PLAYFUL PLANET'S HISTORY

Just after the turn of this century, Karen and Bryan met, and soon realized, that in addition to sharing a passion for one another, they also shared a passion for using the power of media to bring knowledge and awareness to people’s lives. With Bryan’s 30 years of experience in both television and film, and Karen’s years of expertise in growing new businesses, they were a perfect match. The couple set out on a mission to create uplifting media that would both entertain and empower people.

Together they began developing ideas for programs, books, and films. But it was not until 2005 when a new inspiration, their daughter Lily, was born, that their focus sharpened into a single vision. Together, inspired by their desire for a better future for Lily, they made a commitment to help other families conquer the challenges of raising healthy children on a healthy planet.

The idea was planted in the summer of 2007 at a young girl’s birthday party where Karen met Ahmed Fahmy, a local kid's yoga instructor who incorporated storytelling into his classes. Other mom's at the party were intrigued, and asked if Ahmed gave classes outside the area.  He did not, and it was in that moment that the Playful Planet concept was born. Bryan and Karen began developing a series of programs and activities for families to enjoy together, beginning with Storyland Yoga, featuring Ahmed. They resolved that each of the Playful Planet programs would be unique experiences that connect the health and well-being of children with the health and well-being of the planet.

As the vision grows, so does the realization that much of what Playful Planet does is philanthropic in nature. The topics are timely, necessary and are meaningful on a global level. Playful Planet welcomes all to join their Community with the belief that together we can create a brighter future for our children and the planet.

Stay Playful,

Karen & Bryan Duggan

Playful Planet Founders

Karen Duggan – Playful Planet Founder

Karen is inspired by her 5-year-old daughter Lily’s excitement for the small things: blades of grass, clogs of dirt, animals of all kind. Through Lily’s eyes, Karen is reminded that we can all live like that, truly taking in life’s simple things: family, friends, and nature. This message is at the heart of Playful Planet, which encourages family time and connecting kids with nature; with the end goal of ensuring that our kids inherit a healthy planet.

As the Creator of Playful Planet, Karen has produced Storyland Yoga.  Playful Planet’s first video connects kids with nature through yoga and storytelling. This was not the first time Karen worked in the entertainment industry, however. Prior to Playful Planet, she developed and produced a pilot for a reality TV series, worked in post-production on NBC’s hit Fear Factor, and was executive producer of a feature documentary.

Before jumping into the entertainment world, Karen’s career was unique and multi-faceted. She has held positions as the Corporate Senior Manager in a growing publicly- traded restaurant (Grill Concepts, Inc. – Nasdaq: GRIL) and the Business Development Manager for a South African multiplex Cinema company (Ster-Kinekor) as it expanded into Europe. Karen also worked for many years in sales and marketing – first for a publisher and then for a medical equipment manufacturer.

Karen is known by business associates for her skills in managing others and keeping projects on track; she is known by friends for her interest in health and nutrition, her concern for the planet, and her love of being a mother. This mixture of talent and passion is what inspired and helps Playful Planet continue to grow.

Bryan Duggan - Playful Planet Chief Creative Officer

As Chief Creative Officer of Playful Planet, Bryan draws on his 30 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries to make the Playful Planet vision a reality. A writer, producer, and director, he wrote and directed Playful Planet’s first video, Storyland Yoga.

Bryan began his career as Head of the Documentary Unit for Westinghouse Broadcasting in Boston. When he moved to LA, he worked for the first network reality TV show, Real People, where he shot, edited, and wrote segments for the hit series. Before the series ended, Bryan had emerged as a Director of Photography in the avant-garde arena that eventually led to the birth of MTV.  In the early 80’s, Bryan photographed over 50 music videos for a diverse range of artists, including Bruce Hornsby, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Danny Elfman, and even George Thorogood’s (Bad To The Bone).

Bryan has also directed commercials for clients such as McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pepsi-Mountain Dew. He has completed seven feature films as a Director of Photography, including an HBO premiere movie; Rubin and Ed with Crispin Glover; and Cold Feet with Keith Carradine and Tom Waits. In addition, Bryan has lensed six seasons of Emmy-nominated,  People’s Choice award winner, and National Geographic’s #1 hit series, the Dog Whisperer starring Cesar Millan. And, most recently, Bryan completed a feature-length documentary, Twine.

Bryan is known by business associates for his pragmatic and detail-oriented approach combined with a healthy sense of humor and a love of nature; he is known by friends for his love of being a father and husband, his ability to live in the moment, and his drive to leave the world a better place for the children. He brings all these qualities into play – quite literally – at Playful Planet.

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