Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: The Nick Cannon Show

The year is 2002. Spiderman, Ice Age, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and The Pianist were released in theaters. The Osbournes, The Bachelor, American Idol, and Code Name: Kids' Next Door debuted on TV. With the huge success of Kenan & Kel, and The Amanda Show, one of the main cast members of All That, Nick Cannon, decided to have his own TV show after he left the show. Cannon's show was none other than The Nick Cannon Show which debuted on January 19, 2002.

The premise is that Nick Cannon would come across a situation or a setting such as a school, the circus, or the beach, and try to make it "better". He would portray skits, funny jokes, or his characters that he used to play as in All That, and try to include his style in it. Similar to All That, Kenan & Kel, and The Amanda Show, there were former members of All That that would appear as guests such as Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Not to mention there were celebrity guests that were popular at the time such as Romeo, Mary J. Blige, Willy Santos, and 3LW. Every episode was pretty much the same: Nick would appear in a place and does various jokes and skits in order for something that he feels that is boring or typical to be "better", have something to make it pop for the younger audience.

As time went on, the majority of the production and film crew left after the first season, the ratings were lower and lower as time went on, and the show was eventually cancelled one year later on February 1, 2003. Overall, the premise is pretty cool and kind of unique, but the execution of it was very mediocre. The main problem is with Nick Cannon himself. He's not a really funny comedian and most of the jokes and skits that he did were a bit flat and awkward. If the jokes and skits were more tightly written and the show starred on one of the more funnier members of All That during that time period such as Gabriel Iglesias, Mark Saul, Danny Tamberelli, or Jack DeSena, maybe it would've done 10 times better. Nick Cannon wasn't really one of the more popular cast members of All That and if he was, it was because he was performing with more better actors such as Kenan Thompson when they did their skit "The Inconvenience Store" .

As of now when it comes to TV shows or series involving with taking something and making it better, it hasn't been done right or the way it could have been presented. Take Demo Reel for example. It sounds like a fantastic idea on paper, but hasn't been executed the way it should have been. 

With The Nick Cannon Show, I felt the same way. Now to his credit, Nick Cannon looks like he's trying and I give him an "A" for effort on that. When it comes to interacting with people, he's very natural and very energetic. I feel that being a radio personality and one of the hosts of America's Got Talent brought that out more and he feels more in his natural habitat. 

But as an All That spinoff, this is one of the weaker ones. I wouldn't recommend checking it out.

That's all for now. Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia

Nick Jukebox Episode 2: Electric Bugaloo

In the second episode of Nick Jukebox, we take a look at songs from classic Nickelodeon shows from the 80's, 90's, and 00's. Expect songs from Spartacus and the Sun Beneath the Sea, Clarissa Explains it All, Taina, and more.

All the songs are owned by Nickelodeon, Viacom, and their respected owners.

Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: Interview with Thad Komorowski

At some point in our lives, we see a movie, play, or TV show that's a standalone compared to all the others. On August 11, 1991, Nickelodeon debuted its first three Nicktoons: Doug, Rugrats, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. While each of these cartoons was unique compared to all the other cartoons that were showing at the time, one of them would be an influence to hundreds of other cartoons even to this day. The Ren & Stimpy Show was a benchmark to cartoons with its classic animation mixed with fast paced comedic humor, bodily humor references, and off-color jokes. It was one of the most popular cartoons of that year and had gained a huge following for kids, teens, and adults. To this day, The Ren & Stimpy Show is not only one of the most greatest cartoons of Nickelodeon, but one of the greatest cartoons of all time. 

Author Thad Komorowski is currently writing a book called Sick Little Monkeys: The Unauthorized Ren & Stimpy Story which features the story of how one of the most influential cartoons of all time came to be. Interviewing over 60 people including writers, animators, producers, and voice actors behind the cartoon. Sit back, relax, grab your Happy Helmets and Powdered Toast, and enjoy our interview with Thad Komorowski.

Patricia- What made you decide to write a book about The Ren & Stimpy Show?

Thad- In some ways, it's the TV cartoon that will never die. It was an extremely important part of animation history, one that single-handedly changed industry and audience standards. The story of its rise and fall has been direly needed for years. When I was younger, I'd been corresponding with Bob Jaques about the styles of various Golden Age animators. I didn't realize he was the same Bob Jaques who worked on Ren & Stimpy until he started telling me random anecdotes about the series. Some of his stories about directing the animation for the show were absolutely insane - the tribulation of actually animating R&S is one aspect of the saga that's never been given proper coverage. Bob is the one who suggested I use my energy and skill to research the show and write about it.

Patricia- What made Ren & Stimpy a standout compared to the cartoons that were coming out in the 80's and early 90's?

Thad- There's a certain timelessness to it that the others don't have. I hate that word, given the saccharine attached to it, but that's really what it is in a nutshell. Ren & Stimpy embodies all of the aesthetics of classic animation, however different it is in writing and drawing. There's nothing dated about energy or solid character acting, drawing and animation, which is why the best episodes hold up as well as they do.

The Disney feature people (THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN) did a great job of capturing past standards, but, being Disney, they couldn't really transcend what had been done before. 

The new Warner shows (Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs!) tried too hard to be trendy; those are definitely top-drawer shows on their best days, but this huge wave of nostalgia for animation of that era keeps them alive more than their merit does.

By comparison, Ren & Stimpy not only transcended creative standards, but the concept of "target audience." The Disney movies were aimed at families and the Warner shows at kids. The Simpsons made the leap from adults to tweens, but that's typical of any popular sitcom (Seinfeld, etc.). Since the show's creators basically did the cartoons for their eclectic selves, here was a studio product that was able to appeal to an unbelievably broad audience: children, teens, stoner college students, and hardcore animation geeks. Nickelodeon hated the show for that reason, as it caused all kinds of problems finding the right advertisers.

Patricia- What were some of the most shocking stories you've heard when working on this book?

Thad- There really isn't anything shocking in the story of Ren & Stimpy if you understand the kinds of personalities involved. What I found most intriguing was the naivety of it all - both on the part of the network and creators. Things happened in the production that any seasoned pro would see as danger signs, but they let them happen anyway. Naivety played a huge role in the existence of Ren & Stimpy.

Patricia- Besides John K., who else should be credited for how the show turned out?

Thad- This is hard to keep brief, and I'm sure some people will be mad at me, but I'll cover myself by saying that everyone's job on that show was important. The cartoons were simply too hard to make to allow anyone to give any less than 110%.You can't understate John Kricfalusi's role in making the show what it is. Without him, Ren & Stimpy wouldn't exist. He's the one who rallied everyone together and captured that lightning in a bottle at Spumco for a brief period of time. Whatever you think of him personally, the fact that John K. changed animation for the better is undeniable.

