Janice Burgess, the two-time Daytime Emmy winner who created the beloved animated musical series The Backyardigans for Nickelodeon, has died. She was 72.
Burgess died Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan of breast cancer, her former Nickelodeon colleague Brown Johnson told The New York Times.
The Backyardigans ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. from 2004-13 and was a big hit with preschoolers. It centered on five animal neighbors — Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin — who meet in their shared backyard and embark on imaginary and magical adventures, often visiting different parts of the world or traveling back or forward in time.
Burgess was a production executive at Nick Jr. when she came up with the idea for a live-action show called Me and My Friends, with the characters wearing full-body puppet costumes. When execs didn’t go for that, she suggested computer animation to get The Backyardigans greenlighted.
“Making The...
Burgess died Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan of breast cancer, her former Nickelodeon colleague Brown Johnson told The New York Times.
The Backyardigans ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. from 2004-13 and was a big hit with preschoolers. It centered on five animal neighbors — Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin — who meet in their shared backyard and embark on imaginary and magical adventures, often visiting different parts of the world or traveling back or forward in time.
Burgess was a production executive at Nick Jr. when she came up with the idea for a live-action show called Me and My Friends, with the characters wearing full-body puppet costumes. When execs didn’t go for that, she suggested computer animation to get The Backyardigans greenlighted.
“Making The...
- 3/5/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Janice Burgess, creator of Nickelodeon’s “The Backyardigans,” died on Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan, according to The New York Times. She was 72.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, ‘The Backyardigans,'” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “Janice was one of the greats–inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere.”
Animation writer Fracaswell Hyman, who met Burgess while both were working on “Gullah Gullah Island,” wrote on Instagram, “Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend. She recognized my magic before I did and made sure I was in the room and under consideration for many of the shows that came my way including ‘Little Bill’ and ‘Taina.'”
The statement continued, “Janice, Maria Perez-Brown...
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, ‘The Backyardigans,'” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “Janice was one of the greats–inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere.”
Animation writer Fracaswell Hyman, who met Burgess while both were working on “Gullah Gullah Island,” wrote on Instagram, “Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend. She recognized my magic before I did and made sure I was in the room and under consideration for many of the shows that came my way including ‘Little Bill’ and ‘Taina.'”
The statement continued, “Janice, Maria Perez-Brown...
- 3/5/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Dave O’Connor has been appointed as the new President of Time Studios, Time CEO Jessica Sibley announced Monday morning, in a memo to staff.
O’Connor steps in for Ian Orefice, who served as President & COO of both news magazine Time and its Emmy-winning production division before exiting to launch the content studio EverWonder, alongside Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi. He will be based out of New York, reporting directly to Sibley. In his new role, he will look to further Time Studios’ mission of crafting premium storytelling for a global audience, providing the company with the vision and strategic direction necessary to propel it through a turbulent and fast-evolving point in entertainment’s history.
O’Connor joins after co-founding Majordomo Media, where he served as co-ceo and produced such hit series as Chef vs. Wild for Hulu, also building a podcast network and helping to launch an original Fast channel.
O’Connor steps in for Ian Orefice, who served as President & COO of both news magazine Time and its Emmy-winning production division before exiting to launch the content studio EverWonder, alongside Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi. He will be based out of New York, reporting directly to Sibley. In his new role, he will look to further Time Studios’ mission of crafting premium storytelling for a global audience, providing the company with the vision and strategic direction necessary to propel it through a turbulent and fast-evolving point in entertainment’s history.
O’Connor joins after co-founding Majordomo Media, where he served as co-ceo and produced such hit series as Chef vs. Wild for Hulu, also building a podcast network and helping to launch an original Fast channel.
- 11/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Time Studios, the production arm of the newsmagazine, is making a number of changes to its executive team.
The company has promoted a number of executives while three execs are leaving and the unit is searching for a CEO.
The moves were unveiled by Time CEO Jessica Sibley in a note to staff.
Mike Beck and Alexa Conway, who were interim Co-Heads of Time Studios are leaving the company, as is former Co-Head of Documentary Ali Johnes, who has struck a first-look deal with the company as a producer.
Loren Hammonds, who was Co-Head of Documentary alongside Johnes, has been named Head of Documentary, having worked on projects such as Max’s Katrina Babies and HBO Sports’ The Lionheart.
Jeff Smith, who was formerly an exec producer at Time Studios, has been named Head of Formats and Specials, alongside his role as exec producer and will work on live events...
The company has promoted a number of executives while three execs are leaving and the unit is searching for a CEO.
The moves were unveiled by Time CEO Jessica Sibley in a note to staff.
Mike Beck and Alexa Conway, who were interim Co-Heads of Time Studios are leaving the company, as is former Co-Head of Documentary Ali Johnes, who has struck a first-look deal with the company as a producer.
