Janice Burgess Biography

Fast Facts

• Won a Gemini Award for Best Pre-School Program or Series for "The Backyardigans" in 2007 and was nominated for another in 2008
• One of the sad things about being a writer is that you always put yourself in your work․ So, to some extent, all the characters [in The Backyardigans"] are kind of like me․"
• Started out as the project manager for Children's Television Workshop's "Ghostwriter․"
• Was originally on the corporate side of Nick Jr․, where she helped with script work and concept development
• Quote: "Kids should have more time to relax and play and have things that are created especially for them and that are really for their enjoyment․ Not that learning isn't enjoyable, but it's nice also to have something that's just for fun․"
• Best known as the creator of "The Backyardigans" and production executive of "Blues Clues․"
• The idea for "The Backyardigans" came from her own childhood memories of playing in the backyard