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Little Airplane Productions’ ‘The Wonder Pets!’ Wins 2010 Gracie Award

Little Airplane Productions’ acclaimed preschool series “The Wonder Pets” has won the 2010 Gracie Award for Outstanding Children’s/Adolescent Program.

From a Little Airplane Productions' press release.

NEW YORK, March 15, 2010  -- Little Airplane Productions’ acclaimed preschool series “The Wonder Pets” has won the 2010 Gracie Award for Outstanding Children’s/Adolescent Program.  The award is presented by the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), the philanthropic arm of AWRT, which supports educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields.

“The Wonder Pets!” chronicles the adventures of three funny, singing classroom pets: Linny the Guinea Pig (Sofie Zamchick), Ming-Ming Duckling (Danica Lee) and Turtle Tuck (Teala Dunn), who travel the world and use teamwork to save baby animals in distress.

“The Gracie Award is a great honor and a tremendous achievement,” said Melanie Pal, Supervising Producer for “The Wonder Pets!.”  “We are very proud to be recognized for a show that challenges gender roles in a gentle way and shows that kids can do anything!”

“The Wonder Pets!”, which premiered in the U.S. in 2006, and airs in markets worldwide, remains one of the top rated shows in on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.  The series is TV’s first mini-operetta for preschoolers and the first preschool series to feature an extensive lineup of Tony award-winning and nominated Broadway composers. 

A new, original style of animation called photo-puppetry animation was created at Little Airplane Productions by Jennifer Oxley for “The Wonder Pets!”.  The technique allows animators to manipulate photographs of real animals, creating a comical, realistic look that is striking and unique.  All of the music on “The Wonder Pets!”is recorded with a live orchestra and much of the dialogue is sung in operetta style.  The seriesreceived a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction & Composition in 2008.

The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created for women, by women and about women in all facets of electronic media, as well as individuals who have made contributions to the industry. The awards program also encourages the realistic and multifaceted portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news, features and other programs.  “The Wonder Pets!” will be honored at a special awards luncheon at the 35th Annual Gracie Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 26 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills.

About Little Airplane Productions

Founded by Josh Selig in 1999, Little Airplane Productions created and produced “The Wonder Pets!” for Nick Jr., “Go, Baby!” for Playhouse Disney, “Oobi!” for NOGGIN (winner of a 2001 Gold Parents’ Choice Award) and “3rd & Bird!” for the BBC’s CBeebies.  Additionally, Josh Selig was the Head Writer for “Little Bill” on Nick Jr.  He has received ten Emmy Awards for his writing on “Sesame Street” and was the Resident Producer of the historic Israeli/Palestinian “Sesame Street” co-production (winner of the 1998 Japan Prize).  Josh Selig also writes a weekly blog for Kidscreen Magazine called “Planet Preschool” which can be read at www.kidscreen.com. For more information about Little Airplane Productions please visit www.littleairplane.com.

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Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.