Surf Soup Talk Story

Welcome to "Making Surf Soup," a behind-the-scenes journey into the creation of one of the most exciting animated projects out there. Join your host, Donna Kay Lau, a Chinese-American TV animator with an impressive list of credits, as she takes you on a captivating exploration of the making of Surf Soup.

In this series, Donna shares her experiences, insights, and challenges encountered while bringing Surf Soup to life. With over 25 years of experience in children's entertainment and a portfolio boasting Emmy award-winning shows such as "Dora the Explorer" and "Ben 10," Donna brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table.

Discover the story behind Surf Soup, from its inception to its evolution into a multi-platform project encompassing books, animations, and more. Dive deep into Donna's creative process as she discusses the intricacies of character development, storytelling, and animation techniques.

But that's not all! Donna also delves into her latest venture on Kindle Vella, where she shares over 150 episodes of Surf Soup, offering fans a unique glimpse into the world of EggOh and his friends.

Whether you're a seasoned animator, aspiring storyteller, or simply a fan of Surf Soup, "Making Surf Soup" promises to entertain, inspire, and enlighten. So grab your headphones and join Donna on this exhilarating behind-the-scenes adventure!

Welcome, listeners, to another compelling episode of Surf Soup Talk Story. Today, we have the distinct honor of diving into the extraordinary life and lens of a true titan in the world of photojournalism – the one and only Eli Reed.

For over five decades, Eli Reed's camera has been a witness to history, capturing the face of racism and documenting the raw human suffering in conflicts across the globe. From the streets of Beirut to the heart of Central America, he has been a visual storyteller, unveiling the harsh realities that words alone cannot convey.

In 1986, his lens chronicled the coup against Haitian President "Baby Doc" Duvalier. In 1989, he documented the U.S. military action leading to the downfall of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, and in 1992, he witnessed and documented political upheaval in Kinshasa, Zaire. His eyes, however, haven't just been focused on international turmoil. In the United States, Eli Reed's camera has tirelessly exposed the evils of racism, creating a visual narrative that speaks to the soul of the nation.

His illustrious career reached a pinnacle with the much-acclaimed photographic record of the aftermath of George Floyd's 2020 murder in Minneapolis and Floyd's funeral in Houston, Texas. Eli Reed is not just a photographer; he is a storyteller, a historian, and a compassionate observer of the human condition.

A 1983 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, a full member of Magnum Photos since 1988, and a dedicated educator who retired in 2021 after 17 years as a clinical professor at The University of Texas at Austin, Eli Reed's impact extends far beyond the frames of his photographs.

For half a century, photojournalist Eli Reed's photography has captured the face of racism and documented human suffering in conflicts around the world. He has photographed deprivation from Beirut to Central America, and filmed the Lost Boys of Sudan, young men Reed described as "living through life-threatening hell." In 1986, his images chronicled the coup against Haitian President "Baby Doc" Duvalier; in 1989, he captured the U.S. military action that led to the downfall of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega; and in 1992, he documented political upheaval in Kinshasa, Zaire. In the United States, his eyes have been focused on the evils of racism, his photographs exposing truth in ways that words cannot always express.His long career of documentary work culminated in his much-acclaimed photographic record of the aftermath of George Floyd's 2020 murder in Minneapolis and Floyd's funeral in Houston, Texas. Reed was a 1983 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, became a full member of Magnum Photos in 1988, and retired in 2021 after teaching for 17 years as a clinical professor at The University of Texas at Austin. He has received many awards and achievements including most recently, the National Press Photographers Association Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award (2020), Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award (2021), and the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence (2021).Artist StatementI came into the world as a priest once said, “a child of god,” and I was curious from the beginning about what made us different. The time that I was growing up the Vietnam war was going on, the Civil Rights movement was very important, and even with all that, I loved the idea that it was a beautiful world and yet innocent people were being hurt in all kinds of ways, because of greed, evil, and the lack of understanding that every person on this planet is worth being respected. I went from using a paintbrush to using a camera to see with my eyes what was going on in the world. And I’ve never lost touch with that. I’ve dropped  a lot of things behind, but never the urge not to say something and sit on the sidelines. 

