FGCU show: ‘Curious Kids’ culls kudos
A local TV show hosted by area youth, including some from Cape Coral, was recently recognized.
In December, WGCU’s “Curious Kids” won an Emmy from the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in children/youth/teens for one of its segments. Titled “What is a Watershed?,” the segment focused on interconnections between inland and coastal communities.
“They were very excited,” Rosie Emery, the show’s writer and producer, said of the cast.
“A Suncoast Emmy is still an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, so it’s a big deal,” she added. “It’s recognition from your peers – everybody at WGCU was very excited.”
Created in partnership with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the winning segment premiered in December 2014. It explained watersheds in a manner understandable for children.
“It’s very difficult to understand sometimes the concept of a watershed,” Emery said.
Six children were featured in the segment, including three girls from the Cape – Sierra Simon and sisters Nichole and Natalie Kelly. Two others were from Naples and the last from Fort Myers.
“They’re regulars,” she said of the Cape trio. “They’re part of the main cast.”
Started in 2010, “Curious Kids” is a 30-minute show, with multiple segments in each episode.
“It’s hosted by local kids, and it’s for kids and families,” Emery said.
“The original theme of the show was my backyard, my world and myself,” she added.
Topics range from the environment and history, to science and career paths.
“The show covers a variety of aspects of the community,” Emery said.
Broadcast in Fort Myers and Naples, it features children from Southwest Florida.
“We’re a small team and it takes a lot of effort,” she said.
The shows are available online.
Currently, “Curious Kids” is looking for sponsors.
“We’re having a hard time getting funding,” Emery said, noting that the show was put on hiatus last year. “It educates children and families about Southwest Florida – it’s used a lot in schools.”
“If the show could get a sponsor, the show could go on,” she added.
The show, as a whole, has been nominated for a Suncoast Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and it took home a bronze Telly Award in 2012 and again in 2013.
“It’s a local show that’s been recognized by a national organization,” Emery said.
For more information or to become a sponsor for “Curious Kids,” contact Kimberly Woodle, the director of development and corporate support for WGCU Public Media, at (239) 590-2300.
For more information about the show, visit: www.wgcucuriouskids.org.