(The Secret City)

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.

Countries:

United States of America

Genres:

Kids,

Family,

Sci-Fi & Fantasy,

Documentary

Networks:

PBS,

TVOntario

Year:

1985

Directors:

Dwight M. Phillips

Production companies:

Children's Video Associates

Actors:

Commander Mark

Cindy/MetaMan/Zebtron

Crews:

Director

Coordinating Producer

Executive Producer

Executive Producer

Art Direction