Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, announced today that the Company has appointed VeggieTales co-creator and VP of Development, Mike Nawrocki, to Executive Vice President of Big Idea Entertainment Studios.
Press Release from Big Idea Entertainment
FRANKLIN, TN (October 27, 2010) - Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, announced today that the Company has appointed VeggieTales co-creator and VP of Development, Mike Nawrocki, to Executive Vice President of Big Idea Entertainment Studios. In his new role, Nawrocki will give oversight and leadership to all Big Idea productions.
In addition, Big Idea Entertainment has retained the services of Mark Steele, President and Executive Creative of Steelehouse Productions, to the newly created role of Chief of Creative Affairs, Big Idea Entertainment.
As co-creator of VeggieTales and voice of beloved Larry The Cucumber, Nawrocki has been part of the pulse of Big Idea since its inception in 1993. Mike has created, written and directed most of the extremely popular “Silly Songs with Larry” segments, including fan favorites “His Cheeseburger” and “I Love My Lips.” He has also lent his screenwriting and directing talents to several VeggieTales episodes such as Madame Blueberry, and both of the properties’ theatrical release films, Jonah and The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.
“Mike Nawrocki has made invaluable contributions to values-based family and children’s entertainment over the years,” says Leslie Ferrell, Big Idea Entertainment, General Manager. “No one is better suited or more qualified than Mike for such an important leadership position.”
Steele brings almost 20 years of experience in writing, directing and production to the company where he will contribute to the creative development process behind the VeggieTales series within Big Idea Studios. He has created art for business and ministry through the mediums of film, stage, and animation. He has produced, written, and directed film and video projects for some of the largest live youth events in the nation.
“Mark has a proven track record in creating and developing children’s and family projects,” said Ferrell. “We are excited to have him join the team."
About Big Idea Entertainment Big Idea Entertainment is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea’s best-selling animated series VeggieTales has sold 53+ million videos, 13 million books and more than 7 million CDs. VeggieTales and Big Idea’s property, 3-2-1 Penguins!, enjoyed four seasons as top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV via the qubo children’s programming block. The studio's two theatrical releases, Jonah-A VeggieTales Movie (2002), and Universal Pictures' and Big Idea's The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything-A VeggieTales Movie (2008), are distinguished among the top ten most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea Entertainment, visit: www.bigidea.com.
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