TORONTO – Amazon’s Prime Video today announced production has started on a new Canadian Amazon Original documentary on the life and career of Ernie Coombs (above) – or as he is more commonly known, Mr. Dressup.
The feature-length documentary, which is currently untitled, will celebrate “the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC in Canada,” a press release says.
“The documentary will combine never-before-seen archival footage, interviews with series puppeteers and musicians, the Coombs family, and other notable Canadians, all sharing the impact the series had on them. The project also includes fascinating insights into Coombs and how he worked with other key creators and partners, including his friendship with Fred Rogers (pictured below, right, with Coombs).”
The project will film this fall and is expected to be released for 2023 exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories. This will be followed by a broadcast window in Canada on the CBC.
The documentary is being produced by marblemedia in association with Hawkeye Pictures and Pyre Productions, with the participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Rogers Documentary Fund, and Ontario Creates.
Mark Bishop, Matt Hornburg, Aeschylus Poulos, Justin Schoenrock and Rob McCallum are executive producers. Donna Luke is co-executive producer and Mark Bishop, executive producer and co-founder of marblemedia, and Poulos are producers.
The documentary is directed by McCallum (Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Missing Mom) and written by McCallum and Jordan Morris. Distribution360 is handling international sales.
“Mr. Dressup holds a special place in the memories of millions, and Ernie, along with his puppet friends Casey and Finnegan, are the cornerstones of childhood entertainment for generations of Canadians,” said Nav Saini, head of content, Canada, Prime Video, in the release. “We are thrilled to work with our partners at marblemedia and the CBC to bring Canadian audiences a documentary that serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, the need for compassion, and the importance of playtime, from one of our most important entertainment icons.”
“This is one of the most iconic Canadian stories to tell as producers in Canada. A story that resonates positive values, an archetype that has changed the future of kids and family entertainment for generations, and shaped countless careers, including my own. And we’re telling it for the first time,” said Bishop.
“Mr. Dressup was, and continues to be, a fun, creative, kind, and safe show for viewers of all ages. It’s a great honour to share the rich history, cultural significance, and unlimited imagination of the show and its key creators with all of Canada and the entire world,” added McCallum.
“We are proud of the enduring legacy of Mr. Dressup and Ernie Coombs, representing the national public broadcaster’s long-standing commitment to engage young audiences,” said Catherine Tait, president and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada. “Working alongside our partners at marblemedia and Prime Video, we have no doubt that this new documentary will emotionally move and inspire Canadians of all ages through the celebration of this quintessential children’s series and its timeless themes of generosity, playfulness, and creativity.
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Photos provided by Amazon Canada.