Loren Hammonds, who was Co-Head of Documentary alongside Johnes, has been named Head of Documentary, having worked on projects such as Max’s Katrina Babies and HBO Sports’ The Lionheart.
Jeff Smith, who was formerly an exec producer at Time Studios, has been named Head of Formats and Specials, alongside his role as exec producer and will work on live events...
- 8/21/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Nonprofit media company Shine Global hosted its first-ever Children’s Resilience in Film Awards on Thursday to celebrate the impact of children’s stories in filmmaking. With a breakfast and ceremony held at Paramount Pictures Studios, the event — of which The Hollywood Reporter was a sponsor — awarded ballet documentary Lift with the inaugural Children’s Resilience in Film Award, which included a 25,000 cash prize from Shine Global.
Directed by David J. Petersen, Lift shines a spotlight on homelessness in America through a group of young home-insecure ballet dancers enrolled in New York Theater Ballet’s Lift program and the mentor who inspires them, renowned ballet dancer Steven Melendez.
The runner-up nominees included Ham Tran’s Maika: The Girl From Another Galaxy, Engeli Broberg’s Gabi: Between Ages 8 and 13 and Jared Jakins’ Scenes From the Glittering World, all of which received a 2,500 cash prize.
Nonprofit media company Shine Global hosted its first-ever Children’s Resilience in Film Awards on Thursday to celebrate the impact of children’s stories in filmmaking. With a breakfast and ceremony held at Paramount Pictures Studios, the event — of which The Hollywood Reporter was a sponsor — awarded ballet documentary Lift with the inaugural Children’s Resilience in Film Award, which included a 25,000 cash prize from Shine Global.
Directed by David J. Petersen, Lift shines a spotlight on homelessness in America through a group of young home-insecure ballet dancers enrolled in New York Theater Ballet’s Lift program and the mentor who inspires them, renowned ballet dancer Steven Melendez.
The runner-up nominees included Ham Tran’s Maika: The Girl From Another Galaxy, Engeli Broberg’s Gabi: Between Ages 8 and 13 and Jared Jakins’ Scenes From the Glittering World, all of which received a 2,500 cash prize.
- 10/20/2022
- by Sydney Odman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Shine Global has announced the nominated films for its first-ever Children’s Resilience in Film Award, which honors filmmakers who highlight and celebrate the power of children globally.
The four nominated films stem from Vietnam, Sweden/Denmark/Norway and the U.S.
The nominated films were selected from a pool of feature-length film submissions from 32 countries and will be screened in New York City from Sept. 16-18, followed by an award show breakfast in Los Angeles on Oct. 20 at which the winner will be announced. The winner will receive a cash prize of 25,000.
The jury panel consists of Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vp of creative and production, Sesame Workshop; Maria Perez Brown, head of kids and family, Time Studios; Amy Kennedy, children’s rights activist, educator and 2020 Democratic congressional nominee; Jana Sue Memel, Academy Award-winning producer; and The Hollywood Reporter’s senior awards analyst Scott Feinberg.
Shine Global has announced the nominated films for its first-ever Children’s Resilience in Film Award, which honors filmmakers who highlight and celebrate the power of children globally.
The four nominated films stem from Vietnam, Sweden/Denmark/Norway and the U.S.
The nominated films were selected from a pool of feature-length film submissions from 32 countries and will be screened in New York City from Sept. 16-18, followed by an award show breakfast in Los Angeles on Oct. 20 at which the winner will be announced. The winner will receive a cash prize of 25,000.
The jury panel consists of Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vp of creative and production, Sesame Workshop; Maria Perez Brown, head of kids and family, Time Studios; Amy Kennedy, children’s rights activist, educator and 2020 Democratic congressional nominee; Jana Sue Memel, Academy Award-winning producer; and The Hollywood Reporter’s senior awards analyst Scott Feinberg.
- 8/1/2022
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Time Studios is expanding its library of documentaries and kids and family programming. The television and film production company plans to broaden its scope by hiring new creatives and increasing its overall production spend.
The news comes as Time Studios announces it has surpassed $70 million in revenue since launching in early 2020. Within the last year, it has sold more than 20 projects to Netflix, Amazon, Paramount Plus, as well as HBO, Showtime, Nickelodeon and CNN Films. Some titles include “Big Vape” on Netflix and “John Lewis: Good Trouble” on CNN Films and “Amazing Grace” at Neon.
To support the company’s growth, Time Studios has made several executive hires. Alexandra Johnes and Loren Hammonds have been tapped to lead its documentary division, while Maria Perez-Brown has been appointed to spearhead its new kids and family programming arm, dedicated to young viewers and their families. Additional hires and promotions include Rebecca Teitel as VP of documentary,...
The news comes as Time Studios announces it has surpassed $70 million in revenue since launching in early 2020. Within the last year, it has sold more than 20 projects to Netflix, Amazon, Paramount Plus, as well as HBO, Showtime, Nickelodeon and CNN Films. Some titles include “Big Vape” on Netflix and “John Lewis: Good Trouble” on CNN Films and “Amazing Grace” at Neon.
