Ralph Mensch was the technical director for Sesame Street from the first season through Season 31. In that capacity, he oversaw many of the video and effects elements of the series, including chromakey effects. With the rest of the technical/camera crew, he was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the series, and shared in wins in 1984 (Technical Direction/Electronic Camerawork) and 1994 (Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control).
Mensch was director of engineering for Teletape Studios.[1] He was technical director on other CTW series, The Electric Company, also shot at Teletape, while on Square One TV (which used other facilities), he was credited as video engineer in charge. Outside of CTW, Mensch was technical director on the 1969 special Carol Channing and Pearl Bailey: On Broadway.
Inside jokes[]
While not referenced as often as other Sesame Street crew, Mensch did occasionally figure in inside jokes.
- The first five "Sneak Peek Previews" segments use the phrase "Roll it, Ralph!" to start the movie.
- In the cold open for Episode 3059, Oscar the Grouch notices the number of the day hasn't been matted in yet. "Hey, Ralph, we forgot the number 17!"
Credits[]
- Sesame Street (credited seasons 4-31): Technical director
- Christmas Eve on Sesame Street: Technical director
- A Special Sesame Street Christmas: Technical director
- Don't Eat the Pictures: Technical director
- Sesame Street, Special: Technical director
- Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake: Technical director
- Shalom Sesame (1991 episodes): Technical director
- Sesame Street Stays Up Late: Technical director
- Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever!: Technical director