Lynne Naylor was probably the other most important artist. She fleshed out the characters' personalities with Kricfalusi (along with Jim Gomez and Felix Forte), as well as the design work. Stimpy was actually based in part on one of Lynne's cats. I daresay her influence on the TV animation industry is as big as John K.'s.

Jim Smith and Bob Camp were also very much involved with the characterizations, stories, designs - really, everything. There's an awful lot of Jim and Bob's sweat and blood in those shows. I know when Jim left the series it was as big a blow as John K.'s departure was, since his drawing and example could solve just about anything. Bob's sense of comedic writing, drawing and timing were inseparable from the show's flavor. His absence really affected how those later Adult Party shows came out just the same as John K.'s absence affected the ones at Games.

Chris Reccardi is a vastly underrated artist and was a shining light throughout the entire run of the Nickelodeon series. Vincent Waller was another brilliant draftsman and writer; the episode BIG BABY SCAM is basically all him. Mike Kim did layout on some of the best Spumco scenes and really came into his own directing at Games. Tom McGrath didn't work at Spumco, but he really gave a lot of vigor to the episodes at Games. His sole directorial effort, I WAS A TEENAGE STIMPY, is easily one of the best R&S cartoons ever done. Bill Wray is almost singlehandedly responsible for the profusion of good color styling and painting in modern animation. Billy West's voice acting was, and is, the gold standard for the entire voiceover industry. Other R&S greats were Don Shank, Mike Fontanelli, Carey Yost, Charlie Bean, Rich Pursel, Elinor Blake, Glenn Barr, and Scott Wills.

Bob Jaques, Kelly Armstrong, and their crew at Carbunkle Cartoons are also unsung heroes of the series. They're the reason why any of the animation hangs together. There are great cartoons without their involvement, absolutely. But all of the ones that are tour de forces (STIMPY'S INVENTION, SPACE MADNESS, MAN'S BEST FRIEND, SVËN HÖEK) are so largely because they animated them.

And Vanessa Coffey. She's the one who believed in John K., let him make the show that he wanted, and gave him as much rope as she could possibly give him. Her green-lighting of not just R&S but the entire Nicktoons lineup has had more of a positive influence on animation than any other single act I can think of.

Patricia- What was the hardest thing to accomplish when writing this book?

Thad- Other than actually writing it, probably dealing with my own maturity - or lack thereof. As everyone knows, John Kricfalusi wasn't involved with this book, due in part to my own immaturity and online brickbats with the man. In retrospect, I wish I'd have learned that keeping your mouth shut is often the best response, but I highly doubt John K. would approve of any history of the show that wasn't under his direct control. He had his own art book coming out, which would have been a welcome addition to any animation library (my book has very few illustrations), but that exploded for the same reasons his show did.

There was also the fact that a lot of the R&S history isn't very pleasant and people are often reluctant to talk about it in the first place. But I was able to find a sizable assortment of people involved with it (over sixty), and saw that there was great corroboration to their recollections. Some people will obviously argue otherwise, but this is a far more balanced account of what happened than anything else has been.

Patricia- How do you feel about Mathew Klickstein's upcoming book Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age talking about the early years of Nickelodeon?

Thad- I think it's a great idea for a book, and I'm looking forward to reading it. That period of the network was unlike any other in television history and an account of how everything came to be could be utterly fascinating.

Patricia- What are your favorite episodes and characters?

Thad- Characters: Ren and Stimpy, first and foremost, of course. George Liquor was brilliant in MAN'S BEST FRIEND and DOG SHOW, but unfortunately, he hasn't really gotten the opportunity to shine since (though I hope CANS WITHOUT LABELS changes that). I also have a soft spot for Ren's cousin Svën, Kowalski the seven-year old convict, and Wilbur Cobb too. And the Salesman!

Episodes: STIMPY'S INVENTION is easily one of the best cartoons ever made, period. It's so compelling I needed to give it its own chapter. SVËN HÖEK, MAN'S BEST FRIEND, and SPACE MADNESS would be next. Spumco-wise, I also love OUT WEST, MAD DOG HÖEK, BIG BABY SCAM and SON OF STIMPY.

From the Games era, my favorites are STIMPY'S CARTOON SHOW, HARD TIMES FOR HAGGIS, REN'S BITTER HALF, DOUBLE HEADER, REN'S BRAIN, I WAS A TEENAGE STIMPY and REVEREND JACK. From the Adult Party series, REN SEEKS HELP has some of the finest moments in the whole R&S canon.

Patricia- Looking back on Ren & Stimpy, do you think that the show has held up well 22 years later?

Thad- Absolutely. As I stated earlier, it's "timeless" (ugh). It's kind of a shame, though, that the history is the Shakespearean tragic story it is. Ren & Stimpy really deserved the opportunity to evolve for an extended run like The Simpsons, SpongeBob Squarepants, South Park and even Rugrats did. But better a show to have been short-lived and mostly awesome than long-lasting, briefly brilliant and suck for more than half its run.

Patricia- Besides Ren & Stimpy, what are your favorite Nickelodeon shows?

Thad- Rocko's Modern Life had some truly brilliant moments (Heffer the cow's trip to hell, Rocko's nudity being the subject of an avant-garde film, Wacky Delly, doorbell ditch) and voice acting. SpongeBob Squarepants, the show Nickelodeon always wanted Ren & Stimpy to be, was very funny in its early years. I liked and watched most of the 90s Nickelodeon lineup as a kid, but I can't say I've had any desire to revisit the others.

Patricia- What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

Thad- To give balance and perspective to one of the most important stories of twentieth century animation. To inspire others to write about animation of the early 1990s, because there are still tons of untold stories out there, and those involved deserve to have their recollections recorded and put to good use. And to get opportunities to write even more on animation! I should also hasten to add there's an extensive episode guide in this book, which includes credits, air dates, plot descriptions and notes on censorship. Since the current R&S DVDs are the biggest con job on the market ("UNCUT", with edits!), I hope whoever assembles the next R&S video release uses my notes carefully to ensure that kind of vandalism (not just censorship, but time-compression and fake fade-outs/fade-ins) is never perpetrated again.

Patricia- What are your upcoming projects?

Thad- I just started seriously working on another animation history book, but it's far too early to reveal what it's about. It involves almost entirely dead people, so the animation community can rest easy that this writer is not going to feast any further upon their livelihoods.

