An original series called "Behind the Mask," which takes a look into the lives on and off the court for costumed sports mascots, debuts on Hulu and Hulu Plus today.
Three episodes will launch on the online streaming video service, and future episodes will be added weekly through to Dec. 17. The series follows four mascots, one each from the high school, college, minor leagues and professional ranks – the latter being Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango.
Kevin Vanderkolk has been Bango for the past 12 years. Vanerkolk, who has a background in gymnastics, is known for pushing the limits, designing stunts to wow the BMO Harris Bradley Center Crowd. The reality series takes a look into Vanderkolk’s life, including spending the time in the Bango suit participating in community events and pulling off the feats that have earned him titles as the NBA mascot of the year, NBA stunt of the year and in 2010, the Most Awesome Mascot by the viewers of the Cartoon Network.
The other mascots featured on the series are Rooty the Cedar Tree at Lebanon High School in Pennsylvania, UNLV’s Hey Reb! and Tux of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a minor league hockey team.
On "Behind the Mask," the show follows the mascots, "through their daily lives, not only in costume as their alter-ego, but also out of costume, interacting with family and friends," the show’s press release stated. "Just like the mascots themselves, the show is funny, entertaining and at times emotional as it captures the successes and struggles that these real-life ‘Clark Kents’ endure."
"Behind the Mask" was created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Josh Greenbaum, and produced by Occupant Entertainment.
Media is bombarding us everywhere.
Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.
The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.