Bob Camp is best known for his work with Ren & Stimpy and not everyone may see how similar this 90s show is to SpongeBob SquarePants. As a character designer and storyboard artist, he is one of many people who contributed to both series success. He enjoys being involved with the production in every step–the writing, coming up with the ideas, and developing the characters. He said, “The thing I enjoyed a lot was directing. I got to work with many greats like Billy West, June Lockhart, Dom DeLuise and Frank Gorshin (original Riddler from the 60s Batman).”
To have work that’s unaltered, unfiltered and uncensored is tough. It was hilarious to learn that the team put in tons of red herrings in the ‘toon knowing much of it will get cut. In what got past, the material that got through surprised them.
I spoke to him at length not only at Emerald City Comic Con but also Capital City Comic Con earlier this year. He loves attending these shows throughout the year. You’d think the studio keeps him busy year-round but apparently not! While storyboarding is part of the animation process, just when he is required depends on if he’s needed constantly in the production chain. Plus, I forgot to ask him in that first meeting to find out about Thundercats which is getting reworked (and rescheduled) for a 2020 release. The character designs are a far cry from what he knows.
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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)