The Secret City

A cheerful, encouraging art lesson wrapped in playful sci-fi make-believe, inviting kids to draw along with a warm, commanding host.

Created by

Dwight M. Phillips

Genres

Kids, Family, Sci-fi & fantasy

Starring

Mark Kistler, Joel Gori, Joan Boccino

Tagline

Learn to draw with Commander Mark.

Overview

The Secret City was a television program designed to teach children how to draw, starring Mark Kistler as as the fictional ‘Commander Mark’ who led viewers and in-studio club members through various drawing exercises in a sci-fi clubhouse setting full of fun, fantasy, and adventure. While the show’s format essentially prioritizes instruction over narrative, ongoing ‘drama’ is created by the frequent addition of new key features to the emerging scenery of the giant Secret City mural. Often Special Guests would appear on the show to demonstrate other art forms or practical applications for drawing skills. The show was created by John Price & Mark Kistler, based on Bruce McIntyre's AVDP. Much of the series was edited live in-camera and was shot in a somewhat semi-scripted format. It was produced at Maryland Public Television through private funding by Children's Video Associates, and intended for broadcast via national PBS syndication. It also aired on TVOntario.

How it feels

Whimsical, uplifting, earnest and light. Brisk and needs your attention.

About

Art, education, friendship

Content

No violence, gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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