Art in the Vicinity

Art in the Vicinity By Stefanie Jackowitz, photo by Dan Epstein What Happened to Being Nice? where iPods recreate gruesome TV crime shows and video games simulate the precise trajectory of a bullet, it's refreshing to discover entertainment that's friendly, nourishing—and enjoyable. Case in point: Livingston writer and producer Randy Rossilli, Jr., who has dedicated his life to creating original and enriching storylines that turn children's entertainment into learning experiences. "I want to build wholesome family programming that inspires children and families to live the best life they can," says Randy, who founded Nightstand Creations, a Verona-based animation, production, and publishing company, in 1998. Randy worked in public education for 13 years before shifting into creating wholesome entertainment for children through books, DVDs, public television specials, and games. He credits the beloved show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood for inspiring him to reach out to children with a message of kindness. "Mister Rogers is the reason I do what I do," says Randy of the show's creator and star, Fred Rogers, who passed away in 2003. "He was the last man in America that told children they mattered—that they could be anything they wanted to be." During a quick conversation, Randy morphs into the characters he so loves to create. His passion for focusing on the positive is infectious—so much so that the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded him the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Emmy for his NJN Public Television special, e Adventures of Young omas Edison, a look at life during the 19th century through the eyes of Edison, the child inventor. e special, now on DVD, uses song to teach children about problem solving—and challenges them to ask questions about the world. But Randy's lessons on sensitivity and manners have most captured the hearts and minds of young readers, as they chronicle the escapades of Lil' Grusome and his gang. Although the frogboy character lacks the looks of some of his peers (hence his name, Lil' Grusome), he makes up for it in action—spreading niceness and disrupting the evil plans of Professor Fizzle and his posse of Not-SoGood Guys. Randy developed the five-book series based on original character illustrations by Gene Iossa, a former colleague turned I LOCAL PRODUCER FOLLOWS IN MISTER ROGERS' FOOTSTEPS n a world "We're going to change the world, one family at a time." – Randy Rossilli, Jr. friend. Today, Lil' Grusome lovers can catch him on his weekly Web show dubbed "GRUTV: Where Niceness Is News" (www.grutv.com). e premise is simple, but the lessons are priceless. From basics on kitchen safety to the history of Memorial Day, GRUTV offers up an innovative, yet enticing way to educate our youth. Says Randy: "I think we have a great responsibility to develop something nourishing." Coming up this winter is Farm Fitness, the first animated health and wellness program for children and families. Randy's show will feature activities such as jumping jacks with host Henri, the World "Baaahdy" Building Champion, balancing techniques with "Tai Chi Ken" and "Get Mooving" with Mabel the Cow. Fans will be able to contact Randy directly on his live-action TV show, Randy's WebQuest. Slated for 2010, the show will follow him as he travels through cyberspace, uncovering answers to viewer questions. "It will be different from anything that's out there right now," the writer/producer says. (Previews of all Randy's upcoming projects can be seen at www.nightstandcreations.com.) Randy is deeply dedicated to his craft—and to the goal of enriching the lives of a generation. "We're going to change the world one family at a time," he states.  Summer 2009 VicinityMagazine.com 13 What's Next

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www.nightstandcreations.com


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