Miss BG

Did You Know?

• Miss BG Vignette episodes are 2-minute 'Lessons' or 'Tips' given to the audience by BG, with underlying social development themes.
• BG's TV lessons were planned to interact with a future website for kids to access further info.
• The humor in the vignettes lies in how BG executes her tips, as things never go exactly as she plans.

Characters

Bella Gloria 'BG' Baxter is 7 and later 8 years old, a redheaded girl who is curious about everything and plunges head-on into adventures. She is a natural leader among her friends, though slightly bossy at times, and is a bit of a tomboy who loves to hang out with her best friends Gad and Alex in their tree house. BG is protective of her little brother George but can lose patience with him, especially when he insists on playing with her and her 'grownup' friends. George Baxter is BG's adorable younger redheaded brother, age 3 and later 4, who looks up to his sister and always wants to play with her and her friends. He tries to copy BG's words and actions, and her approval is very important to him; he is sensitive and sweet-natured, with surprising insights into people and situations. George watches a TV program called 'Fishy the Fish' and has a pet hamster named Albert (nicknamed Albie) who travels around perched on his head. Jeffrey Baxter, nicknamed Dad, is redheaded like his children, good-natured and easygoing, working as the local vet. He is aware that BG has him wrapped around her finger, usually saying 'yes' while watching TV, though he has a breaking point. Charlotte Baxter, nicknamed Mom, is the brunette mother who works from home as a freelance journalist. She juggles her career while looking after her family and her younger sister, is warm and sympathetic but tough, and rarely loses her temper. Aunt Alice is Charlotte's sister who spends much time at BG's house, doing projects with BG and George when their parents are out, and is BG's favorite babysitter. Alex is one of BG's best friends, with blonde hair, a green-and-white striped shirt, and red glasses, often hanging out with BG in the treehouse.

Production

The Miss BG project got underway in April 2004, when Canadian company Breakthrough Film & Television, through its Breakthrough Animation division, partnered with Ellipsanime, the Paris-based animation arm of French publisher Dargaud, to create a CGI-animated series based on the Gudule books. Ellipsanime founder Robért Rea was executive producer, with Breakthrough and Dargaud handling global distribution. By April 2005, Canadian broadcasters TVOntario and TFO, along with France’s educational channel France 5, had agreed to air the series in their respective countries.