Q. Do you ever give talks at colleges?
A. I do speaking engagements at Colleges and Art groups when my schedule
permits. I enjoy talking about animation and making the shows, but I'm also
a motivational speaker when it comes to pursuing your art and following your
true calling. Anyone who wants to inquire about schedules and fees can contact
me though this site, and I'll pass it on to the right people.
Q. Is that you in the McDonalds commercials?
A. No. I was against Lazlo being used in McDonalds Happy Meals, but could
only withdraw my own participation in the commercial. That is my character
designer C Raggio.
Q. When is Rocko coming out on DVD?
A: There has been a big ground swell to bring Rocko to DVD, (including from
my legal team) but I have still not heard anything. However, there is a DVD
called "Nick
Rewind" that has a Rocko episode on it. The single Rocko episode is
also available as a "download to own" on Apple iTunes under Nick
rewind. Sign-up for my enews email list, and I'll keep you posted the minute
I hear anything.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to do their own animated
television show?
A. First,, examine why you want it. I've heard reasons ranging from Money,
to Fame, to "being the boss to a lot of people". If it's not for
love of animation, story and character, then you will grow tired of your
job very quickly.
Q: Don't most creators of shows just come up with an idea and let everyone
else do the work while he sits back and collects royalties?
A. Well, for me, that would take all of the fun out of it. But everyone
is different. I'm an independent filmmaker, and a control freak, so I like
to be involved in everything. I create the characters and every detail of
the world they live in, down to the leaves on the trees. I direct the voices,
and hand choose the dream team crew we have (and had). I also am very actively
involved in budgeting and scheduling. To me, it all goes together. You can't
get the best from your writing if you don't have great animation timing.
And the timing isn't going to matter if you don't have the right color to
see the animation. And if we don't have the money to do the proper post production
on it, then all of that work has gone on for nothing. It all plays together.
If I'm emotionally invested in the concept of the show, I'm either going
to want to be involved in safeguarding the quality and the vision, or hand
choose the people who will feel as passionately about it as you do. And that's
hard to find.
Q: Did you do SpongeBob?
A. No. That was created by Steve Hillenburg, who worked for me on Rocko
along with his Co-producer Derek Dryman. There may have also been some similarities
because the Spongebob art director was Nick Jennings, who was also mine on
Rocko (and worked with me at my studio up north.) Steve is one of the most
amazing talents I have ever had the opportunity to work with.
Q: Can you draw me something?
A. It's hard to keep up with email requests for drawings. I'm going to try
and set up something so that can be possible.