Kidstuff (TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kidstuff |
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|---|---|
| Genre | children's variety |
| Written by | Bill Hartley |
| Directed by | Larry Kimber Bill Hartley |
| Starring | Harry Coates Cathy Cornell Suzin Schiff Doug Springall Maryann B. Joffe Wally Martin Susan Mainzer Les Nirenberg |
| Composer(s) | Cliff Jones |
| Country of origin | Canada |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of episodes | 26 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Bill Hartley |
| Production location(s) | Montreal (CFCF Channel 12) |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | CTV Champlain Productions |
| Release | |
| Original network | CTV |
| Original release | 27 September 1975 – 1976 |
Kidstuff was a fun and educational Canadian children's television series. It aired in 1975 and 1976. The show was made by CTV and Champlain Productions. It aimed to entertain and teach kids aged eight to twelve.
Contents
Discovering Kidstuff: A Classic Children's TV Show
Kidstuff was a unique show that combined entertainment with learning. It featured a mix of child and adult actors. The series used clever special effects to create a magical world.
What Was Kidstuff About?
The show's main idea was to bring together kids and funny adult characters. These adults played silly roles that made the show exciting. Imagine a world where you could interact with giant toys and candy!
Meet the Cast and Characters
The cast included four talented children: Harry Coates, Cathy Cornell, Suzin Schiff, and Doug Springall. Four adults also starred: Maryann B. Joffe, Wally Martin, Susan Mainzer, and Les Nirenberg. They played various goofy characters. Later, a real magician named Ian Snow Carpenter joined as "Mr. Magic."
Amazing Special Effects
Kidstuff was known for its cool special effects. It used something called chromakey. This technology allowed the actors to appear tiny on a set made of huge toys, games, and candy. It was like they were living inside a giant playroom!
The show also used "Robotoons." This was a special "live-cartoon" technology. It was similar to other animation styles of the time. Don Keller, the show's set designer, created Robotoons. It made the show look even more imaginative.
Behind the Scenes: Creators and Music
Bill Hartley wrote the show's stories. Janis Nostbakken was the Educational Advisor. She made sure the show was both fun and taught valuable lessons.
Cliff Jones and Bill Hartley also created the music for the series. Phil Pitre directed the singing. Fans could even buy a soundtrack album! The costumes were designed by Juul Haalmeyer. He later became famous for his work on other popular TV shows.
How Kidstuff Was Made
Kidstuff was filmed in Montreal, Canada, at CFCF-TV studios. It first aired on the CTV network during the 1975-1976 television season.
Filming Location and Broadcast Details
A total of 26 episodes were produced for Kidstuff. These episodes were spread across two seasons. The show was so popular that it was re-aired for several years after its initial run. The first season, with 17 episodes, cost about $400,000 to make.
The very first episode premiered on September 27, 1975. It was shown at 10 a.m. Eastern time. This debut episode was actually recorded much earlier, on February 27, 1975.
Popularity and Reach
Kidstuff quickly became a hit across Canada. It attracted a large audience of 425,000 viewers nationally. This showed how much kids and families enjoyed its unique blend of fun and learning.
Awards and Achievements
Kidstuff received recognition for its quality and innovation.
- 1976: The show won a gold medal at the New York Festivals - International Film and Television Awards.
- 1976: It also received an ACTRA Award, which celebrates excellence in Canadian broadcasting.