To support the company’s growth, Time Studios has made several executive hires. Alexandra Johnes and Loren Hammonds have been tapped to lead its documentary division, while Maria Perez-Brown has been appointed to spearhead its new kids and family programming arm, dedicated to young viewers and their families. Additional hires and promotions include Rebecca Teitel as VP of documentary,...
- 11/18/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Time Studios, the Emmy-winning TV and film production division of Time, which has generated more than $70M in revenue since its 2020 launch, today announced the expansion of its Documentary division, also introducing a new arm for Kids & Family programming.
Alexandra Johnes and Loren Hammonds have been tapped as Heads of Documentary, with Maria Perez-Brown coming aboard as Head of Kids & Family. Additional new hires and promotions include Rebecca Teitel as VP of Documentary, Rebecca Gitlitz as Director and Showrunner and Jeff Smith as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The Scripted division of Time Studios will be run by Kaveh Veyssi, VP of Film & TV, Time Studios, as part of a strategic alliance with Sugar23, as previously announced.
The new Kids & Family division will build on Time’s success in the space with the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Kid of the Year television special, recognizing the contributions of extraordinary young leaders in a range of fields,...
Alexandra Johnes and Loren Hammonds have been tapped as Heads of Documentary, with Maria Perez-Brown coming aboard as Head of Kids & Family. Additional new hires and promotions include Rebecca Teitel as VP of Documentary, Rebecca Gitlitz as Director and Showrunner and Jeff Smith as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The Scripted division of Time Studios will be run by Kaveh Veyssi, VP of Film & TV, Time Studios, as part of a strategic alliance with Sugar23, as previously announced.
The new Kids & Family division will build on Time’s success in the space with the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Kid of the Year television special, recognizing the contributions of extraordinary young leaders in a range of fields,...
- 11/18/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Time Studios, the TV and film production division of Time USA, the publisher of Time magazine, is set to launch a kids and family division headed up by Maria Perez-Brown, the founder of Brown Kids Media.
After launching in 2020 with a documentary and then a scripted division, Time Studios will now develop and produce content for young viewers and their families. The Time Studios Kids & Family division has inked a deal with Canadian animation studio Nelvana to co-produce an animated preschool series.
Also in development is an in-house project, Tfk’s The Scoop, a news magazine series featuring puppet kid reporters who ...
After launching in 2020 with a documentary and then a scripted division, Time Studios will now develop and produce content for young viewers and their families. The Time Studios Kids & Family division has inked a deal with Canadian animation studio Nelvana to co-produce an animated preschool series.
Also in development is an in-house project, Tfk’s The Scoop, a news magazine series featuring puppet kid reporters who ...
- 11/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Time Studios, the TV and film production division of Time, is set to launch a kids and family division headed up by Maria Perez-Brown, the founder of Brown Kids Media.
After launching in 2020 with a documentary and then a scripted division, Time Studios will now develop and produce content for young viewers and their families. The Time Studios Kids & Family division has inked a deal with Canadian animation studio Nelvana to co-produce an animated preschool series.
Also in development is an in-house project, Tfk’s The Scoop, a news magazine series featuring puppet kid reporters who bring news and current events to ...
After launching in 2020 with a documentary and then a scripted division, Time Studios will now develop and produce content for young viewers and their families. The Time Studios Kids & Family division has inked a deal with Canadian animation studio Nelvana to co-produce an animated preschool series.
Also in development is an in-house project, Tfk’s The Scoop, a news magazine series featuring puppet kid reporters who bring news and current events to ...
- 11/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christina Vidal has been breaking barriers since she was a teenager. In 2001 she became Nickelodeon’s first Latina leading lady as the star of “Taina,” a series following the eponymous youngster as she attends Manhattan High School of Performing Arts on her way to becoming a singer. Despite only running for one season, the series, created by Puerto Rican showrunner Maria Perez-Brown, became a fond memory for a generation of teens.
“That show was ahead of its time,” Vidal told IndieWire. “I think Maria was ahead of her time.” Vidal, who was just 20 at the time “Taina” aired, said it wasn’t until she reached adulthood that she understood the significance the series had on her as a performer. “I was just having fun, and doing the job, and being a kid,” she said. “It wasn’t until I got older that I realized, ‘Man, that was some important work we were doing there.
“That show was ahead of its time,” Vidal told IndieWire. “I think Maria was ahead of her time.” Vidal, who was just 20 at the time “Taina” aired, said it wasn’t until she reached adulthood that she understood the significance the series had on her as a performer. “I was just having fun, and doing the job, and being a kid,” she said. “It wasn’t until I got older that I realized, ‘Man, that was some important work we were doing there.
- 7/15/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.