The Global Search for Education: Eco Adventures with Little Buddy: An Interview with Producers Donna Britton Bukevicz and Ross Orenstein

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Jun 16, 2024

This month, audiences can screen Little Buddy Joins the Eco Team on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.

Directed by James Roy, Little Buddy Joins the Eco Team blends live action, puppetry, and animation to teach young audiences about reducing, reusing, and recycling.

With bright visuals, enjoyable characters, and catchy songs, this educational film inspires kids to embrace eco-friendly habits while being thoroughly entertained. The producers of the show are Donna Britton Bukevicz and Ross Orenstein.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Donna Britton Bukevicz and Ross Orenstein.

Tell us what inspired you to focus on the themes of reducing, reusing, and recycling for a film?

Timing is everything! We believe the time is now to embark on an exciting journey of teaching kids the importance of caring for the environment and themselves in a fun way. Meet Little Buddy, the ideal character to guide kids and parents in Thinking Ecologically. Join Little Buddy along with his cheerful friends – Eco the Butterfly, Mr. Recycle Man, Chef Green and Daisy – in a positive, upbeat, and humorous adventure towards ecological thinking and learning. Let’s make caring for the environment a joyful experience!

How did you choose the combination of live-action, puppetry, and animation to best convey the story to young audiences?

Just like the beloved characters from Sesame Street such as Big Bird and Barney, using puppets was a natural choice for us. Statistics affirm that puppets create a vibrant and engaging learning environment that children love, enhancing the educational journey significantly. Moreover, we collaborated with a highly skilled animator from our local PBS station, adding a touch of magic to our educational endeavor. Join us in this exciting and captivating learning experience with puppets!

What challenges did you face while ensuring the educational content remained engaging and suitable for youth?

We partnered with an environmental education specialist to guarantee the absolute accuracy of our content. Their expertise ensured that every detail is not just correct but powerfully impactful, enriching the educational experience with verified information and substantial knowledge.

Do you plan on making more short films about the Eco Team and if so, what are some other concepts you could possibly introduce in future shorts?

Not at this time. We are also dedicated to another ongoing project that aims to empower children of all ages to embrace and believe in themselves, fostering happiness, kindness, and overall well-being. Through this initiative, we strive to uplift and empower children, fostering strong mental health and promoting a positive self-image. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment that encourages children to feel confident, valued, and empowered, leading to a brighter and more fulfilling future for each individual involved.

Thank you guys!