Open Mind Productions was formed in 1989 by Roland Tongue - previously a film editor at the BBC - and Chris Ellis - previously a teacher and Director at BBC Children's. The company specialises in using new technology to make cost-effective and imaginative entertaining and educational programmes.
Some of our programmes:
Numberjacks
45 x 15 minute programmes featuring superhero numbers sorting out problems in the real world. Engaging children with numbers and mathematical concepts.
(CBeebies)
2005 - 2006
Paz
80 x 7.5 minute programmes featuring Paz the Penguin. The lovable penguin and his friends encourage the characteristics of optimism, persistence and resilience as they play and explore.
(Discovery Kids USA)
2003 - 2004
Mathemateers
Mathematical video inserts produced for the Pearson Knowledge Box delivery system engaging 9 - 11 year olds.
(Pearson Education)
2002
Maths Mansion
40 x 10 minute programmes teaching Maths for KS2b presented by Chris Jarvis.
(Channel 4)
2001
The Shiny Show
91 x 20 minute puppet quiz shows about the world around us and encouraging play.
(CBeebies)
2000 and 2002
Word Machine
25 x 5 minute programmes teaching phonics for KS1.
(Channel 4)
2000
The Number Crew
70 x 10 minute animation and live action programmes teaching maths to 5-7 year olds, featuring the crew and 20 animals on board the SS Mathematical.
(Channel 4)
1998, 1999, 2003
Rat-a-tat-tat
50 x 15 minute animaton and live action programmes for 4-6 year olds encouraging the enjoyment of books and early literacy skills.
(Channel 4)
1993 to 1999
I want to do that
5 programmes for 5-7 year olds comparing human and animal bodies.
(Channel 4)
1998
Key Questions
3 x 15 minute programmes about science with no answers for 7-9 year olds.
(Channel 4)
1996
Living Proof
5 x 20 minute programmes presenting local history through the ages as a quiz show.
(Channel 4)
1995
Investigating Britain
5 programmes for 11-14 year olds encouraging debate about geographical issues in Britain.
(BBC)
1995
One Last Lie
5-part drama about a family break up for 9-11 year olds.
(Channel 4)
1994
The Earth in Space
5 x 20 minute programmes exploring the scientific story of the Earth as a planet for 9-11 year olds.
(Channel 4)
1993
The Local Network
5 programmes about local geography in contrasting locations for 9-11 year olds.
(Channel 4)
1993
Images of the Earth
4 programmes about mapping and geographical imaging for 11-14 year olds.
(BBC)
1992
Zig Zag Water
6 programmes about water for 7-11 year olds.
(BBC)
1990
Interactive media produced by Open Mind includes:
Five CD-ROMs and two DVD-ROMs based on the Number Crew for 4 Learning, together with accompanying free and premium websites.
Living Proof - a history quiz game on CD-ROM and CD-i for Channel 4, which was nominated for the TES Multimedia Award.
Two CD-i disks for British Petroleum
Maps and Mapping - a GCSE Geography CD-ROM for Channel 4.
Open Mind was involved in developing a technology pilot with Pearson Broadband, IBM, Telestream and Virage for a broadband educational search and delivery system. The finished pilot system was successfully demonstrated in 2001. The servers, in our offices, streamed the service live to the IBM stand at the NAB exhibition in Las Vegas.
Awards
Paz
Nominated for 2005, 2006 and 2007 Daytime EMMY Awards Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series.
The Number Crew
Winner, Educational Resources Awards Best Educational Television Programme, 2000
Rat-a-tat-tat
Winner BAFTA Best Schools Factual (Primary) Award 1999.
Winner Royal Television Society Best Pre-School & Infant's Award 1998.
Nominated for the BAFTA Children's Award in the pre-school category 1997
Living Proof
Winner Royal Television Society Best Junior Programme 1996
Nominated for the Japan Prize and BAFTA 1996
