the ocean, celebrating the importance of diversity along the way.
“Through the adventures of Splash and Bubbles, we hope to inspire environmentalism, empathy and curiosity about the vast world of marine biology,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “We hope the series becomes a starting point for children to build confidence in their ability to make a difference in our environment and inspires a lifetime of learning.”
“We are excited to partner with two world-class brands, Henson and PBS, to create life-changing emotional connections between kids and the ocean. Through SPLASH AND BUBBLES-themed experiences, we can bring the same memories created every day in our aquariums to children’s living rooms and lives,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend Enterprises.
“I feel honored and privileged to help carry on The Jim Henson Company’s great tradition of creating family entertainment that inspires care-taking, empathy and awareness of and for our world,” said John Tartaglia, the series creator and the performer of the show’s title character, Splash. “My hope is that SPLASH AND BUBBLES’ amazing characters and hilarious stories inspire kids of all ages to learn more about what lies beneath the surface of our amazing ocean and how they can contribute to taking better care of it.”
Be sure to visit http://pbskids.org/splashandbubbles for full episodes, games, activities and more!
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