Bob the Vid Tech facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob The Vid Tech |
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| Genre | Children's television |
| Created by | Maryland Public Television |
| Theme music composer | Don Barto, David Zee |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Jonathan Slade, Frank Batavick |
| Editor(s) | Steve Smith, Bob Mixter, Kathy Pugh |
| Release | |
| Original release | June 1, 1993 |
Bob The Vid Tech was a popular TV show character and host for kids. He appeared on Maryland Public Television (MPT) from 1993 to 2010. Bob was known for making learning fun and exciting for young viewers.
Contents
The Story of Bob the Vid Tech
In 1993, MPT changed its daytime TV schedule. They created "The Children's Channel" with more PBS Kids shows. MPT wanted a local person to connect with kids and families. So, they created a "Video Technician" character, also called a "Vid Tech."
Meet Bob the Vid Tech
Robert Heck, an actor from New York, was chosen to play the Vid Tech. He used his nickname, "Bob." Even though Bob was played by an adult, he acted like a curious elementary school kid. He loved learning new things and sharing his adventures.
Bob worked with creators Jonathan Slade and Susie Shaw. He also played other fun characters in his Vid Kid world. These included Momma Vid Tech, his brother Biff, and Pop Quiz. He even voiced his puppet friend, Sid the Vid Fish. These characters often appeared in short video clips and in the opening of longer shows.
New Friends and Endings
In the summer of 2000, a friend named Brianna joined Bob. Singer Parris Lane played Brianna. She acted as a camera person and helped with the daily shows. Production of Bob the Vid Tech videos and specials stopped in 2010.
Short Videos and Learning
MPT made short videos called "interstitials." These videos were shown between national PBS kids shows. They helped connect local Maryland families with a friendly face. Bob would explore many topics, from numbers to language. He also visited people and places around Maryland, like his local library.
MPT Kidworks and Beyond
In the late 1990s, MPT renamed its children's programming block "MPT Kidworks." Bob, wearing his famous aqua-colored jacket, was still the main star. In 2002, MPT planned to stop making new short videos. But production continued for seven more years under the name "MPT Kids and Family".
In 2003, Bob even met Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich. They talked about sharing the same first name! Bob's last TV appearance was visiting the Maryland Special Olympics in 2009.
Meeting Bob in Person
Robert Heck, as Bob the Vid Tech, often appeared at events. He was the host for MPT's Vid Kid Club. He visited malls, hospitals, schools, and festivals. He would perform and meet his young fans.
Vid Kid Roadshows
Larger events were called Vid Kid Roadshows. These shows featured live stage performances. Bob and his "partner-in-fun" Brianna would entertain the audience.
Special TV Adventures
Bob also starred in longer TV specials. These shows allowed him and young viewers to learn about subjects in more detail. Twelve specials were made, from the 1993 Holiday Special to Big City Adventure in 2009.
Exploring the World
Bob's specials covered many topics. These included history, space, water, music, and transportation. Bob would go on an adventure to learn as much as he could about each subject. The original theme music was by Don Barto. Later, musician David Zee created new music in 2000 for an updated opening animation.
Here are some of Bob's special adventures:
- Holiday with Bob Heck (1993): Bob reads a bedtime story to children.
- Vid Kid Field Trip to the National Aquarium (1995): Bob learns about life under the sea.
- A Vid Kid Fable: The Day the World Stayed in Bed (1996): What if no one ever got out of bed?
- Vid Kid: Lost in Maryland History (1997): Bob travels back in time to experience Maryland's past.
- Vid Kid: Meeting the Challenge! (1998): Bob meets kids with disabilities. He learns how they sail and ride horses.
- Bob the Vid Tech: Blast Into Space! (2000): Bob goes to space to save his brother Biff. He visits the Maryland Science Center and NASA.
- Bob the Vid Tech: Music to My Ears (2001): Bob feels left out because he can't play an instrument like his family.
- Bob the Vid Tech: Water Water Everywhere (2002): Bob learns why water is so important.
- Bob the Vid Tech: Message in a Bottle (2004): Bob discovers how people have communicated through history.
- Bob the Vid Tech: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (2006): Bob learns about different ways to travel. He's trying to get to a family reunion!
- Bob the Vid Tech: The Mystery of the Missing Pizza (2008): Bob explores the world of farming and food.
- Bob the Vid Tech’s Big City Adventure (2009): Bob learns all about Baltimore City.
Awards and Recognition
Bob the Vid Tech shows won many awards. These included children's category and technical Emmy awards. They came from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The shows also won a CINE Golden Eagle and a Telly Award.
