About KCPT: In the Community

Thanks a Million, Bazillion!

Local Firm Helped Create "PT" the New KCPT Kids Mascot

Kids often learn best when they have friends learning with them, which is why KCPT created a new KCPT Kids program host, "PT." PT (pronounced Petey) can be seen in breaks between KCPT Kids programming and focuses on literacy messages. He came to life through KCPT's longstanding partnership with Bazillion Pictures, an award-winning local 3D animation and studio effects firm.

"This level of animation for KCPT Kids would be completely out the question without the support of Bazillion," said producer Angee Simmons. "They gave us so much of their time and creativity in creating PT." Financed in part by a grant from the Bloch Foundation, the Bazillion staff also donated in-kind hours to ensure the character was the best he could be.

Bazillion owner Jeff Beith was happy to have the opportunity to work with KCPT on the project.

"We first worked with KCPT in 2002 on Farkleberry Farm, a show we produced," said Beith, who co-owns Bazillion with Stephen Goldblatt. The collaboration continued on several projects, including the Emmy award-winning "Eat Small" public service spots currently playing on most television channels in Kansas City.

"When Angee Simmons approached us about working on their Read Aloud program, we brainstormed and came up with a baby owl—rather than the typical 'wise old owl'," Beith said. "We worked with an illustrator and created several concept sketches. We got feedback on it from KCPT and then came up with the PT character. From there it was a matter of animating PT in 3D."

PT will also appear in an upcoming KCPT Kids publication as part of the new KCPT Kids Club and live at area events in the form of a full-sized costume.

"PT is the culmination of hundreds of hours of creative discussion and planning between KCPT and Bazillion." Simmons said. "But he simply would not exist without the creativity and experience Bazillion put in to make the inquisitive owl a reality."

Bazillion Pictures has been in business since 1993, working on advertisements for local and national companies, including Wal-Mart, McDonalds, the Federal Reserve, Hallmark and John Deere, to name a few.

"Everybody at KCPT was just tremendous," Beith said. "It was so easy and fun with such a great group to work with."

For more information about Bazillion, visit their website at www.BazillionPictures.com.

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