For more information about Sick Little Monkeys: The Unauthorized Ren & Stimpy Story, check out Thad's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SickLittleMonkeys. 

Are you looking forward to Sick Little Monkeys: The Unauthorized Ren & Stimpy Story? Did you liked The Ren & Stimpy Show when you were a kid in the 90's? What were your favorite episodes? Post it in the comments below! Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Take care!

-Patricia

Old School Lane Casual Chats Episode 7: Manic Expression's 1 Year Anniversary

In this special episode of Casual Chats, Patricia and Kevin celebrate their associated website Manic Expression by interviewing the founder James Walsh. Learn about how Manic Expression got started, how he came up with his original content, and his upcoming projects.

To know more about the site, head over to manic-expression.com. 

Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: Butt Ugly Martians

When it comes to the discussion of what the first CG animated series on Nickelodeon was, most people think that it was The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. That right there is incorrect. The very first CG animated series on Nickelodeon was none other than Butt-Ugly Martians. 

The show was about a group of three alien warriors named B-Bop a Luna (voiced by Charlie Schlatter), 2T Fru T (voiced by Rob Paulsen), and Do-Wah Diddy (voiced by Jess Harnell) who were sent to planet Earth by their leader Emperor Bog (voiced by S.Scott Bullock) to conquer it. When they land on Earth, they make friends with three kids named Mike, Cedric, and Angela and start to love the planet, especially the humans, hoverboards, and hamburgers. They decided not to conquer Earth. However, Emperor Bog doesn't know of the aliens' decision and he always checks on them to see if they're doing their job. His right hand man Dr. Damage, however, does and tries to convince Emperor Bog about it. In every episode, the three aliens fight against evil villains who either try to conquer Earth or has a hatred with the Martians. When they combine their abilities and shout "BKM" (Butt Kicking Mode), they get their gear and fight against them. The episode concludes with lying to Emperor Bog about learning techniques about conquering Earth and him not knowing any better. Really, there's not much to say. That's basically it. 

The purpose of Butt Ugly Martians was to contrast the darker, moodier, and more adult-theme animated sci-fi series Invader Zim. However, it was a huge failure. The show was quickly cancelled less than a year after its debut on February 21, 2002. Looking back years later, I must say that this is, without a doubt, one of the WORST Nicktoons I've ever seen. The animation is clunky, blocky, and dated, the characters are bland and forgettable, the episodes are beyond BORING, and the action is underwhelming. There is nothing in Butt Ugly Martians that satisfies anyone. I don't recommend checking it out!

That's all for now. Tune in next time as we go into the year 2002 and discuss about All That's third spin-off The Nick Cannon Show.

Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia

Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: Interview with Mathew Klickstein

As we’re heading into the 2000’s Nickelodeon shows and movies, let’s talk about one more thing regarding the 80’s and 90’s Nickelodeon. If you’ve been enjoying the history behind the #1 kids’ network and all the shows that used to air around the golden era, then you’re in for a real treat. Coming soon in Fall 2013 is a new book called Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age written by Mathew Klickstein. 



You’ve probably heard his name before since I used a few references from his posts from splitsider.com. The book covers the origins of Nickelodeon and has many interviews from the former presidents, vice presidents, creative consultants, writers, producers, directors, actors, and creators of Nickelodeon shows and the network itself. Joining us today is the author himself Mathew Klickstein. Enjoy!

Patricia- What made you decide to write the articles on the little-to-know behind the scenes stories on shows from Nickelodeon?

Mathew- I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO A BOOK ABOUT NICKELODEON FOR SOME TIME NOW. AFTER LEAVING LA IN 2008, I MOVED TO PORTLAND FOR A WHILE WITH AN OLD FRIEND AND MET REGULARLY WITH A WRITER'S GROUP IN THE AREA, NAMELY FOR SOME GOOD BEER, BAR FOOD, AND NICE FOLKS TALKING ABOUT WRITING. ONE OF THE GALS WHO WAS PRETTY COOL HAD A BOYFRIEND WHO HAD JUST WRITTEN A BOOK ABOUT STARBUCKS BASED OFF OF AN ARTICLE HE WROTE, AND I THOUGHT, "I COULD DO THAT." I STARTED TELLING FOLKS I WAS GOING TO DO THE "NICKELODEON BOOK" AND EVEN BEGAN READING TOM WOLFE VOLUMINOUSLY TO PREPARE, SEEKING OUT THE BEST WAY TO WRITE ENGAGING, NARRATIVE-BASED CREATIVE NON-FICTION ABOUT NOSTALGIC AMERICANA. BUT THEN LIFE TOOK OVER AND I DIDN'T THINK I WAS READY TO DELVE INTO DOING WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO ACTUALLY MAKE IT HAPPEN. I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE AN AGENT YET BACK THEN, SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOME NOBODY LIKE ME TO WRITE A BOOK OF THIS NATURE ABOUT SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT. WHY WOULD MELISSA JOAN HART TALK TO SOME IDIOT WITH THIS CRAZY IDEA AND NO CREDENTIALS ASIDE FROM SOME LIGHT FILM AND FREELANCE JOURNALISM WORK? I'LL TRY TO SPEED IT UP HERE WITH A FOUR YEAR OR SO FAST-FORWARD...

I DECIDED TO HIT UP A FRIEND OF A FRIEND OF MINE WHO HAPPENED TO RUN THE SOUND STUDIO WHERE "DOUG" WAS RECORDED. I ASKED THE GUY IF HE COULD HOOK ME UP WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH JIM JINKINS, JUST TO SEE IF I COULD WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT "DOUG" AND HIM. I DID THE INTERVIEW, DID NOTHING WITH THE RECORDING FOR A FEW INTERMINABLE MONTHS, AND THEN WAS LAID OFF FROM MY JOB AS THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER FOR THE DAILY NEWSPAPER WHERE I'VE BEEN LIVING IN BOULDER THE LAST THREE YEARS. I SUDDENLY HAD SOME TIME ON MY HANDS AND SOME QUICK MONEY FROM AN OPTION ON A SCRIPT AND PROFESSIONAL THEATER PROJECT -- A PERFECT STORM OF OPPORTUNITY -- AND DECIDED TO ACTUALLY GIVE THE "DOUG" STORY A CHANCE. I WROTE IT, LIKED IT, AND SUBMITTED IT TO A FEW PLACES -- A FEW OF WHOM WANTED TO RUN IT. I DECIDED TO GO WITH SPLITSIDER BECAUSE I LIKED THE EDITOR, ADAM FRUCCI, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO INTEREST IN WEB PUBLISHING AT THE TIME, IT WAS A BIG ENOUGH SITE TO GET THE ARTICLES OUT THERE BUT NOT SOME HUGE CONGLOMERATE THING THAT WOULD BULLDOZE OVER MY STORIES OR NEVER EMAIL ME BACK IF I HAD ISSUES WITH EDITING. I STARTED CONTACTING OTHER NICK FOLKS, AND IT STARTED WORKING. AND NOW, 100 SOME-ODD INTERVIEWS AND SIX MONTHS LATER, HERE WE ARE. MORE TO COME, TOO.

