FAQs

• What do you think of modern technology? Is it harmful or neutral?
• What has influenced the making of Teletubbies? Was it 'The Clangers'?
• How do you test the programmes and what are your plans for the future?
• Which other children's programmes do you enjoy and why?
• Do you watch children watching your programme?
• How did you think of the idea for the Teletubbies?
• Do you think the Teletubbies help young children? Is it educational? Why?
• Why are the Teletubbies purple, green, yellow and red?
• Why are the Teletubbies so appealing to people of all ages from 18 months to about 60 years?
• How do you select the children who are featured in the programmes?
• Why do you teach little kids 'Eh-oh!' instead of proper English like 'Hello'?
• What did you like doing when you were young? Did you watch TV?
• How old are the Teletubbies? Will they ever age?
• Why haven't the Teletubbies got a dog?
• I am interested in working in television production and would like some advice.
• Why have the Teletubbies got such strange names?
• On what basis did you compile your list of phrases commonly said by children?

Answer

We call the parts of the programme where children appear on the Teletubbies' tummy screens the 'inserts'. We have a number of specialist insert directors working in different areas of the country who look out for children with a special interest or passion, no matter how simple, that they can demonstrate or 'tell' to the camera. For instance, one director encountered a child who loved washing up. So she filmed the child washing up. The child's enthusiasm speaks for itself on camera. When we showed the insert to children they were absolutely riveted! Children do look forward to being on the programme. Filming can be hard work for very young children, so we do our best to make it fun.