"Street Gang" Sequel "Street Fight" Coming this Fall!

Michael Davis announced a sequel to his 2008 book "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" is coming this fall.

While the original was a New York Times best-seller and was made into an award winning documentary, there's still a lot more stories and details to share. 

Davis shared the news via LinkedIn:  

"Greetings, "Street Gang" fans. I'm excited to let you be among the first to know that a second volume on Sesame Street's history and impact will be published this fall, entitled "Street Fight." The book will especially delight GenXers and Millennials, but there will be delicious dish and untold tales for every generation. Cookie Monster's early review: "Me like."

 Stay tuned as further information is reveiled.  

Street Gang: A Review

This past weekend Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street finally made it’s debut via the Sundance film Festival. For those that may not be aware, this film has been in the making since 2016 when it was first announced, then part of a Indiegogo crowd sourcing campaign.

When the filmmakers first announced the film it was going to be a whole story about the entire run of Sesame Street and it  was going to have "original animation, 3D photo conversions, original music and A rebuild that Season One set!“ None of those flourishes are present in the final version and the film is better for it. 

Instead of gimmicks, the film based on Michael Davis' book, uses archival and current interviews interspersed with never before seen footage and behind-the-scenes shenanigans to really capture the spirit and heart of the show of how the show came to be, the first few seasons and it's legacy. 

There are so many heartwarming stories about Jim Henson, Joe Reposo John Stone, and Joan Ganz Cooney that, even if you’ve heard the stories before, they feel new and like you’re part of the family.

The film will make you laugh, cry, and feel loved, often simultaneously. Just like Sesame Workshops mission the film is unapologetic in letting you know the power that progressive social change can bring to the world.

To put it simply from the very beginning it’s two hours you do not want to end. 

The use never released outtakes with the characters were they sometimes use some well colorful language (for the Sesame characters anyway) was a surprise and a delight as you got to see the performers really shine. 

While there are a few brief clips of the show today, they mention or interview any of the current cast, or really anyone that wasn't there before 1981. 

If I had one gripe, it would be the credits. Full disclosure: I was was one of the many initial backers of the film. They thank a ton of people, including the financiers, but not a single mention of the fans that helped support the film from the beginning. 

While the film does not have an official release date it was purchased by HBO and is set to debut sometime on HBO and HBOmax sometime this year.

I hope since Street Gang was at Sundance, that qualifies the film for an Oscar, as I could see it easily being a contender for best documentary. 

This review of Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street was brought to you today by the letter a A, for A+. 

The Muppets Make History!

Michael Davis, author of Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street, recently sat down with History This Week .

November 10, 1969. It’s a Monday. Across the US, parents and babysitters and grandparents and aunts and uncles are turning on the TV, because there's a new show out today for kids: Sesame Street. The show has now been on the air for more than 50 years. It’s been viewed by 80 million Americans, and it’s aired in 120 countries. Some people call it the most influential show in the history of TV. How was Sesame Street born? And how did it help change the way millions of children learn?

You can listen to the entire episode below:

Focus Features in Talks for "Street Gang" Acquisition!

According to Variety, Focus Features is in advanced negotiations to acquire the worldwide rights to “Street Gang.”

For those unfamiliar, “Street Gang” tells the story of Sesame Street's creation and is partly based on Michael Davis’ best-selling book of the same name. It gained initial funding through crowdfunding site Indiegogo.

Variety also revealed that HBO has acquired the U.S. streaming and broadcast rights to  the documentary.

Help Make "Street Gang" a Movie!

Street Gang is an upcoming documentary based on Michael Davis' best selling 2008 book about the history and making of Sesame Street.

Just like the filmmakers did for I am Big Bird did two years ago, Macrocosm Entertainment and Citizen Skull Productions, the team behind Street Gang have started a crowd source campaign to to their raise the funds needed to make the film.

As with many crowd sourced campaigns, you can also get some perks for donating certain amounts.

The perks the creative team has prepared are pretty incredible, including a visit to Sesame Street itself!

They even have a few stand alone perks. Which means lower tier items aren't included. 

The filmmakers are also donating 15 percent of the proceeds Sesame Workshop's Yellow Feather Fund, which benefits vulnerable children around the world.

Head over to their Indiegogo page and help support Street Gang!

New "Street Gang" Doc Coming Soon!

On Friday, Street Gang author Michael Davis shared his excitement about his book being turned into a documentary. 

With it being April Fools, we weren't sure at if the story was real or not. 

After confirming it with Michael and the production company, we can now also share the good news that his wonderful behind the scenes book will be turned in a film! 


"Come and play....coming 2017"

Marah Strauch, who directed Sunshine Superman has been tapped to helm Street Gang, with Trevor Crafts, Mark Myers, Matt Daley and Heather Kenyon.

We'll keep you posted as more news develops and be sure to follow the production on their new facebook page!