Kevin- What were your favorite Nickelodeon shows? What were your least favorite?

Mathew- THAT'S A TOUGHIE BECAUSE NOW I'VE BECOME RATHER FRIENDLY WITH A LOT OF THE CREATORS OF THE SHOWS ON NICK AND IT'S HONESTLY AFFECTED MY FEELINGS ABOUT A LOT OF THESE PROGRAMS. I'M GETTING TO KNOW THEM BETTER AS PEOPLE -- THEY'VE ALL BEEN VERY OPEN WITH ME -- AND IT'S MADE ME SEE THEIR SHOWS IN WHOLE NEW WAYS. THAT MAY SOUND TRITE, BUT IT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS (HOW DOES A CLICHE BECOME A CLICHE?). AS CLICHE AS SAYING, "I REALLY LIKED 'EM ALL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS." I DON'T THINK I COULD DO THIS OTHERWISE. IT'S OVERTAKEN MY ENTIRE LIFE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. IF MASTERS DEGREES WERE GIVEN FOR EXPERIENCE AND DIRECT PRODUCTION RATHER THAN ROTE MEMORIZATION, MEANINGLESS TESTS, AND COSTLY SEMESTERS, I WOULD DEFINITELY BE EARNING AT LEAST TWO RIGHT NOW -- ONE ON NICK AND ONE ON CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN TELEVISION/CABLE HISTORY. WHAT JOB I COULD GET WITH TWO SUCH MASTERS DEGREES, YOU GOT ME. TEACHING AT SOME LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN UPSTATE NY? ACTUALLY, THAT MIGHT BE KINDA FUN. I COULD HANG WITH WHOEVER MIGHT BE TEACHING THE GAMEBOY CLASS OR THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK CLASS.

Patricia- There are currently two other books about Nickelodeon: What makes your book different from the others? What do you hope to accomplish with your book?

Mathew- I'M ACTUALLY WELL AWARE OF THE TWO OTHER BOOKS OUT ON NICK, AND HAVE BEEN FRIENDLY FOR A FEW YEARS WITH THE EDITOR OF THE FIRST, WHICH IS A COLLECTION OF ACADEMIC ARTICLES WRITTEN ABOUT NICK (ONE SUCH ARTICLE SAID EDITOR, HEATHER HENDERSHOT, WROTE). I CONTACTED HER WAY BACK IN 2008 WHEN I FIRST STARTED HAVING AN IDEA I MIGHT DO THIS SOME DAY. WE TALKED ABOUT TALKING CATS AND THE LIKE, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. THE SECOND BOOK IS ANOTHER ACADEMIC TEXT WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE WOMEN WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRST. I HAVE THAT ONE NOW, TOO. HER NAME IS SARAH BANET-WEISER. I'M TRYING TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT NICK THAT IS FOR MORE OF A MAINSTREAM AUDIENCE -- FANS OF THE SHOWS AND CHARACTERS AND ACTORS -- WITH A KIND OF NARRATIVE THROUGHOUT; SIMPLE BUT THE STORY OF NICKELODEON AS A CHARACTER ITSELF. IT WILL ALSO BE AN ORAL HISTORY, SO THE STORY WILL BE TOLD BY THE VERY PEOPLE WHO CREATED IT AND ITS SHOWS. SOME OF THESE FOLKS HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT THESE SERIES SINCE THEIR FIRST RUN DECADES AGO.

Patricia- Can you briefly explain what can we expect from this upcoming book on Nickelodeon without spoiling it? How many shows are you going to cover?

Mathew- YOU CAN EXPECT TO READ ABOUT AND LEARN ABOUT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I WOULD HOPE ANYONE WOULD WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE SHOWS. I'M 30. I'M FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I'M A NICK KID. I GREW UP ON THESE SHOWS. I WATCHED THEM AGAIN WHEN THEY WERE RE-RELEASED ON DVD. I CHECK THEM OUT TO THIS DAY. I KNOW THEM PRETTY WELL IN DIFFERENT WAYS, AND NOW I HAVE THE CHANCE TO FIND OUT WHAT MADE THEM SO INDELIBLE AND SINGULAR. AS MUCH OF WHAT I JUST SAID THAT WILL FIT IN A BOOK WILL BE THERE ON THE PAGES.

Patricia- In your opinion, what shows put Nickelodeon on the map as the network to see? What shows do you think started the downhill point to the "Nickelodeon Golden Era"?

Mathew- AGAIN, I THINK WHAT MADE AND IN FACT STILL MAKES NICKELODEON SUCH A SUCCESSFUL FORCE IN BOTH COMMERCIAL AND CRITICAL REALMS IS HOW PROTEAN ITS PROGRAMMING IS. IT HAS BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN SUCH AN IMPORTANT BRAND -- "THE FIRST KIDS NETWORK" -- WHILE OFFERING SUCH DIVERSE MATERIAL, FROM LIVE ACTION TO ANIMATION, FROM SITCOMS TO SOAP OPERA DRAMAS (MANY MAY NOT REMEMBER "FIFTEEN," BUT IT WAS NICK'S OWN "DEGRASSI" FOR A SHORT STINT). THEY ALL BROUGHT SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO THE TABLE. ONE THING I'M LEARNING: ESPECIALLY IN THOSE EARLY YEARS AND THEN THROUGHOUT THE NINETIES, HAD ANY ONE OF THOSE SHOWS NOT BEEN AIRED, THE CHANNEL WOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT TODAY. THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAGIC INGREDIENTS: CONSISTENCY OF BRAND, VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING.

Patricia- A few months ago, Kevin and I interviewed Caseen Gaines, who is the author of Inside Pee-wee's Playhouse. The book covered some fascinating and shocking stories about the entire phenomenon of Pee-wee Herman from the stage shows, the movies, and the TV show. What were some of the most shocking stories that you heard when interviewing former actors, creators, and behind-the-scenes crew of the Nickelodeon shows and movies?

