And the Ducky Goes Wide...

The VeggieTales episode based on my idea, "King George and the Ducky,"will air on NBC on Saturday, November 25th.

My friend Bryan did all the art and designs for the popsicle puppet segments, claiming that they are some of the most fun he has had in his career. (His work is featured in several eps in the coming weeks.)

Oh, and for those following the controversy:

-Yes, NBC did ask at the last minute that all references to G-d and religion be removed.

-No, the Big Idea people didn't know that was going to happen, and would have had serious doubts about making the network deal if they did know about the restrictions.

-Yes, it is ironic and hypocritical that a network would excise the line, "G-d made you special and loves you very much" as potentially religiously offensive, but would not think of cutting the line if it were "G-d doesn't exist, and religious minded people are stupid." But despite that:

-Yes, it is still a step in the right direction that these stories are being aired at all. Anyone interested in a boycott should check their motives and/or reasoning. To Hollywood's eye, lowered numbers due to a boycott confirms that there is no interest in this kind of programming and it wouldn't be worth it to try and do more. However, good viewing numbers would make the execs think they should do more of this sort of thing -- and give them more clout in the board room when arguing that keeping the G-d elements might even increase the numbers.

-No, Sean doesn't get any royalties because this is airing on network television. (Writers in animation work on a buy-out. Bummer.)

-And, finally: Yes. These are just my thoughts.

-Sean