An in-the-works educational-TV show that’s already out on the Web, “Team Marco Polo,” has a local link this Christmas – the goofy holiday video you can watch above, whose cast includes three West Seattle youth, according to producer William Yeakle:

Matt, Siena, and Gabi Jeakle and 10,000 viewers have been dancing with Santa in a
YouTube video that has caught on this Christmas season. The video, The Santa Claus Dance, with more than 10,000 total views in 3 versions, is from the TV show Team Marco Polo, produced by Filmateria Studios, based in Seattle. Matt, Siena, and Gabi join veteran actors Jonathan Wright and Ethan Newberry in skits for the new show, which has shot 13 episodes and is currently in the editing process. The web version of the show is already becoming a staple in many classrooms. Producers have received positive comments from teachers in Hawaii, Colorado, New York, and Iceland.

In addition to the YouTube version of the show, producers have completed a CD and two books and are producing an iPhone app. The show is slated to hit TV screens and bookshelves in the fall of 2011, but complete shows and more than 50 snippets can be seen on the Team Marco Polo YouTube Channel now. Fans can also join the beta website: teammarcopolo.com