Mathew- NICE TRY, PATTI! YOU'LL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!

Kevin- Who were the people that you were the most excited to interview? Who were your favorite people that you interviewed?

Mathew- I KNOW THIS MUST BE GETTING ANNOYING AND SEEM LIKE I'M TRYING TO SELL BOOKS HERE (PS: I AM), BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT CHANGES SO OFTEN THAT I CAN'T SAY ANYMORE. IT HAS BEEN WEIRD, STRANGE, INTOXICATING, AND A LITTLE VERTIGINOUS TO RELIVE SO MANY MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD THROUGH THE TV I WATCHED AT A VERY DIFFERENT TIME IN MY LIFE. IT FEELS AS THOUGH I'VE KIND OF REACHED THROUGH NOT ONLY WHAT HARLAN ELLISON HAS REFERRED TO AS "THE GLASS TEAT," BUT ALSO THROUGH TIME IN THIS QUIXOTIC QUEST TO TRACK DOWN AND TALK TO THESE FOLKS. I'LL TELL YOU THIS, I'VE BEEN SURPRISED MORE TIMES THAN I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AS REGARDS WHO MAKES FOR A BETTER AND MORE ENGAGING INTERVIEW. SOME OF MY BEST STUFF HAS BEEN COMING FROM FOLKS I WOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED.

Kevin- Which people that you wished that you would have had the chance to interview, but couldn't get a hold of for whatever reason? What questions would you have asked them?

Mathew-  I DON'T THINK I WOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS BOOK IF I WASN'T ABLE TO GET EVERYONE I WANT AND FEEL IS NEEDED TO MAKE IT WORK. IF I WERE DOING A WEBSITE OR COMPOSING A SONG, IT WOULD BE THE SAME CONCEPT. I'M DOING THE ORAL HISTORY OF NICKELODEON BECAUSE, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, I'M GOOD AT GETTING IN TOUCH WITH AND INTERVIEWING SUCH PEOPLE. THIS IS ONE OF THE THINGS I DO AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GOOD AT. I'VE GOTTEN MOST OF THE FOLKS I WANT ALREADY AND AM STILL MOVING SWIFTLY TO GET THE REST.

Kevin- Do you own any Nickelodeon memorabilia?

Mathew- I THINK THAT'S RELATIVE.  

Kevin If you could be any Nicktoon character, who would you be and why?

Mathew- I ALWAYS LIKED THAT DOUG FUNNIE COULD PLAY THE BANJO. I WISH I COULD DO THAT. MAYBE I WILL SOME DAY. 

Kevin- How you do feel about Shout! Factory releasing the Nickelodeon shows on DVD?

Mathew- I LIKE SHOUT! THEY RELEASED A GUY I KNOW'S MOVIE CALLED "HOW'S YOUR NEWS?" HE WENT ON TO ALSO DIRECT THE RECENT "SOUTH PARK" DOCUMENTARY. I ONCE APPLIED FOR A JOB THERE DOING THEIR LINER NOTES. I DIDN'T GET IT, BUT I WAS YOUNG AT THE TIME. YOUNGER THAN NOW. THAT WOULD BE A GOOD NAME FOR A BAND: "YOUNGER THAN NOW."

Kevin- If you can spend time with two voice actors known for voicing iconic characters on Nickelodeon, who would it be and why?

Mathew- I'VE ALREADY SPENT TIME WITH A BUNCH OF THEM. THEY'RE ALL GREAT. MANY OF THEM ARE LIKE CARTOON CHARACTERS THEMSELVES. TALKING WITH THEM ON THE PHONE IS FANTASTIC AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET A FEW OF THEM IN PERSON WHEN I MOVE TO NYC IN JUNE.

Kevin- What advice and steps would you give to someone who wants to write a book based on a particular topic?

Mathew- I ALWAYS GIVE THE SAME ADVICE WHENEVER PEOPLE ASK ME HOW TO WRITE BOOKS OR SCREENPLAYS OR WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE: DON'T. UNLESS YOU'RE DOING IT FOR YOURSELF AND FOR FUN AND BECAUSE YOU LIKE DOING IT. MAYBE BECAUSE YOU NEED TO DO IT. UNLESS YOU'RE INDEPENDENTLY WEALTHY OR HAVE A LAST NAME THAT WE ALL RECOGNIZE, THE REALMS OF FILM, MUSIC, PUBLISHING, AND COMMERCIAL ART IN GENERAL IS IN A REALLY SHITTY PLACE RIGHT NOW, ON EVERY LEVEL. I FIND GAMBLING INCREDIBLY BORING (EVEN CARD GAMES, ETC.), BUT SPENDING TIME, ENERGY, AND OFTENTIMES YOUR OWN MONEY IN DEVELOPING A PROJECT LIKE WHAT I'M DOING NOW IS THE BIGGEST GAMBLE OF ALL (ASIDE FROM RUSSIAN ROULETTE) BECAUSE YOU'RE BETTING WITH YOUR LIFE. I GOT LUCKY WITH A GREAT IDEA, I HAVE AN AMAZING AGENT I EARNED THROUGH A PREVIOUS FAILED ATTEMPT AT ANOTHER PROJECT, AND I'VE LEARNED BY BEING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DOOR HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK LIKE THIS THAT MADE IT CLEAR TO PUBLISHERS I WAS THE GUY FOR THE JOB. BUT IN THE BEGINNING, I WAS JUST SOME KID WHO WANTED TO ONE DAY TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT NICKELODEON. 

THEN A FEW YEARS LATER THOUGHT TO PUT SOME TIME AND EFFORT INTO SOME ARTICLES THAT MIGHT REAWAKEN THAT DREAM. AND IT WORKED. IT MIGHT NOT HAVE, THOUGH. BUT THOSE FUCKING THINGS STILL TOOK A LOT OF TIME, ENERGY, AND -- YES -- MY OWN MONEY TO COMPLETE WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEED COMPENSATION OR REFUND FOR SAID TIME, MONEY, ETC.. MORAL: IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS, KNOW IT MIGHT NOT MAKE YOU ANY MONEY AND THAT YOU MIGHT LOSE SOME IN THE PROCESS, THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE TO SACRIFICE TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DO IT. AND THAT IT MIGHT LEAD TO "NOTHING." WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE TO JUST DO IT BECAUSE YOU SEE EVEN THE PROCESS OF MAKING IT AS SOMETHING FAR BETTER THAN "NOTHING."

Kevin- What was it like working with Steven Seagal and screenwriting one of his movies?

