Tell us about your organization. How big is your team? Where are you based? What is your organization’s specialty in the film and video space?
hiddenlemons is a creative development company based in Los Angeles. As developers, designers, creative directors, writers, and producers, we use our cross-disciplinary experience in film, television, theatre, live production, and themed entertainment to take projects from concept to production and operations.
Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?
For the 2022 Nickelodeon film Blue’s Big City Adventure, hiddenlemons was responsible for the overall look and tone. Alex Calle worked closely with the director, producers, and cinematographer to ensure the visual design aligned with the overall creative vision.
What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?
Blue’s Big City Adventure was a bigger leap than what you’d first expect. Bringing Blue, Josh, Joe, AND Steve into a live-action ‘Blue’s version’ of New York City, weaving in Broadway talent and iconic city landmarks, all while keeping the warmth, fun, and friendly interactivity that makes the Blue’s Clues franchise special to families was no small step. That balance of scale and heart took a lot of coordination and care to get right; having Samuel Vawter (Art Director) and Gabrielle Rosenberg (Set Dec) by my side was invaluable.
You won a Telly Award for this piece. Why is recognition important for you, your team or your work?
Winning a Telly Award for Blue’s Big City Adventure is validation for the entire team: Our incomparable director (Matt Stawski), writer (Angela C. Santomero), composer (Alex Geringas), camera (Derek McKane), costumer (Caitlin Doukas), choreographers (Lindsey Blaufarb and Craig Hollamon), animators, and INCREDIBLE crew. They all made it happen. The team had to translate a beloved preschool format into a full city-spanning adventure without losing what makes kids (and parents) love the show. A lot of that craft happens behind the scenes, so it’s meaningful when it gets recognized publicly.
It also matters for what comes next. This kind of recognition tells us, and the people we work with, that ambitious swings for young audiences are worth taking. We get to create magical memories in kids of all ages, and that’s incredibly important to remember. These are the memories that families keep, respond to, and sing along to for years to come. The extra care we put into Blue’s Big City Adventure was indeed special, and it’s nice to know it was embraced. I hope it opens the door for many more big swings in the future.
Tell us what you’re up to! If there’s a new project, launch, or milestone you’d like us to celebrate with you, let us know, and we might share it with our community.
Two recent projects that we’re quite proud of are Spellbound by Magic Castle, onboard both the Sun Princess and Star Princess cruise ships.
hiddenlemons collaborated with Princess Cruises’ creative department to concept, design, and supervise the overall direction of each venue, as well as produce and manage the fit-out and media production.
Each venue features more than 1,000 artworks, artifacts, and memorabilia, hidden surprises, and over 15 interactive encounters. Every piece has a unique story or connection to the Magic Castle. Guests can spend hours exploring the venue. The longer they linger, the more magical surprises await.