Photo/video credit: Eli Reed

We are all part of the Surf Soup-The Line Up Series on The Chat Session: An Interview with Donna Kay Lau - TV Animator, Producer, Creator of Surf Soup TV, and Author/Illustrator of the Surf Soup Book Series 🌊

What an incredible experience it was to be interviewed by the one and only Rodney Allen Rippy for an episode of "We are all part of the Surf Soup"! 🎙️

Rodney Allen Rippy, for those who may not know, is a beloved actor and media personality known for his iconic roles in commercials and television during the '70s. With his infectious charm and bright smile, Rodney made a lasting impression on audiences across the nation.

In this exciting episode, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of Surf Soup with Rodney and sharing the magic of creativity, exploration, and learning that Surf Soup brings to kids of all ages. 📚🌟

"We are all part of the Surf Soup" is a delightful journey where we explore the origins and inspirations behind Surf Soup TV, the beloved cartoon show that seamlessly blends real-life footage with kids' cartoons. Join us as we discuss the fantastic adventures of Koa and his friends, the importance of ocean conservation, and the valuable lessons of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and S.E.L. (Social Emotional Learning),and more!

As the creator of Surf Soup TV and the author/illustrator of the Surf Soup book series, I'm thrilled to share how these stories ignite creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Together with Auntie Donna and Prana the Piranha, we're on a mission to inspire children to explore, imagine, and make a positive impact on the world.

Plus, you won't want to miss the exciting showcase of kids' cartoons and drawings in the upcoming Surf Soup TV cartoon, a testament to their incredible creativity. 🎨✏️

So, join us on this thrilling adventure as we dive into the heart of Surf Soup, where imagination and learning take the ultimate ride. 🏄‍♂️📚

Don't forget to follow @surfsouptv on YouTube to help us reach 500 followers before the cartoon begins! Your support means the world to us.

Title: Celebrating International Literacy Day with Surf Soup

International Literacy Day, observed since 1967, reminds us of the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right. As we celebrate this day, I want to share why I write for children and how you can join our Surf Soup mission to promote literacy.

Promote the Surf Soup Book Series for Kids

Consider purchasing Surf Soup books for young readers in your life. These captivating adventures teach teamwork, empathy, and environmental awareness. Every purchase supports our mission to promote literacy worldwide.

Donate Surf Soup Books: Share the Gift of Literacy

Join our "Donate Surf Soup Books" initiative to provide books to children who may lack access to them. Your generosity opens doors to knowledge and a love for reading.

Get Involved: Help Us Donate Books

Visit Surf Soup TV's website for information on creating your own book club and supporting us on Patreon. Your contributions impact young readers and help us get Surf Soup books into libraries worldwide.

Join Our Virtual Book Club

Stay tuned for updates on our Surf Soup Book Club, featuring reader guides and activities. Young readers can explore the world of Surf Soup and ignite their imaginations.

Support Surf Soup TV: A Cartoon in the Making

We're planning Surf Soup TV, a cartoon show bringing Koa's adventures to life. Stay tuned for more on this exciting project.

A World of Possibilities through Literacy

On this International Literacy Day, let's remember that literacy opens doors to new worlds and opportunities. By promoting literacy, we empower children to dream big. Join us in celebrating this day by supporting our mission.

Expressing Gratitude

I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my craft and teach kids to pursue their dreams. However, I can't do this alone. Your support is crucial. Whether through buying books, participating in our book club, donating books, or contributing to Surf Soup TV, you make a difference.

Let's Stand Together

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world, and together, we can inspire young minds and nurture a love for reading and lifelong learning.

Please help us spread the word and be the change we wish to see.

