First, about the rumored Big Idea sale… no official confirmation that Big Idea is for sale, but the story is now appearing all over the place and in such reputable places as Variety. So there is something there. It could be that someone in London is just dangling a carrot, to see what sort of nibbles they get.
Several of you have asked if I might be able to buy Big Idea back. Well, that sure would be a lot of fun, but I don't have that kind of access to capital at the moment. I'm pretty sure God wants me to focus on launching something new right now that can help the next generation of kids. Of course if Bob and Larry were to magically show up at my door in a basket, that would be awesome. But I don't think I'm supposed to spend a lot of time or energy chasing them around the world – at least not right now.
Moving on to JellyTelly – I had a great meeting this morning where I got to pitch JellyTelly to the children's pastors of several of the largest churches in America, and the response was extremely encouraging. Everyone recognizes that churches can only do so much with the 1 hour per week they get with their kids, and having an ally like JellyTelly that can continue to reinforce those lessons every single day is extremely appealing. We're even exploring techniques that might allow churches to customize JellyTelly content to match what they're teaching to their own kids, so we'd be literally reinforcing what they heard on Sunday every day of the week. "Connecting the dots" between Sundays is a major goal here, and working with some of these larger churches who reach thousands of families and have the resources to even produce their own content for JellyTelly… now things start to get really interesting.
That in mind, we've just launched a new website to serve as a sort of "social network" for everyone working to create content for JellyTelly. All our conversations about technical stuff and production opportunities will move to that site, and my blog here will focus more on the status of what we're doing and the mission of what we're doing. So if you're interested in making stuff for JellyTelly or even just seeing the stuff others are making (and rating things so they can get "voted" onto JellyTelly), go to this Jellyfish Labs website and sign up as a member of the new JellyTelly creative community.
See ya there! (But keep coming back here for general news about JellyTelly!)
I hate to be a prune, but just to confirm; if I sign up as a Jellyfish Labs member will my email be used for commercial purposes?
Thanks,
Paul
Hi Paul –
Phil here. Your email will only be used for our own nefarious purposes… mostly to update you occasionally about JellyTelly. We won’t try to sell you new siding or diet plans, though. We promise.
Done and done. Also awesome and awesome!!
Phil: We’re even exploring techniques that might allow churches to customize JellyTelly content to match what they’re teaching to their own kids, so we’d be literally reinforcing what they heard on Sunday every day of the week.
Ori: Two questions:
1. How would you feel about somebody customizing the material for Jewish children? I’m Jewish, and I use VeggieTales to teach my kids morality and the stories of the Tanakh (= Old Testament).
I don’t mind occasionally explaining how certain things are Christian beliefs but not ours, for example when St. Patrick explains about the trinity using a shamrock. But I know other Jewish parents who do mind it, and don’t use VeggieTales for that reason.
I apologize if this is asking you to do something you consider immoral.
2. Can we have a message board on JellyLabs where script writers can submit their scripts, others can critique them, and movie makers (photographers or animators) can find scripts they might want to turn into videos?
I think that Jellyfish Labs is GREAT! And a lot of those logos are really cool!
I think that churches using Jelly Telly to help teach about the lesson is REALLY neat!
Looks like all the new Jellies on ning brought the whole site down. Way to go, Jellies!
I just signed up and will be looking forward to more animations. If I had the right equipment I would do one. It looks like a lot of fun a creatism going on in those video’s.
Psalm 22
Ori, I think it’s fantastic that our Jewish brothers are enjoying Veggie Tales. Of course a lot of the stories are Jewish and not just Christian. I would be interested to hear what Phil thinks about customizing Jelly Telly for your use…
JP
Jonathan, I wish more of us were doing it. Too many Jewish parents see that something is labeled as Christian and immediately assume it’s inappropriate. Because Jesus cannot be displayed as a vegetable anyway, VeggieTales Biblical stories are either Old Testament (appropriate), Jesus parables (nothing wrong with the good Samaritan or the prodigal son), or acts of the apostles (Bob and Larry haven’t done any yet). Many Jewish parents don’t want this kids to learn about Christianity, which I consider silly given we’re raising them in a predominately Christian society. I just explain to my kids when we encounter the differences – that way they’ll know them when they encounter them without me. The only Christian (as opposed to Judeo-Christian) part of the VeggieTales is the bible verse at the end usually.
I don’t think JellyTelly should spend time and energy catering for us. But I’d like to make a Jewishly appropriate playlist. I think that would be useful.
That’s fascinating that there are at least some Jewish parents using Veggie Tales. I had thought about it a number of times, especially when I saw Esther.
JESSICA!!
Make a little Jelly Telly thing. No eqipment is needed. You can use a little video camera, or even most little still cameras have video features, or even your cell phone has still and or video features. It’s super easy. They may or may not make the cut and get on the air, but they will bless somebody (me) and it will be fun for you and your kids to see their little video on the internet.
Wow. The new Jelly Telly site is TAKING OVER!
Your material is great, I’ve been wondering if you will be having more of the “Fabulous Bentley Brothers” and ” The Church Lady” for the remaining books of the Bible? Love the way you summerize the books but still keep it alive.
That was actually my (Robert’s) cmnmeot.My apologies to you and Jared.Could you refer me to the particular event and show that you think teaches a child that the consequences of sin is something to laugh at? I’ve never seen that taught in the slightest.Jonah: A VeggieTales MovieAccording to the website, Jonah set sail on a pirate ship that eventually went to the heart of Nineveh for a hilarious showdown. (4th paragraph). Their words, not mine.And as I wrote the other day:Regarding the sins of the Ninevites: They lie! They steal! But worst of all, they slap people with fishes! Sure is funny! Let’s all laugh at the wickedness of Nineveh.When is entertainment more important than truth?Are you saying that Big Idea can only make an entertaining movie by taking a few liberties with the story?