The Secret City

The Secret City

Learn to draw with Commander Mark.

Ended First aired 02/Sep/1985 United States English 1 season(s) 65 episode(s)
KidsFamilySci-Fi & FantasyDocumentary
The Secret City was a television program designed to teach children how to draw, starring Mark Kistler as as the fictional ‘Commander Mark’ who led viewers and in-studio club members through various drawing exercises in a sci-fi clubhouse setting full of fun, fantasy, and adventure.

While the show’s format essentially prioritizes instruction over narrative, ongoing ‘drama’ is created by the frequent addition of new key features to the emerging scenery of the giant Secret City mural. Often Special Guests would appear on the show to demonstrate other art forms or practical applications for drawing skills.

The show was created by John Price & Mark Kistler, based on Bruce McIntyre's AVDP. Much of the series was edited live in-camera and was shot in a somewhat semi-scripted format. It was produced at Maryland Public Television through private funding by Children's Video Associates, and intended for broadcast via national PBS syndication. It also aired on TVOntario.
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TimeScore 33% Skip It
Binge Meter 48% Slow Burn
Episode Pulse Quiet 40% activity score
Drop Rate 0% Very Low

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Season 1 · Season 1
65 episode(s) · Air date: 02/Sep/1985
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Season Overview

Mark Kistler starring as 'Commander Mark' Teaches children perspective drawing using the '7 Magic Words of Drawing' techniques pioneered by Bruce McIntyre in his long-standing classroom curriculum, the Audio-Visual Drawing Program (AVDP).

Season Overview

Mark Kistler starring as 'Commander Mark' Teaches children perspective drawing using the '7 Magic Words of Drawing' techniques pioneered by Bruce McIntyre in his long-standing classroom curriculum, the Audio-Visual Drawing Program (AVDP).

S1E65
Cartooning - Club Day
Air date: 29/Nov/1985 · Runtime: 27 min
Summary

US Log Line: The Secret City mural is completed. Pre-Production Name (AVM); #165:"Cartooning" {Note: The Log Line as printed in TV Guide was inaccurate. Episode 65 was a Club Day and there are no mural segments on Club Days. The mural was completed the prior Thursday in episode 64. This error likely originates with the pre-production Program Listings developed for the show by Adler Video Marketing which stated "#165: "Cartooning." Cartoonist Al Grosso helps Commander Mark finish the secret city mural."}

Summary

US Log Line: The Secret City mural is completed. Pre-Production Name (AVM); #165:"Cartooning" {Note: The Log Line as printed in TV Guide was inaccurate. Episode 65 was a Club Day and there are no mural segments on Club Days. The mural was completed the prior Thursday in episode 64. This error likely originates with the pre-production Program Listings developed for the show by Adler Video Marketing which stated "#165: "Cartooning." Cartoonist Al Grosso helps Commander Mark finish the secret city mural."}

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S1E1
Moonscape Building
Air date: 02/Sep/1985 · Runtime: 27 min
Summary

US Log Line: [ Debut: "Fun, fantasy and adventure" are the tools used by host Commander Mark to teach youngsters the joys of drawing. First up: using squares to create a table, wedding cake.]

Summary

US Log Line: [ Debut: "Fun, fantasy and adventure" are the tools used by host Commander Mark to teach youngsters the joys of drawing. First up: using squares to create a table, wedding cake.]

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Cast

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Mark Kistler
Commander Mark
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Joel Gori
Cindy/MetaMan/Zebtron
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Joan Boccino
Special Guest
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Fred Miles
Special Guest
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Dick Schaefer
Special Guest
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Al Grosso
Special Guest

Crew

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Jerry King Musser
Art Direction
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Mary Gast
Costumer
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Dwight M. Phillips
Director
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Michael Styer
Coordinating Producer
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John Price
Executive Producer
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L.D. Solomon
Executive Producer
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Michele Musser
Music
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Fred Miles
Animation

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