Popcorn (American TV series)

By 1985, Peabody had retired from acting after having a successful career as an actress since childhood.[1] After teaching theatrical training to children at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Peabody moved from New York City to Portland, Oregon and began working as a freelance producer for television programming.[1] During the development of Popcorn, local children's television was declining as an industry.[1] Peabody wanted to create more children-orientated series to fill in the lack of local content.[1] Peabody's goal for the project was to offer something different than the science fiction and animation genres.[1]

Peabody signed a contract with KATU to broadcast the series.[2] To develop ideas for Popcorn, Peabody spent a lot of time visiting schools.[2] Terry Deming, the executive producer for local programming at the station, described the series as a "public service," opting not to find sponsors.[2] He stated, "Kids aren't necessarily going to sit around and watch some cheaply made puppets doing educational stuff. You've got to be kind of slick and savvy."[2]

The casting process consisted of Peabody visiting gifted and talented programs in schools, attending local children's theater productions, and contacting talent and modeling agencies.[1] She later held in-studio auditions.[1] Peabody cast Julia Markley, Mark Durrow, Kristina Yoshida, and Aaron Cooley as the "Popcorn reporters," besting 50 other children.[1] Markley worked previously with Peabody on the children's series Get Movin' (1982); Durrow was involved both onstage and behind the scenes at the Firehouse Cultural Center; Yoshida was a child model and aspiring writer; and Cooley had acted in commercials.[1]

More than 400 letters from children were received by KATU asking questions such as whether they could help the "Popcorn reporters" or if they could be a reporter on the show.[3] Peabody created the "Spotlight on Kids" segment; this allowed local children to showcase their talent and be involved in the series.[3] Qualifications were broad—singing and dancing to conducting science experiments were among the skill sets allowed.[3] With over 300 children auditioning, the auditions were limited to 2-minutes, although Peabody often trimmed the official clips to showcase the best of the children.[3]

Popcorn featured several guest appearances from celebrities such as Olympic gold medalist Eric Heiden and children's writer and illustrator Tomie dePaola.[4] Singer Tina Turner agreed to appear on the show.[4] Turner had to cancel after becoming ill.[4]