PRAIRIE BERRY PIE SERVES UP A SLICE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Released: September 29, 1999

(REGINA) Principal photography is complete and post production is about to begin on Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker, an intriguing, funny and entertaining new series for kids. In its first season, 13 half-hours of fun, friendship and wonder with distinctive prairie flavor will be produced by Minds Eye Entertainment and Moose Jaw Light and Power Artistic Production Company Ltd.

Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker has rhyme, rhythm, song and story. Targeted to children aged two to six, kids will learn pre-school social skills like sharing, honesty and trust while they explore the fascinating world of the western plains. A prairie penthouse set atop a grain elevator, decorated in bright bold colors and overlooking a sea of fields and grasslands, is home to Brenda and her friends. Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker delivers quality kid programming with stories, sing-a-longs and smiles by the bucket.

Award-winning musician, entertainer, and recording artist BRENDA BAKER (Adrienne Clarkson Summer Festival, Project Discovery) stars as Brenda, friend and mentor to two puppets, a prickly porcupine named Clementine and Sasha, a cute, cuddly skunk. Renowned puppeteers TRISH LEEPER (Sesame Street, The Jim Henson Hour) and JANI LAUZON (Little Star, Mr. Dress-Up) breathe life into and animate Clementine and Sasha.

From a prairie penthouse high atop a converted grain elevator, Brenda and her puppet friends welcome special guests each week. Always loads of laughs are two wacky and wonderful brothers, Franklin, played by KENT ALLEN (Incredible Story Studio, Painted Angels) and Gridley, played by TOM ROONEY (On My Mind, Twin Stars). You never know how these two will tickle the funny bone with their larger- than life, slap stick comedy. The two comic characters take on a diversity of roles, dropping in as pizza makers and plumbers, doctors and dancers, cowboys, mountain climbers, farmers... and sasquatches!

KENNETCH CHARLETTE (Dear America, Big Bear), plays David, a first nations story teller who visits with drum, song and story. Mackenzie, played by ALISON MADDIGAN (Incredible Story Studio, Family and Friends), is a young girl with answers to everything, who also stops by to visit and provide a different way of looking at the ideas explored and lessons learned.

Says the series star, BRENDA BAKER, "I'm so happy to be a part of a series for kids that's entertaining, educational and empowering. We're creating a safe, comfortable, and exciting world for kids. It's a place of sharing, song and story."

Music is a key component in Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker and Brenda's melodic voice, cheery personality and bright smile will captivate audiences and be sure to have a positive effect on young viewers. A soundtrack of much-loved traditional children's songs as well as original songs penned by renowned songwriters Connie Kaldor, Al Simmons and Rob Bryanton, is sure to be a success and family favorite.

The majority of episodes will be directed by acclaimed variety and children's show director MICHAEL MCNAMARA (Polka Dot Shorts, Sharon Lois and Bram's Elephant Show). To ensure creative continuity Michael is creative producer on all episodes, including those he does not direct.

Executive Producer, Kevin DeWalt of Minds Eye Entertainment says "Prairie Berry Pie is a rich, creative experience for its young audience. It's a series of the highest quality, made right here in Saskatchewan, for kids across the nation and around the world."

Producer and co-creator Geoffrey Ursell agrees: It's a tremendous thrill to see our idea growing into vibrant, joyful life with the help of so many wonderfully talented and creative people. Prairie Berry Pie will show the unique life and beauty of the prairies to the whole world."

Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker is a co-production between Regina based Minds Eye Entertainment and Saskatoon's Moose Jaw Light and Power Productions. Kevin Dewalt is executive producer. Geoffrey Ursell is producer and co-creator. Barbara Sapergia is co-creator.

Prairie Berry Pie is produced with the participation of Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN), Global Television Network, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Canadian Television Fund, Telefilm Canada: Equity Investment Program, CTF: License Fee Program, The Shaw Cable Children's Programming Initiative, Government of Canada-Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program, the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit and Minds Eye International.

Watch for Prairie Berry Pie with Brenda Baker on SCN and Global Television.