Plant Chat: Greg Singer, Vegtoons Producer

Vegtoons is a wonderful animated series that helps promote plant-based diets for our personal health and planetary health. Just up my alley! I have the fabulous opportunity to invite Vegtoons producer Greg Singer to share the inside scoop on Vegtoons on my blog today. Greg has worked in the production management, story development and executive offices of DreamWorks Feature Animation, Fox Feature Animation and Cartoon Network. He also has served with UNICEF’s Cartoons for Children’s Rights campaign, the Alliance for Climate Education, and the U.S. Peace Corps, assisting Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

What inspired you to produce the Vegtoons Series?

In recent years, there have been some good, positive documentaries to come out which encourage folks to take better care of themselves (and, by extension, our world) through plant-based diets. In general, though, people may not be aware of the benefits of being vegan, or they may not be inspired to look for information in the first place.   Moreover, the information out there often can be overwhelming and intimidating.   So, in a very simple and light-hearted way, the Vegtoons Series is kind of a stepping stone for people to begin learning about why people choose a plant-based lifestyle.

One of my mentors growing up always challenged us to find someplace where we could invest our humanity.   Having been vegetarian (actually, vegan) for about 20 years, and with 15 years experience in the animation field, it seemed worthwhile to create a show which could open up a door of conversation for many people.   As we transition toward a more healthful, sustainable and compassionate future, I have found that two effective arguments in favor of plant-based diets are: a good meal, and a good sense of humor.   With slow, dawning clarity, people begin to realize, “Okay, okay… I can handle this.”

Tell us a little bit about the Vegtoons story?

Vegtoons is very much an independent, grassroots, educational initiative.   Because of this, it has been years in development.   Along with a wonderfully supportive community of omnivores and vegetarians from around the world, and a talented family of international artists, we are slowly   moving forward with production on the show’s 10 episodes.   We hope to have them all completed within the next several months.

As a bit of poetic irony, regarding the show’s production history, the voiceover performances were recorded at a green technology center in San Francisco.   At the turn of the last century, the site of the recording studio used to be a meat-packing plant and smokehouse.   We didn’t know this at the time, though it certainly resonates with symbolic meaning.   We’re reminded that cultural change may be slow, but it is inevitable.   Shift happens.

What is the mission of Vegtoons?

While most people associate cartoons with children’s programming, the Vegtoons Series is designed specifically for adult omnivores.   Animation has the capacity to communicate complex (and potentially sensitive) information in a way that is palatable and accessible.   It appeals to people across a spectrum of age, culture, and even literacy levels.   This is why the United Nations, for example, has employed animation in its historic campaigns to disseminate health education on a range of issues.

Each of us, in some measure, has the opportunity to contribute to our cultural conversation.   In a playful and respectful way, Vegtoons broaches the main reasons that people embrace a plant-based lifestyle, including: personal health; environmental stewardship; sustainable agriculture; and, of course, animal welfare.

Because everyone is so busy nowadays, each episode is only about two or three minutes long; a bite-sized morsel of story that goes down easy.   The show’s gentle approach addresses many of the stereotypes and assumptions that people may have about being vegetarian.

The intent is not to win converts to vegetarianism, but rather to articulate its values and motivations in a sympathetic way.   Hopefully people will be inspired to investigate more in-depth resources, and to make their own determination for how best to live.

What is your own plant-based philosophy?

When I was first considering to be vegetarian, I sat down and wrote an essay, just for myself, as to why this may or may not be a valid lifestyle.   It was only a page or two, and nothing approaching a philosophical treatise.   By the end of my musings, I basically realized that I feel happiest as a vegetarian/vegan.   It aligns with my heart’s desire to minimize the amount of suffering we create in the world: for ourselves and others.

More so than statistics and cold rationalizing, people naturally respond to kindness and compassion.   If we embody a genuine warmth and caring, it broadens people’s imagination for what is possible.   As Dr. Albert Schweitzer observed, “Example is not the main thing influencing others — it’s the only thing.” Taking a long view, then, it’s more productive to encourage the strength in others; to celebrate any progress in the direction of their own noble potential.

With this generosity of spirit in mind, I would also like to acknowledge GoMacro, a wonderful family farm in Wisconsin.   They have been a big supporter of Vegtoons from the beginning, and we share in the same vision.   The pursuit of health becomes a path for living in balance with ourselves and nature.   As an ancient Native American prayer says: “Let us walk softly on the earth with all living beings great and small, remembering as we go, that one God, kind and wise, created all.”

Have you observed that Vegtoons is making a difference in people’s lives?

As with anything, some people will appreciate and enjoy what we’re doing; others will not.   Still, it’s been heartening to receive preliminary feedback from omnivores, who are the show’s target audience.   Here is a sampling of comments:

“I am not personally a vegetarian, however I do believe in being healthy and eating right.   This is a very lovely cartoon series idea.   I love the subtle humor and the characters seem utterly charming!”

“I’m an ‘omnivore’, but definitely see the value of eating more veggies.   What surprised me is the effect that meat consumption has on the environment.”

“I’m not vegetarian, but I am a massive animation fan and hope the series becomes a great success.   I think it will encourage me and others to eat more veg.”

“A great project and a worthy cause.   It’s fun, entertaining and helps educate about an important message that very few people are talking about.   Our diet, the food we consume, affects personal and environmental health and has a significant economic impact on our nation.   Learn more and help spread the word.”

 

What can we expect from the series in the future?

The show is only beginning, as new episodes will premiere in the coming weeks and months.   Our pilot episode simply introduces the main characters, and touches lightly on the idea that vegetarianism is just a passing fad or phase in people’s lives.

Upcoming episodes will explore the underlying issues regarding a veggie lifestyle — ranging from health and nutrition, to ethics and the environment, to relationships with family and loved ones.   While each episode can be enjoyed on its own, the entire story unfolds over the course of the show’s 10 episodes.

Vegtoons will be freely available online to reach the widest possible audience over the years ahead.  People can watch, share and discuss however they like.   Stay tooned!

Check out the Vegtoons episode Bean There, Done That here.

Note: I am not a spokesperson or profiting from these products or companies; just providing my own unsolicited opinion about popular products, services, and organizations in the food world today!