About Us
Launched in 1983, Reading Rainbow became the most watched PBS program in the classroom.
One of the proudest accomplishments in the over 60-year history of Buffalo Toronto Public Media is the creation and production of Reading Rainbow. Designed to encourage a love of reading and building lasting connections between kids and books, it became one of the longest-running children’s literacy series on PBS. The series garnered more than 250 awards, including a prestigious Peabody, nine Parents’ Choice Awards and 26 Emmys, including nine Emmys as Outstanding Children’s Series. Most importantly, Reading Rainbow was beloved by children, parents, and educators.
In the years since Reading Rainbow left the airwaves, much has changed in the world of children’s television. While broadcast TV remains an important tool for reaching children, online and interactive content provides new ways to excite children about reading.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) is excited to partner with Ohana Pictures on the creation of an educational, interactive initiative based upon the original Reading Rainbow series that is geared toward children between the ages of 4-8 years old.
Our Team
Ohana Pictures, a premium film and television production company, is producing the series. Ohana is led by Producer Mark Harris, a creator of Kevin Hart’s “What the Fit” for YouTube and Fox’s “Kicking & Screaming”.
Emmy Award-winning American director of uniquely inspiring narrative, documentary and TV films.
Mustapha Khan
Creative Producer
Award-winning director of magic and movement.
Bat-Sheva Guez
A global trailblazer in both the Children’s Music Education and Entertainment industries with such clients as McGraw-Hill, Disney, Warner Bros., Hal Leonard and Music Theater International.
Mark Brymer
Composer and Music Producer
Award-wining author, educator, artist, and community arts and STEAM advocate.
Amy Guglielmo
Creative Director
National Chair of the entertainment, media and sports practice at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP.
Steven Beer
Executive Producer
Oversees Reading Rainbow licensing, new business, and the next life for the series.
Nancy Hammond
COO Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Tony-nominated “Producer of Everything.” Creative Producer of Blue Man World, Blue Man Group’s first exploration into print (2016 by Blackdog and Leventhal / Hachette).
Megan Kingery
Producer
Jonathan McHugh is a veteran music supervisor/film & TV producer who has produced films with and about some of the biggest names in pop culture like Justin Beiber, Britney Spears. Muhammad Ali and Janis Joplin just to name a few.
He is a co-founder of the Guild of Music Supervisors.
Jonathan McHugh
Ohana Pictures, a premium film and television production company is producing the series. Ohana is led by Producer Mark Harris, a creator of Kevin Hart’s “What the Fit” for YouTube and Fox’s “Kicking & Screaming”