The Movers, a group of four guys from New Orleans, began to develop a television program for preschoolers in 2003 that encouraged creative thinking and incorporated strong, male role models for youngsters. The result was a blue-suited, close-knit team, who pay tribute to their hometown by assisting in recovery efforts, shooting the series in New Orleans, and playing at the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Disney Channel
Imagination Movers premiered in September 2008 on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney block for preschoolers. One of the show's key elements includes the company's place of business known as the Idea Warehouse, with its own Think Tank, never-ending hallways, and an array of imaginative rooms. In order to solve problems or "idea emergencies," the Movers play music, "brainstorm," use props and gadgets, and sometimes enlist the help of their neighbors Nina and Knit Knots.
Dave Poche
Mover Dave is an architect by trade, so inventing a variety of crazy contraptions comes naturally to him on the show. Dave is the "jack-of-all-trades" and uses his signature "Red Gadget Hat" as a storage device for his uniquely cool gizmos and products. Poche is also the creator of the Warehouse Mouse puppet, now a mainstay in the series.
Rich Collins
As the drummer for the band, Mover Rich uses drumsticks that double as "Scribble Sticks" to draw pictures and words on the screen in an effort to help the group solve problems. A former journalist, Collins utilizes the drumstick prop as a symbol for his artistic and creative personality. With his strong musical background, Rich also serves as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist for the show.
Scott Durbin
An award-winning elementary school teacher, Durbin initially dreamed up the idea for the "Imagination Movers" in 2003. His ability to see things from a variety of perspectives is represented in the series through Mover Scott's characteristic "Wobble Goggles." Scott also envisioned the Idea Warehouse as a brain with the four guys signifying the creative process used to resolve challenging situations.
Scott "Smitty" Smith
Smith, originally a New Orleans fire fighter, carries his trusty "Journal" prop and displays his adventuresome Indiana Jones-like spirit on the show. The band's guitarist, Mover Smitty was a member of the Hurricane Katrina search and rescue effort. Along with the other members, Smitty faithfully follows one of their signature phrases, "Reach high, think big, work hard, have fun!"
Television programs that promote the use of imagination, encourage creativity and problem solving, and increase self-esteem are well appreciated by both parents and children. Add a dose of high energy music with an interactive rock and hip-hop style, the Imagination Movers are sure to entertain and provide a quality, fun family experience.
Source: Disney Channel Medianet
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