So whats up with Blue House, Animal Jam, that Australian Muppet Show, and Hoobs?

[beaker]

Just out of curiosity...

1) What is going on with Animal Jam? I take it from the lack of threads about it, it was pretty much 'tumbleweeds'. From the description it sounded more like something from Death To Smoochy or Barney.

2) I remember there was word of some Austalian Muppet animal planet type show with Joe the Armadillo...did that ever get launched.

3) Finally the Hoobs...did the idea to launch that stateside get scrapped all together?

FINALLY...what in the heck happened to Bear? I saw some new live show released on dvd, and the Woodland Valley thing...but was that it?
IS the show totally finito, with no feature film coming? A Shame.

Err, I suppose it is a slow JHC news era...

[Comical_DrBob]

There was something in Australia that was a co production between Yoram Gross- EMTV & the Jim Henson Company I think it went to air never saw it but will come here later with info.Got it it was called Bambaloo don't know if it still runs only a small amount of muppet for more visit this website & click on the bambaloo link [will have a human with a dog thing]
http://www.ygross.com.au/yoramgrossemtv/index.html
or direct http://www.ygross.com.au/yoramgrossemtv/characters/ch_bambaloo.html

[Gerard]

There was something in Australia that was a co production between Yoram Gross- EMTV & the Jim Henson Company I think it went to air never saw it but will come here later with info.Got it it was called Bambaloo don't know if it still runs only a small amount of muppet for more visit this website & click on the bambaloo link [will have a human with a dog thing]
www.ygross.com.au/yoramgrossemtv/index.html
or direct www.ygross.com.au/yoramgrossemtv/characters/ch_bambaloo.html


Bambaloo... Name rings a bell, is it one of those little ABC kids shows?

[Phillip Chapman]

Here's a story on Bambaloo from last August...

http://www.muppetcentral.com/news/2002/090502.shtml

[Muppetsdownunder]

I saw Bambaloo on tv a while ago and was on at around 9.00am weekdays, As I usually were at school at that time I didnt get to see much of it at all, I didnt even realise it was a henson production for a while. the puppets were good. I am quite sure that its not on now, I could be wrong though.

from,
Paul :)

[Luke]

3) Finally the Hoobs...did the idea to launch that stateside get scrapped all together?

The deal with Hallmark/Odyssey Channel for Henson programming which would have brought Hoobs to the USA was bought out. That doesn't mean it isn't still available for distribution there if a channel wanted. They made all 250+ episodes of 'The Hoobs' in the UK and are now waiting to see if they will make any more for Channel 4 under Henson's new owners. I guess it depends if C4 wants them, and JHC wants to make them, but the brand is still going strong here but no new episodes have been made for a year now so it's probably unlikely.

Animal Jam was indeed Tumbleweeds, and as for Bear i think it's just the stage shows now although anything they could possibly put back into production is apparently 'under review' right now.

[Secret Squirrel]

Animal Jam, although panned by most Muppet fans, was well-received by critics and audiences. Producers are currently waiting on a second series order.

Bear in the Big Blue House, like Book of Pooh, will not be renewed. A Bear feature script, apparently a prequel, has been around for years, but the Bear puppets are in storage and Shadow Projects are working on developing new properties.

Bambaloo has finished its initial run on Australian TV. Some episodes are currently available on VHS/DVD in Australia (region 4 I believe). A second series appeared likely, but the Henson family buyback has apparently clouded the issue, as the first series was made while Henson was a wholly owned EM.TV subsidiary, like co-producer Yoram Gross.

Hope that helps.

secret squirrel

[Muppetsdownunder]

I never realised there were some bambaloo dvds, I should check them out, im not sure that the show was all that popular. I was word that puppets were going out of fashion, now I look there are many shows even here in Australia that use puppets.

from,
Paul
:excited:

[Warrick]

Id like to get some of those Bambaloo DVD's.

Maybe we could do a trade or something ?


thanks

[FellowWLover]

Animal Jam, although panned by most Muppet fans, was well-received by critics and audiences. Producers are currently waiting on a second series order.




My neighbors watch Animal Jam. They call it "the show that comes on after the penguin". No kidding.

[Traveling Matt]

That penguin, BTW, is performed by Tim Lagasse. I know some people were wondering about the performer when he first showed up.

- Billy :cool:

[Muppetsdownunder]

Id like to get some of those Bambaloo DVD's.

Maybe we could do a trade or something ?


thanks

That would be a good idea, I havent seen them in the shops yet but havent had a real good look, I dont think they have been out for long.

I think I have some info on my website about them, the reason im not sure if I do is because I am doing a final renovation of my site and its a mess, lol. Im trying to get it better than up to scratch, it will be great soon. So if you visit the site beware of falling objects and mistakes and stuff. We have even changed the name and address of the site, Im going to announce that here in the forum when its all done.

try using the new address if you like here, Muppets DownUnder! (http://www.muppetsdownunder.cjb.net/)
from,
Paul ;) :)

[Ryan]

Sorry, off topic, but your web site is terrific. They layout, the graphics, everything is awesome. :) This is one of the better new sites out there, which, believe me, have been difficult to come by. I might send in my Muppet collection pics for your site, too. ;)

Awesome, man!

