Kurt Mueller
Director of Creative Development
Sesame Workshop

How many hours or slots do you program per year?
n/a, we are an independent producer and not a broadcaster.

What percentage or number of hours are commissioned vs. acquired? (Ie. 60% commissions/ 40% acquisitions)
n/a, we are an independent producer and not a broadcaster.

What is the average amount for acquisitions and/or license fee?
n/a, we are an independent producer and not a broadcaster.

What are you looking for right now?
Sesame Workshop is always looking for diverse, creative talent that has a unique take on children's media to help us build distinctive and fresh new ideas. From preschool to preteen, puppetry and animation to live-action drama and gaming, we are looking to create fun, entertaining, and engaging programs for kids with a strong educational thrust. Currently, we are conducting an extensive research study on the educational needs of today's children in order to create innovative media to address those needs. But true to the origins of Sesame Street, we strive to preserve a workshop-style atmosphere of creative play and experimentation with an emphasis on attracting great creative talent.

How do you prefer to be pitched?
Pitches are submitted to our Creative Development department from a variety of sources, ranging from: agents, independent production companies, known writers, and referrals from colleagues in and outside Sesame Workshop. In general, we do not accept unsolicited pitches and require all pitched materials to be cleared through a signed release form.

What is your biggest pitch turnoff?
Pitches without any originality and conviction in the uniqueness of the idea are never engaging. It is always exciting to see passion and true creativity presented to us, and it is never exciting to see a generic idea with didactic educational goals that talk down to kids, or an idea rooted solely in merchandizing potential.

What is your market circuit?
We attend Mip, MIPCOM, MIP JR, Natpe, Discop, Banff, Kidscreen, other local conferences and festivals, as well as individual country visits.