They hired Irene Corey Design Associates to build the dinosaur costume. The bear concept was eventually scrapped due to Leach's son having an interest in dinosaurs after visiting a Science Place exhibit.Īfter the initial concept was devised, The Lyons Group hired various local production crew personnel to help further develop the show. They also concluded that imagination needed to play a big role, as well as having loving messages. įrom their research, around twenty essential concepts were devised, such as using live-action instead of animation so children could better relate, having children as role-models, featuring simple music and having a familiar setting. The duo took inspiration from their own childhood programs like Romper's Room, Captain Kangaroo and The Mickey Mouse Club while also combining aspects of the then current kids' programs like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Both Leach and Parker began testing videos on their children, taking notes of what worked and what didn't work, as well as going to different preschools for research. Parker also had a 2-year-old child named Kaitlin. When Sheryl pitched Barney & The Backyard Gang to her father-in-law Richard, he asked that Kathy help to develop the character and show concept. Sheryl's idea was brought to production at The Lyons Group, Leach, who was Sheryl's father-in-law, agreed to back her with the project with $700,000 of his own money. The board she proposed to turned her down. At the time Sheryl Leach was working at DLM, Inc. Sheryl Leach proposed a preschool video series, which eventually would be Barney & The Backyard Gang, to DLM, Inc (Developmental Learning Materials). Leach thought the idea of a talking blanket and teddy bear interacting with children were a neat idea, however, the blanket concept was too hard to pull off. Her initial thought was the notice of children carrying snugly security objects, such as blankets and teddy bears. This prompted Leach to develop a show herself. At the time, the only thing that could hold Patrick’s attention was a “Wee Sing” video. At this time, the only preschool aged programs around were Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, however, they appealed to a larger age range, rather than strictly toddlers. The 3rd version, which was used in Rock with Barney and given to Fan Club members, is similar to the 2nd edition except it lacks the white strip representing Barney's smile this doll does not have visible nostrils.In fall 1987, Leach was stuck in a traffic jam thinking about the lack of videos that held the attention of her 2-year-old son, Patrick. The 2nd version appears in Barney Goes to School, is smaller, has a thinner smile, and a hexagonal head shape the doll matches his costume counterpart. With a thick white smile and smaller eyes, this doll is the biggest out of the three versions. The 1st one is a darker shade of purple and appears in the intro of the BYG videos and Campfire Sing-Along. Three versions of this doll appear in different episodes. Unlike the first doll, this one has only five spots on his back. In addition to the increased width, the doll has no toes and lacks the thumb the costume has it is purple, and has a white strip for a mouth. The later BYG Barney doll is more of a plush toy than the previous one. Barney & the Backyard Gang (last three videos)
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