Mathew- I DIDN'T WORK WITH HIM. HE JUST APPEARED IN A MOVIE I WROTE. I'VE SPOKEN ABOUT THIS BEFORE ELSEWHERE AND ALL I'LL SAY NOW IS I'M GRATEFUL STEVEN WAS IN THE FILM BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T HAVE BECOME SUCH A COMMERCIAL BLITZ FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITHOUT HIM ON THE DVD BOX'S COVER. IT WASN'T THE FILM I ORIGINALLY WROTE, BUT I WROTE IT TO SELL AND NOT TO BE A DREAM PROJECT FOR MYSELF. I SUCCEEDED. YAY.

Kevin- What are your favorite movies?

Mathew- THE TRUTH IS "BERLIN ALEXANDERPLATZ," "SALO," AND "IDIOTERNE." BUT BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE HAVEN'T HEARD OF THOSE FILMS AND I ALWAYS AM WORRIED ABOUT SEEMING LIKE A SNOBBY FILM DOUCHE IF I SAY THAT, I'LL GO WITH MORE STANDARD FARE: "NATURAL BORN KILLERS," "NASHVILLE," AND "BRAZIL." MAYBE THE MONKEES' "HEAD" SHOULD BE IN THERE; IT'S WAY BETTER THAN IT SOUNDS (DIRECTED BY BOB RAFELSON AND CO-WRITTEN BY JACK NICHOLSON -- IN 1968.)

Kevin- What books on screenwriting would you recommend?

Mathew- I DON'T RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS ON SCREENWRITING. I HAVEN'T READ ANY. EVER. EVEN IN FILM SCHOOL, ACTUALLY, NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT. OR MAYBE I DID READ THEM FOR CLASS. I JUST DON'T REMEMBER. CHRIST, THAT WAS 10 YEARS AGO, ALMOST, AND I WASN'T PAYING MUCH ATTENTION IN CLASS. I WAS BUSY READING OTHER BOOKS AND WATCHING MOVIES OUTSIDE OF CLASS, WORKING ON FILMS, ETC. I WAS IMPATIENT (STILL AM). I WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND TWO FILM BOOKS, THOUGH: JANE HAMSHER'S "KILLER INSTINCT" ABOUT THE MAKING OF "NATURAL BORN KILLERS" FROM START TO BEYOND FINISH (IS ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME, AND READS LIKE A NOVEL: JANE IS NUTS). AND THE OTHER IS SOMETHING OF AN OBVIOUS ONE: RAY CARNEY'S "CASSAVETES ON CASSAVETES." ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TAKE A LOOK AT THE COVER. IT'S A FILM SCHOOL IN ITSELF. 400 SOME ODD PAGES OF PURE, UNFILTERED IDEAS ABOUT MORE THAN FILM. I DON'T THINK ANY BOOK I OWN IS MORE MARKED UP THAN MY COPY OF THAT ONE. IT'S AN INCREDIBLY FUN READ, TOO. CASSAVETES WAS ALSO NUTS.

Kevin- What shows on Nickelodeon are you currently watching?

Mathew- THAT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY CURRENT. I LOOK BACK ON A FEW OF THE OLD SHOWS JUST TO GET SOME IDEAS AND TO REMEMBER THINGS I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN, BUT NOT OFTEN. I DON'T REALLY WATCH TV ANYMORE AND HAVEN'T SINCE JR. HIGH SCHOOL. MOST PEOPLE I'VE TALKED TO DON'T OR HAVEN'T MUCH IN THE PAST EITHER. I THINK THAT'S WHAT MADE NICK SO SPECIAL: IT WAS DONE BY PEOPLE WHO WERE DOING SOMETHING SO NEW BECAUSE THEY WERE PRODUCING WHAT THEY WANTED TO SEE AND NOT NECESSARILY WHAT THEY HAD SEEN BEFORE.

Patricia- What changes do you think would get Nickelodeon back to its former glory that we experienced in the 80's and 90's?

Mathew- AGAIN, THIS IS EXTREMELY RELATIVE. NICKELODEON AND VIACOM BEHIND THEM IS DOING AMAZING THINGS NOW WITH THE CHANNEL. THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. NICKELODEON HAS ONLY BEEN GLOBAL FOR A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THAT'S INCREDIBLE! COMMERCIAL SUCCESS IS A TALENT IN ITSELF. YOU MAY NOT HAVE RESPECT FOR BRITNEY SPEARS OR MILEY CYRUS OR WHOMEVER, BUT YOU ALSO PROBABLY CAN'T SELL $10M COPIES OF SOMETHING IN A WEEK. THEY CAN (SURE, THEY'RE PART OF A SYSTEM THAT SELLS IT WITH THEM, BUT THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND EVEN "FINE" ARTISTS WHO HAVE GALLERIES AND AGENTS AND MANAGERS AND PUBLICISTS AND DID EVEN BACK IN THE DAYS OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS; MICHAELANGELO WAS COMMISSIONED TO DO THE CISTINE CHAPEL, LEST WE FORGET; THAT WAS A COMMERCIAL JOB). AND I KNOW THERE ARE LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS OUT THERE WHO LOVE THE SHOWS THAT ARE ON THERE NOW.

MAYBE SOMEONE IN THE FUTURE WILL WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THE "GOLDEN AGE" BEING NOW? I READ AN ARTICLE WITH THE KID WHO WAS ONCE UPON A TIME THE AMPHIBIOUS INFANT ON THE COVER OF "NEVERMIND" CIRCA NOW (HE'S 21) AND HE WAS SAYING HE WISHED THERE WAS GOOD MUSIC NOW LIKE THE GREAT OL' DAYS OF THE NINETIES. AND, C'MON, MOST OF US THINK THE MUSIC IN THE NINETIES SUCKED. SIMILARLY, I HUNG WITH A MUCH OLDER GUY WHO RUNS THE CINEMA PROGRAM AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY LAST NIGHT IN HIS CRUMB-ESQUE HOARDER HOUSE AND WE WATCHED SOME OLD "PINWHEEL" HE HAD ON VHS. HE LOVES THAT OMNIBUS SHOW AND FEELS NICK WAS NEVER THE SAME AFTER IT WAS PHASED OUT IN THE EARLY 80S, SO WE ALL HAVE A DIFFERENT CONCEPT OF "GOLDEN AGE." NICK'S STILL ON THE AIR. STILL GOING STRONG. MAY SEEM LIKE I'M BEING PATRONIZING OR SYCOPHANTIC, BUT IT'S WHAT I FEEL.

