ImagiNation

The incredible true story of how a motley crew of Toronto folk quietly revolutionized the medium of childrens television with minimal budgets and maximum imagination. Between 1952 and 2000, Toronto experienced a golden age in the production of local childrens television programs. Starting with the very first broadcast on CBC, a fascinating nexus of media professionals, educators, and childrens entertainers, most with no formal training, came together with the purpose to elevate the medium at the time the most powerful communications tool in the world and use it as an educational tool rather than simply a platform to sell product. This era was truly the Wild West of TV there was no rule book. Torontos diverse population allowed for a unique mix of perspectives and talent to embrace the challenge and run with it. Sometimes successful, sometimes not, the work created during this era remains etched in the minds of several generations, including programs such as The Friendly Giant, Mr. Dressup, Polka Dot Door, Uncle Bobby, Todays Special, The Elephant Show and the many Degrassi series.