UNCC screenwriting teacher and Backyardigans writer Rodney Stringfellow talks about the many hats he’s worn in the world of writing. He explains the process of working in Children’s Television from pitching ideas to seeing finished productions. He also talks about the underlying sociology and politics around writing and how they’ve evolved over the years.

As a bonus, we hear from filmmaker Andrew Lee, who only stopped by to listened but was forced by us to talk about the Tennis documentary he’s currently making.  

Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rodney received his master’s degree in Communications Design from the Pratt Institute, and his bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications Design from Purdue University. Before moving to Monroe, NC and teaching screenwriting at UNC Charlotte, he lived Brooklyn, NY where he wrote children’s television for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Disney Channel, PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop. He was a writer on the Nick Jr. Series, The Backyardigans and adapted the series to a live-action musical. He serves as a Chairman of the WGAE Foundation Mentor Group, overseeing its volunteer mentorship program for the Writer’s Guild of America. He’s also a member of WGAE and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).