With Peace, Love, and Harmony,

Donna Kay Lau

🎉 Exciting News! 📚🌟

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my Kindle Vella story, "Making Surf Soup: A Chinese American Story of Donna Kay Lau," has been selected to appear on the home page of Kindle Vella on Amazon! 🎉✨

Kindle Vella is Amazon's wonderful new platform that allows readers to enjoy serialized stories in an engaging and interactive way. It's a captivating way for authors like me to share our tales, one episode at a time, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter!

"Making Surf Soup" is a heartwarming journey that delves into the extraordinary life of Donna Kay Lau, a Chinese American TV Animator, Author, and Illustrator. This inspiring memoir is filled with moments of magic, unwavering determination, and the fulfillment of dreams. It's a celebration of perseverance, grit, and the boundless blessings that come from following your passion.

Throughout the narrative, I'll share with you the transformative power of finding joy in creating art and storytelling, as well as the lessons learned from embracing life's challenges. 🌈📖

I am beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity to connect with readers on Kindle Vella and to be featured on the platform's home page! Thank you for your continuous support and encouragement throughout this journey. Your feedback and engagement mean the world to me! ❤️

So, join me in this adventure on Kindle Vella as we explore the inspiring tale of "Making Surf Soup: A Chinese American Story of Donna Kay Lau." Let's embark on this wonderful storytelling adventure together! 🚀🌊

For those who are curious about Kindle Vella, head over to Amazon to discover this exciting new platform and dive into serialized stories from talented authors across genres.

About Creator, Animator, Author, Illustrator…your Podcast Host-Donna Kay Lau IMDb Pro Update

Can you tell us a bit about your Surf Soup Book series and what inspired you to write it? Have you ever been surfing and seen trash in the ocean? It's a heartbreaking sight - it makes you feel like it's impossible to make a difference. But that's where Surf Soup comes in. When I saw all that debris floating around, the idea of a big bowl of soup popped into my head. It was like we were all just floating in this giant, polluted soup. 

Can you share a little bit about your creative process when it comes to developing characters and storylines for Surf Soup series?

My ideas for Surf Soup come to me magically and divinely. I like to write first thing in the morning and draw later in the day. Drawing live on Twitch has been fun and has felt less alone. I plan on teaching animation lessons on the show that will be on Twitch first and then produced into my show.

I've always found that my best ideas come to me when I'm sitting on my board out in the water. And that's where I got the inspiration for Surf Soup - a cartoon series and kids book that teach about ocean pollution and how to surf at the same time. I wanted to create something that would inspire kids to take action and make a difference in the world.

How do you think Surf Soup is unique compared to other children's book series out there?

Surf Soup is more than just a passion project - it's a movement. I was inspired by the islanders on the north shore in Hawaii, who works tirelessly to keep our beaches clean and safe. And with the help of my four successful Kickstarter campaigns, I’ve been able to turn this dream into a reality.

Running a Kickstarter campaign was no easy feat, but I was thrilled to see the support from the community. To date, we've successfully funded four campaigns and have been able to bring Surf Soup to life in so many different ways."

I am so grateful to all my supporters.

Right now, you can read all about the making of Surf Soup in a serialized episodic series on Kindle Vella. And I’m not stopping there - I will also turn it into a novel and a movie. I'm honored to have been green lit for a short documentary about my life as a first-generation Chinese American artist and TV animator. 

All surf soup projects are just the beginning.  I hope It will be a long and impactful journey to raise awareness about ocean pollution and inspire the next generation to protect our planet.

I'm also showing kids how to be more compassionate and have more grit, perseverance, love, and friendship.

What message do you hope to convey through the Surf Soup universe?

 "I wanted to create something that would not only teach kids about ocean pollution, but also inspire them to take action and make a difference. That's why we incorporate real-world issues into our stories in a fun and engaging way."

"I'm really excited to announce that we've been green lit for a short documentary about my life as a first generation Chinese American artist and TV animator. I can't wait to share my story and inspire others to pursue their passions."

My purpose is broadcasting love, joy, humor by creating art, writing books, producing animation, & teaching children to help each other so we can have more peace, love, joy, and harmony in the world.”

How can listeners and viewers support your project and stay up-to-date with new releases and updates?