[Muppetsdownunder]

Sorry also to go off topic!

Are you sure you are talking about my website?

It's still going through a big stage of development, I want to try and get it finished by the end of the week, I hope I do!

When its more up to scratch I will announce it on MC, the website has been around for a month or 2 already but there hasnt been much on it yet, thats all going to change, its going to be the best muppet site in Australia, it wont be hard to get that label though as its the only one!
lol.

Im glad you like the site, I just wanted to let you know that its going to get much better than that! You Aint seen nothing yet! I wont be changing the look of the site much, just adding and updating content. It took me a while to get the look I wanted.

from,
Paul :excited: :)

[FozzieBear]

I see Bambaloo all the time, its on at 9:00am on the Seven Network here in Australia. Its a really pre school show, with 2 human actors the rest being muppets. Currently there is only 1 DVD of the show, the second one being delayed, Warrick, if you are interested in a trade, im all for it as well. But you might have already organized somethin with DrSpy00 so its cool if u dont.

FozzieBear (Luke)

[tutterthegreat]

I know I personally would tremendously love for the Henson Company to start making new episodes of "Bear In The Big Blue House" and also bring back all of the Bear In The Big Blue House merchandise too!

:cry: :rolleyes:

[Muppetsdownunder]

Hi, I have just found the official website for Bambaloo here in Australia, I never realised there was one until now. has anyone else seen this website before?
www.bambaloo.com.au (http://www.bambaloo.com.au/)
Thanks,
from Paul :)

[Princess Melora]

Actually, there *is* news about Bear. The show just won the Emmy for Outstanding Direction for a Preschool show. BBBH had four nominations, including one for Noel MacNeal, for Outstanding performer.

BBBH's "new season" will air this fall: 26 eps were shot in 2001-2002, 13 were aired in 2002 -- and Disney Channel will show the remaining 13. One of the new characters is voiced by Whoopie Goldberg.

The new Bear Live show will be traveling to the UK this winter.

Now that EM-TV is out of the picture, the Henson Five, Shadow Productions and Disney Channel are all meeting regarding new Bear projects. Don't be surprised if a few specials, or even a movie deal, is announced in the near future.

[tutterthegreat]

Thank you very much for this news Princess Melora!!!!! :)
I'm extremely excited after reading it!!!!!
Happy tears:cry: LOL :excited: This show is so outstanding I can't imagine it ever going off the air! :eek:

[scarecroe]

Now that EM-TV is out of the picture, the Henson Five, Shadow Productions and Disney Channel are all meeting regarding new Bear projects. Don't be surprised if a few specials, or even a movie deal, is announced in the near future.
PM, that is some wonderful news, thanks for sharing!

I wonder why it was decided in the first place to not renew Bear for any new episodes? It does so well after all.

[Beauregard]

PM, that is some wonderful news, thanks for sharing!

I wonder why it was decided in the first place to not renew Bear for any new episodes? It does so well after all.

Maybe someone shot the bear for sniffing them...Maybe someone found that Tutter had found crack in teh floor boards ands reported it...Maybe one of the otters killed the other...Maybe shadow dissapeard on a bright day...

The list is endless, man.

[Secret Squirrel]

Scott. "I wonder why it was decided in the first place to not renew Bear for any new episodes? It does so well after all."

Disney decided they had enough episodes to repeat. Preschool shows have high audience turnover so perpetual repeats are seen as OK. It didn't help from Disney's p.o.v. that Bear is good because it's expensive.

secret squirrel

[Luke]

Now that EM-TV is out of the picture, the Henson Five, Shadow Productions and Disney Channel are all meeting regarding new Bear projects. Don't be surprised if a few specials, or even a movie deal, is announced in the near future.

Possible, but i think persuading Disney to commision something new is going to be very hard. They have more than enough Bear at the moment to start paying for more. How are the ratings for Bear anyway, has it been declining towards the end ?

[beaker]

Possible, but i think persuading Disney to commision something new is going to be very hard. They have more than enough Bear at the moment to start paying for more. How are the ratings for Bear anyway, has it been declining towards the end ?

heh, all this Disney Henson back and forth weve had over the years on here, all this time Disney and JHC have been putting out a GREAT show. I dont know how hoobs is, but I have nothing but high praise for Bear. Even tho its heyday was 2000, Im hoping it comes back in a big way.


Now that EM-TV is out of the picture, the Henson Five, Shadow Productions and Disney Channel are all meeting regarding new Bear projects. Don't be surprised if a few specials, or even a movie deal, is announced in the near future.

YES! As a *HUGE* Bear fan, this is music to my ears. I consider Bear the third major JHC franchise(replacing Fraggle Rock) right after Muppet Show and Sesame Street.

