Project Title: Barry and the Bugums
Logline
In the heart of Alberta’s lush wilderness, a wise and kind-hearted bear named Barry Big Paw carries a community of quirky, emotionally complex bugs on his back. Each day, Barry ventures into the forest to provide for his family, while the bugs, each representing different emotions, navigate their own journeys of growth and self-discovery through humour-filled adventures.
Show Summary
Barry and the Bugums is a whimsical, character-driven puppet show that blends humour, heartfelt storytelling, and stunning natural backdrops to create a world where kids and families alike can explore emotional growth and connection.
At the heart of the show is Barry Big Paw, a fatherly bear who begins each day with a yawn, a stretch, and goodbyes to his loving family. As Barry roams Alberta’s wilderness to provide for his family, his four bug companions—quirky, younger friends who live on his back—embark on their own emotional journeys. Each bug has a distinct personality shaped by past experiences and represents two dominant emotions:
Tizzy the Mosquito – Caring/Nervousness
Mopey the Moth – Mindfulness/Depression
Buzz the Tick – Happiness/Chaos
Roxy the Ladybug – Love/Sadness
While Barry offers wisdom and guidance, the bugs learn through their mistakes, humour, and teamwork. Each episode focuses on a universal theme such as forgiveness, courage, or self-acceptance, told through laugh-out-loud adventures and touching moments that resonate with kids and parents alike. The show’s overarching theme is hope and the joy of self-discovery, reminding kids that every feeling is valid and part of growing up.
To add cultural depth, the show collaborates with Indigenous elders, incorporating traditional wisdom and stories into its episodes, grounding the series in Alberta’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Key Themes
Emotional growth and self-awareness
Community and interconnection
Humour and resilience
Stories of hope inspired by Indigenous teachings
Target Audience
Primary Audience: Children aged 4-8
Secondary Audience: Families, including parents and caregivers, who will appreciate the show’s humour, heart, and universal themes.
Global Appeal: While rooted in Alberta, the show’s emotional storytelling and quirky humour make it accessible to audiences worldwide.
Visual and Production Style
Barry and the Bugums combines:
Puppetry: Hand-crafted bug characters with expressive designs to convey complex emotions.
Green Screen Magic: Stunning, stylized backdrops inspired by Alberta’s natural beauty, from dense forests to sweeping prairies.
Live-Action Integration: Occasional appearances of human actors to create a layered and dynamic world.
Bright, Whimsical Aesthetic: A mix of natural textures and vibrant colors to engage young viewers.
Music: As the principle creators of the show are accomplished song writers music and performance will be a key element to the show.
Set Design: The bugs’ home is a unique and imaginative set designed to mimic the flowing brown fur on Barry’s back. This set is a sprawling, tactile environment where long strands of fur create a jungle-like landscape. The bugs and their special guests wade through these flowing strands, interacting with their surroundings as if they’re navigating rivers, fields, or forests. The set allows for playful exploration, with strands parting like curtains, tangling during chaotic moments, or creating cozy nooks for reflective scenes. The rich textures of the fur and the clever use of scale reinforce the bugs’ small size and their perspective on the world.
The show seamlessly transitions between this "micro-world" on Barry’s back and a "zoomed-out" set where viewers see Barry walking majestically through Alberta’s forests. These zoomed-out scenes offer a contrasting sense of scale and a connection to the vast natural world, highlighting the beauty of the wilderness and Barry’s journey.
Why It Stands Out
Unique Concept: A group of bugs living on a bear is a fresh, quirky premise with endless storytelling possibilities.
Emotional Depth: Tackling emotional complexity in an approachable, lighthearted way.
Cultural Collaboration: Integrating Indigenous wisdom adds authenticity, depth, and educational value.
Mass Appeal: Balances humour, heart, and visual appeal to captivate kids and adults alike.
Episodes and Themes
Each 11-minute episode focuses on a core theme. Examples include:
"The Forgiveness Trail": The bugs argue and accidentally wake a grumpy skunk. Big Paw teaches them about the power of apologies.
"Sticky Situations": Buzz tries to prove he doesn’t need help but gets stuck in sap, learning about teamwork and asking for help.
"The Courage Quest": Tizzy must overcome her fears when the bugs are caught in a sudden rainstorm.
"Big Steps, Little Feet": Mopey feels unimportant but learns how small actions make a big difference.
Marketing Strategy
Platforms:
Broadcast/Streaming: Target broadcasters such as PBS Kids, CBC Kids, or streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+.
YouTube: Leverage short-form clips for maximum discoverability.
Engagement:
Social Media Campaigns: Highlight funny clips, emotional moments, and character spotlights to build a strong online presence.
Partnerships with Schools: Distribute themed activity guides tied to emotional literacy.
Cultural Events: Collaborate with Indigenous communities for live events and storytelling workshops.
Merchandise Potential:
Plush toys of the bug characters
Storybooks featuring Barry Big Paw and his bug friends
Emotional literacy games and activity kits
Budget Overview
The budget for Barry and the Bugums is flexible and can scale based on available resources and funding. Costs will cover essential elements such as puppetry, green screen production, set design, cultural consultation, and post-production. This adaptability allows the production to grow or streamline based on the scope of the project, ensuring a high-quality show regardless of budget size.
The Team
Creator/Director: Travis Nesbitt, a two-time CCMA award winner, is one of Canada's most sought-after directors, specializing in music videos, TV shows, and commercials. Recognized for his innovative storytelling and striking visual creativity, Travis has become a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
With a reputation for delivering high-quality productions that captivate audiences, he combines bold artistic vision with a deep understanding of commercial appeal. Whether working with top artists or leading major campaigns, Travis consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity, setting new benchmarks in visual storytelling.
Mat Cardinal - Creator/Cultural Consultant: Mat is an award-winning musician and a member of the Prairie States, is an Indigenous artist with a deep commitment to empowering youth. Through his increasingly sought-after songwriting workshops, Mat uses his musical expertise to inspire creativity, confidence, and cultural pride in young people. Dedicated to mentorship and community engagement, his work reflects his passion for fostering the next generation of artists and leaders.
Call to Action
Join us in bringing Barry and the Bugums to life! Whether through funding, partnerships, or broadcasting, your support can help deliver a groundbreaking, hope-filled show that entertains, educates, and inspires audiences worldwide.