The series provided a combination of entertainment and education for children between eight and 12 years old. It had a cast of 4 children (Harry Coates, Cathy Cornell, Suzin Schiff, and Doug Springall) and 4 adults (Maryann B. Joffe, Wally Martin, Susan Mainzer, and Les Nirenberg) as various goofy characters the kids interacted with. Later the character Mr. Magic was introduced into the show played by real magician Ian Snow Carpenter.
It made extensive use of chromakey technology, to depict the cast as miniaturized on a set consisting of toys, games, and candy. It also used Robotoons, a "live-cartoon" technology, similar to Aniforms, created by the show's set designer, Don Keller. Choreography was by Big Time Productions.[1][2]
The show was written by Bill Hartley, with Janis Nostbakken as Educational Advisor.
Cliff Jones and Bill Hartley composed the music for the series. Vocal Direction was by Phil Pitre. A soundtrack album was released by Rising Records (RILP-101).[3]
Kidstuff was produced in Montreal at CFCF-TV and premiered on CTV for its 1975-76 season. 26 episodes were produced over two seasons and rebroadcast for several more years thereafter.[2] The first season of 17 episodes was produced for approximately $400 000.[2][4]
The series premiered 27 September 1975, in the 10 a.m. Eastern time slot.[5] The debut episode was recorded on 27 February 1975.[6] The series attracted a national rating of 425 000 viewers.[4]
^Metcalfe, Clarence (13 September 1975). "Kidstuff / Bright addition to CTV roster". Ottawa Journal. p. TV 3.
^ abcdeWedge, Pip (March 2003). "Kidstuff". Canadian Communications Foundation. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^Adilman, Sid (18 December 1976). "Give children records they'll sing and dance to". Toronto Star. p. F5.
^ abCommission permanente des consommateurs, coopératives et institutions financières (23 September 1976). "Journal des Débats"(PDF) (in French). Government of Quebec. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
^"TV Journal". Ottawa Journal. 20–27 September 1975. p. 49.