I just got a Bear for All Seasons dvd, and cannot get enough Bear. It's a shame more older fans pass it up, as trust me...it AINT no big bag animal jam stuff...its genuinely addictive Muppet work.
Since the 80's died, kids have had nothing but slop for kids shows(Barney, Power Rangers, Telletubies, etc) so Bear was quite a breath of fresh air. But my, even a straight to dvd Bear film would rule. I just want Bear and company to visit real life locations finally! As well as cameo/crossover with other JHC/SW related productions.

Finally, I went to that Bambaloo site...hmmm, that doesnt look very Muppety in design, and hey...where's Joe the Armadillo?(err, or Dunlop the Armamatey? ;) )

[Drtooth]

I take it Animal Jam Bombed?

anyway, I too would like to see more of Bear, but there has been talks on the table of a movie for a year and a half now with no other word.

I mean, stuff like Animal Jam and Tommie DiPala.... oyvey!!!

Animal Jam is a DOUBLE dissappointment for me. I thought the show was about :halo: teaching kids music, ala Ghost of Fafener Hall or something...

A crummy Monster Clubhouse Wanna be... all I can say!

[Hays]

I, too, am pretty broken up about Bear...long ago, I knew some folks who worked on it - hope they're being recycled somewhere... Gotta help those guys pay the cookie bill, as Grover would say!

Though it's hard to imagine Bear without Luna...

[Secret Squirrel]

Beaker. The Bambaloo characters were designed and built by the London Muppet Shop but were not Muppets. The credits read "Puppets by the Muppet Workshop" and lists the staff.

The main characters, built for Bambaloo, are all on the site. I believe the pre-existing puppets (including the armadillo puppet) were all cameos.

Animal Jam did not bomb. Muppet fans may not like it, but it rated well.

secret squirrel

[Warrick]

Yay for the London Muppet Workshop !

Portia the Parrot looks fantastic, Although the Fish doesnt have good eyes. And eyes are the most important thing on a Muppet.

I saw some puppets being built in the Muppet Workshop in the Creature Workshop in London a few months ago. I saw some human hand puppets, Like those from The Ghost Of Faffner Hall and i also saw a full body Donkey. Do you know what those were being made for ?

I also saw a full body puppet being made, It was all yellow fur with yellow fleece hands.


Thanks

[beaker]

Beaker. The Bambaloo characters were designed and built by the London Muppet Shop but were not Muppets. The credits read "Puppets by the Muppet Workshop" and lists the staff.

The main characters, built for Bambaloo, are all on the site. I believe the pre-existing puppets (including the armadillo puppet) were all cameos.

Animal Jam did not bomb. Muppet fans may not like it, but it rated well.

secret squirrel

Interesting. Yeah they didnt look quite Muppet like. What what defines a Muppet? Surely a Skeksis is not a Muppet, but Land of Gorch could be distant cousins of the Skeksis. Surely Contruction Site is not Muppets...
however if you take various dog scenes in Muppet specials, than use both "creature shop" and Muppet dogs, the line becomes blurred.
Is DJ Monkey, Flat Eric, and Bad Andy Muppets? Are international sesame characters considered Muppets?(even if created by other companies) And when cgi Muppets become more prominent in a few years, does this mean a Muppet does not have to be of organic fleece and fur? Aw...these are the questions of our times.

[Hays]

Interesting. Yeah they didnt look quite Muppet like. What what defines a Muppet?

Wasn't Kermit Love largely responsible for the design "look" that kind of defines Muppets?

[Princess Melora]

Possible, but i think persuading Disney to commision something new is going to be very hard. They have more than enough Bear at the moment to start paying for more. How are the ratings for Bear anyway, has it been declining towards the end ?

The ratings are excellent, despite the questionable time slots. Disney considers Bear its signature show.

The next logical step for the Bear franchise is to do prime-time specials, direct-to-video specials and (fingers crossed) the movie. Disney may or may not be involved.

Right now, Bear is Henson's *only* franchise for a pre-school audience (remember -- Sesame is now owned outright by Sesame Workshop). It's been both a critical and a commercial success. They have a lot of licensing/merchendising deals rising on it.

They not going to let it go gentle into the good night.

[Luke]

Cool - i like 'Bear' very much. I am a fan of the 'Bear' more than the show though - i was at the toy fair in London earlier this year and Henson were indeed putting a lot of emphasis on 'Bear' with him there meeting and greeting in person and he was massively popular with all the delegates. It'll be cool if they do find it possible make new things without Disney as i guess that kinda takes the middleman out of the way, although i'm sure there backing is very nice. Anyway congratulations to all those working on the show, they've done the fans and the company proud.

I'm sure you know this already but Henson have been very good over the last few years promoting and licensing it's pre-school stuff. 'The Hoobs' over here in the UK had a big McDonalds Happy Meal promotion just recently even though they haven't made any new shows in about a year and the exisiting episodes are re-running very early in the morning. The brand has been incredibly popular with kids even though there are more high profile things on other channels at better times.

[Drtooth]

'The Hoobs' over here in the UK had a big McDonalds Happy Meal promotion just recently even though they haven't made any new shows in about a year and the exisiting episodes are re-running very early in the morning. .


you wouldn't happen to have any, or know a second hand shop to pick up some?

Maybe Warrick would know, as well....