Bobble Head James

I have been tossing this idea of an animated series around in my head and to a few people for a number of months now. The details, even the concept is still in its infancy right now, but I have a good feeling that I am on the right track with this idea.

Writing a series is something new to me. I do not know the dynamics or particulars that are involved with it - not knowing that the first commercial break comes at 5 minutes in and needing to have the first act end there - sort of thing. To me, those details are mechanics. Important, but something that can be laid out and learned.

An animated series is something new as well. The process. The work flow. The cost. The time line.
Yet nothing is too daunting. Some of the details are different, but in the end it is still "just" the production of a show, which I have done.

A good lesson for such problems, that I learned back in film school even, is to surround yourself with skilled people who do their craft well, who will make your life much more bearable. That is what I would do in this case. Of course all my TV film friends know that, because that is what they do for a living, be the experts.

Even with that in mind, there is something to be said for the low low budget home made production as well. Good old Photoshop, After Effects, and FCP can allow Corey sit at home, for a number of months, and animate the thing himself if need be. If there is a will, there is a way.

So Bobble Head James (BHJ) is my attempt at PG-14 animation. That genre is a proven solid field, sought after even in many markets. Its also one of the most interesting genres. Animation lets you be as creative as you wish for challenging the laws of physics and nature. And nothing defies nature than a man with a giant bobble head. PG-14 lets you changes the show from a kiddies cartoon to something more interesting to watch. When you have a giant bobble for a head, you use a lot of PG-14 words. Thus a perfect marriage.

Bobble Head James (BHJ) is based on the true life of James Whittingham. Or more vaguely based on the concept of the appearance of his life. But don't tell James that.

James and Kevin were very successful, at least in the small Regina market. everyone knew them. Everyone loved them. James and Kevin even had a shot at national TV when Just For Laughs picked them up to host, and proceed to make James and Kevin not funny. I believe the folk lore states there was ab NBC deal in the works at one time, or talk of. However those days are gone.

That is where BHJ picks up. James is still recognized around Regina by fans and people who ask"Aren't you that guy from somewhere?" He, and Kevin to a lesser degree, are celebrities without the celebrity. Without the perks. Faces without names. The character of Bobble Head James has that same burden.

Bobble Head James was a famous children's TV entertainer. He had a very popular show and was adored by millions of children. Unfortunately his self-hating, anti-social, in-need-of-anger-management- classes, behavior ended his career. Now years later, he is try to get on with his life. The children he once entertained are now adults and still remember him clearly from their youth. When you have a giant bobble for a head, people tend to recognize you easily. It is these grown fans who are now the constant irritation is BHJ's life.

Stealing from Larry David's difficult personality in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and a little desperate disillusionment of Ricky Gervais in Extras, plus the magical Je Ne Sais Pas of the real James, (who would be playing BHJ) and you have some of the key ingredients that make up the Bobble Head James character.

Bobble Head James' goals are still undefined right now. I like the idea of there being a series story arc and a goal he is trying to reach. Freedom. Fame. Anonymity. I am leaning towards him wanting to get back on TV to start that career over, its what he does best. However he is his biggest hurdle. One minute he loves the attention from fans, then the next he hates it. Just like his bobble head, his personality is all over the map.

He will have a group of wacky friends ala Seinfeld. His best friend would be Kevin, reincarnated in some form or another, a talking cat, or his manager, or both many. Its an animation, things need to be a little weird.