Patricia- What shows from Nickelodeon that you wish would come back on TV?

Mathew- I WANT TO SEE MORE "THREE'S COMPANY" AND THE ORIGINAL "WONDER YEARS" WITHOUT ALL OF THE CHANGES MADE TO THE SONGS. PROBABLY WILL NEVER HAPPEN BECAUSE OF RIGHTS ISSUES. AND WALLY GEORGE'S "HOT SEAT." MAYBE MORE BOB ROSS' "THE JOY OF PAINTING."

Patricia- Finally, after your book is released, what are your upcoming projects?

Mathew- I WOULD SAY BUT THEN SOMEONE MIGHT STEAL MY IDEA(S). I'VE ALWAYS GOT PLENTY ON THE BURNER. SOME SHIT WORKS OUT, MOST DOESN'T. THE BIT THAT DOES KEEPS ME GOING ARTISTICALLY AND FINANCIALLY, THOUGH. FOR NOW. "SOMETHING ALWAYS COMES ALONG TO SAVE THE TWO SIMPSONS CHILDREN." I'M ALREADY WORKING ON A FEW THINGS, THOUGH. I'D LIKE TO CONTINUE BEING A POP CULTURE INTELLECTUAL. IT'S FUN AND KIND OF FUNNY. AN INTERESTING WAY TO MAKE A LIVING.

For more information about Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age, check it out on Facebook at facebook.com/NickOralHistory and Twitter @NickOralHistory. To take a quick look on what to expect in the book, check out his Splitsider account at http://splitsider.com/user/5531/matt-klickstein/.

Are you looking forward to Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age? What are your favorite Nickelodeon shows from the 80’s and 90’s? Post it in the comments below. That’s all for now. Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia and Kevin

Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: Interview with Kristin Fairlie

What better way to conclude our review of Little Bear than to talk to Little Bear himself...or herself. Wow! Deja vu! Little Bear's voice was done by Canadian actress Kristin Fairlie. She's started her acting career when she was 8-years-old debuting in the 1995 film The Scarlet Letter as Faith Stonehall. She had won her first Young Artist of Hollywood in the Showtime movie The Sweetest Gift at 14.



But she's mostly known for her voice acting in shows such as Madeline, Babar: The King of Elephants, and the Total Drama series. But she'll always be known as the sweet innocent Little Bear. Nowadays, she's been in a few indie movies such as Moonpoint and Jesus Henry Christ and she's the founder of a website named Hate and Heartbreak. Hope that you enjoy this amazing interview with Kristin Fairlie.


 


Patricia- What were your favorite shows/TV shows growing up?

Kristin- My favorite shows when I was really little were Road to Avonlea, Fresh Prince, The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show, Jem, Rainbow Brite, My Pet Monster and Full House.

Kevin- At what age did you decide that you wanted to pursue your life into acting?

Kristin- I was eight years old when I started in the industry, but I began making short films with the my siblings and the kids on my street when I was 6 : ) I always wanted to be an actor.

Patricia- Who are your influences?

Kristin- A lot of people inspire me in my life. I love Kate Moss' style, I love Julianne Moore, Joan Allen and Fiona Apple. Anne Heche is someone who's friendship, strength and advice had an incredible impact on me, I admire her lot as an actress and a person. Sarah Polley is someone I have looked up to since I was a little girl. And I love Frank Ocean. Just want that to be known lol.

Patricia- What was the audition process like for The Scarlet Letter, The Sweetest Gift, and The Virgin Suicides?

Kristin- I auditioned for The Scarlet Letter when I was 12, for director Roland Joffe. He was incredibly kind and so inspiring to work with. I remember being at the callback with him and him asking me if I'd like to go to BC and Nova Scotia to shoot the film. My parents were excited that I would be working with Robert Duvall, Gary Oldman and Demi Moore and I was too young to know who they were! Stuart Margolin, the director of The Sweetest Gift was a guiding light for me on that film. And meeting Sofia Coppola was inspiring and a little overwhelming! I am a huge fan of hers.


Kevin- What was it like working alongside actors such as Demi Moore, Robert Duvall, Gary Oldman, Anne Heche, and Laura Dern?

Kristin- These were some of the greatest experiences of my life. Anne became a dear friend to me while filming Gracie's Choice and gave me advice I will cherish for the rest of my life. Demi Moore is one of the strongest and coolest women I have ever met. Robert Duvall and Gary Oldman were so sweet to me and so talented, and Laura Dern is incredible, I took a lot away from acting opposite her. She truly has a gift. And she's in Jurassic Park! Favourite trilogy of all time :)




Patricia- What funny memories can you tell us while working on the set for those movies?

Kristin- On The Virgin Suicides, there was this boy on set that was one of the most handsome guys I've ever seen. He was really nice, and I wanted to get a picture of him just because I couldn't believe how cute he was, so I asked him to take a picture of me and Sofia Coppola, and then I was like we might as well get a picture too and Sofia took a picture of the two of us. I went to school and showed my girlfriends the picture like look how hot this guy is! About a month later The Faculty and Halloween H20 came out and the boy in my photo was suddenly one of the biggest stars in the world. It was Josh Hartnett.

The Sweetest Gift was jokes and laughter for the entire shoot. Marc Donato (Degrassi) and Dylan Provencher (Wind at my Back) played my brothers and we bonded over a summer of playing with the animals on set and learning Southern accents together. The entire cast and crew were amazing, working with Helen Shaver, Tisha Cambell and legend Diahann Carroll was a great learning experience to be working opposite such strong and talented women.

On The Scarlet Letter, there were two oxen meant to pull a cart. They had different white patches of fur on their faces, and production wanted their faces to be matching. They (safely) dyed the oxen's faces brown to match and their fur turned purple so they had to be replaced! I hope those oxen got their chance at stardom on another movie.

Patricia- What was your reaction when you won the Young Artist of Hollywood Award Winner for The Sweetest Gift?

Kristin- I was so honoured. Showtime flew me to Los Angeles to attend the ceremony and when my name was called I almost didn't hear it it was so surreal. I barely remember accepting the award, I was vibrating with excitement and nerves. Afterwards I stood onstage with the other winners, and I looked to my left and right and realized I was standing in between Jena Malone and Dominique Swain and I felt really proud to be in such fantastic actresses company. Also Leonardo DiCaprio who I love had previously won a YAA so I felt like that might lead me to work with him one day lol fingers crossed.

Kevin- What made you decide to go into voice acting?

Kristin- I have always wanted to be a Disney princess, and I didn't know that it was even possible to be a voice on a cartoon series. Who doesn't love cartoons? It never occurred to me that I could be a cartoon. When I got my first voice audition, I walked into the studio and though you're kidding me. I just talk and you record it and make me a cartoon?? It was mind-blowing. My first cartoon voice was Nicole on the cartoon Madeline. I got to speak in a French accent and sing songs with the other girls in the studio. I was very small so I had to stand on a milk crate to be able to sing at the mic with the other girls. It was too much fun.




Patricia- What was the audition process like for Little Bear?

Kristin- Originally, I auditioned for the roles of Duck and Hen. I read the same voice for both of them. Casting told me the show was for preschool kids, so I thought of the voice I heard in my head when I was learning to read and I guess Little Bear is what it sounded like lol. The casting director came into the vocal booth and said the producers would like me to read for Little Bear. And I was like for sure, which one is Little Bear? And they told me the show was called Little Bear. I think I used the same voice. Afterwards they gave me 4 Little Bear books and said they would see me soon. When I began recording the show, Maurice Sendak came to visit the studio, and he drew a Little Bear picture in each one of my books which are some of my most treasured possessions.

Patricia- Did you read the books before auditioning for the show?

Kristin- I had never heard of Little Bear when I auditioned for the show. I had no idea the impact Little Bear would have on people and it's something I am so proud to have been a part of. I am continuously surprised by the variety of people I meet at Fan Expo and Comic Con that hug me and tell me that they love Little Bear. He is loved by all ages :)




Patricia- What characteristics do you share with Little Bear?

Kristin- Little Bear is kind and he has integrity. He always stays true to himself and he cares about his friends and family very much. He has an amazing imagination and always tries his best. I like to think those are the characteristics we share.

Kevin- What was it like working with Maurice Sendak and Else Holmelund Minarik?

Kristin- I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet Else Holmelund Minarik, but I did get to spend some time with the wonderful Maurice Sendak when he came to a recording session. He was so interesting and he was very pleased with the series and how it turned out. He said my Little Bear voice was just right :)



Kevin- What would a typical day be like for voicing an episode?

Kristin- My mom would pick me up from school at lunch time, and we would head down to the city to the studio. Little Bear was almost always recorded as an ensemble, so I would be in the studio all afternoon while different characters joined me and others left. Usually about 4-6 hours per record. There was a lot of jokes and laughter. Sometimes I would record pick up lines for episodes already completed, so I would get to watch a screen and see a snippet of the episode and record my lines along with Little Bear's mouth movements. That was fun.

Kevin- What was your favorite episode?

Kristin- I wouldn't even know where to begin I have so many favorites. I loved "The Puddle Jumper" episode. Zen frog was so funny to listen to. I love when Little Bear goes to the moon. The first three episodes are so dear to me, especially "What Will Little Bear Wear"? as they were my first ever and set the tone for the five seasons of the series.

Patricia- Do you still keep in contact with the creators or the voice actors from Little Bear?

Kristin- I still work often with Director Merle Anne Ridley, and I'm in touch with Tracy Ryan (Duck), Amos Crawley (Owl) and Janet Laine Green (Mother Bear)

Patricia- What was it like doing The Little Bear Movie?

Kristin- It was incredible. I recorded the film with my brother Kyle Fairlie, who was the voice of Cub, the bear cub that Little Bear helps to find his family. Afterwards I got to record the voice for the plush Little Bear that sold at Target so that was a pretty amazing experience.




Patricia- How did it feel that you were doing this movie alongside your younger brother?

Kristin- It is one of my proudest moments and something we both cherish.

Kevin- When was the last time you watched an episode of Little Bear?

Kristin- I see it all the time flipping channels.

Patricia- After over 12 years after Little Bear was on air, do you think that the show has held up well?

Kristin- I think Little Bear is hands down the best cartoon for young children on television. Little Bear is about friendship, family, nature and using your imagination. It teaches people to be kind and I think that is an important lesson at any age.



Kevin- What was the audition process like for the Total Drama series?

Kristin- Just like every voice audition, you go to the studio, read the character description, look at the sketch of the character, and then interpret their voice how you feel it should sound.


Patricia- What characteristics do you share with Bridgette?


Kristin- Bridgette is kind, friendly, determined, she loves to sing, she loves animals and she's clumsy. I constantly bang my elbows off everything.




Kevin- Do you enjoy singing or acting more?

Kristin- I don't think I could live without either. It's a toss up.


Patricia- What was it like doing Moonpoint and Jesus Henry Christ?

Kristin- Moonpoint was hilarious fun. Jesus Henry Christ was one of my proudest moments in my career so far.



Patricia- What was it like working with Julia Roberts, Toni Collette, and Michael Sheen?

Kristin- I didn't have scenes with Toni or Michael, but I met Toni who is lovely. Julia Roberts. What can I say? She is an angel among us. She was so sweet, and flattering. She told me she had everything to do with me being cast in the film. I squeezed her arm when I thanked her for having me in the movie and afterwards I thought, Richard Gere touched those arms! Ha ha.


Patricia- Can you tell us what made you come up with the idea for Hate and Heartbreak?

Kristin- I have always wanted my own label and clothing store. When we began building the website, I wanted the name to be universal and something that everyone could relate to. I was trying to think of a positive name but I had lost someone in my life to cancer and I was so consumed with anger and heartbreak. And then I realized that everyone can relate to that. We all experience those emotions at some point in our lives and they are inescapable. Even if you ignore them, they will bubble up in some way at some point in your life, and it is only when you embrace those emotions that you are able to break free and move forward from them. And I want to support people through that darkness and be a symbol of strength in the face of hate and heartbreak. I want to let people know that it's okay to feel those things and that they are never alone in feeling that way and it's okay to move forward. You will come through it stronger than you knew was possible.




Kevin- When people approach you, what voice do they demand that you do the most?

Kristin- Little Bear.


Patricia- What are your reactions of people approaching you and saying that they watched Little Bear growing up and they loved your character portrayal?

Kristin- It makes my heart full. People tell me I was a huge part of their childhood, or their children's, and I'm so honoured to have touched so many lives.

Patricia- What are your upcoming projects?

I have several projects in the works, but I have just completed a guest star on the CTV /Fox International Series The Listener. I am very excited for everyone to see the episode! It is episode 2 of Season 4 :)

Patricia- Alright then. Kristin, thank you so much for the interview.

Kristin- Thank you!

For more information about Kristin, visit her website at hateandheartbreak.com. Follow her on FaceBook and Twitter @kristinfairlie. That's all for now. Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia and Kevin