Quintel's creativity shines through the plethora of unique characters he creates |
Regular Show recently ended its long run on Cartoon Network (2009 - 2017). In that run, the show racked up several awards, including an Emmy, and became one of the main draws of the network. Cartoon Network chief content officer Rob Sorcher when interviewed about the show, stated that, “From JG’s original pitch on post-it notes, through eight successful seasons and more than 250 episodes produced, Regular Show has been one of the most original animated series of this generation creating indelible characters and signature comedy mayhem laced with heart."
J.G Quintel's Regular Show was also the first Cartoon Network original show to hit 200 episodes |
So how does he encapsulate such creative and relatable characters? Quintel talks about how several of the interactions between the characters were how he himself interacted with his friends in school. When interviewed by Hot Topic, Quintel talks about how several of the fun little reoccurring bits in the show, such as Mordecai and Rigby yelling "OHHHHH!" after a sick burn were just, "me and my friends from school being idiots". Quintel also talks about how much he and his staff cares about the product that they even will individually work on it at home over the weekend. This is in accordance with the novel Changing the World, as Quintel's team's dedication and his imagination culminate as part of his creative process. When touring the Cartoon Network building, he also shows the viewers the marble room and his thought lamp, along with other nifty places and things that helps Quintel generate his creativity when he is stumped or just needs a break. Another theme prevalent in Quintel's creative process is the concept of collecting, a concept that Steve Jobs also conveyed as a big part of his process. Quintel talks about amassing all the little quirky aspects of his friendships and one can really feel the genuineness between the characters as a result. You can also see how Regular Show shares characteristics from several other cartoons. Quintel specifically references The Simpsons as a show he would constantly watch, and it shows with some of the humor in Regular Show. Quintel also talks about how because it is animation, the possibilities are endless. It is this freedom along with encapsulating the craziness of him and his friends which allows Quintel's creativity to shine. Quintel even voices the main character Mordecai with his actual tone of speech.
Quintel voices the main character Mordecai with his normal voice |
Bunch of Baby Ducks |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiBa_KauXXg
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cartoon-networks-regular-show-end-928249
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._G._Quintel
It's impressive how Quintel was able to turn everyday experiences with friends into something entertaining and truly creative. The fact that he was able to make a record number of episodes, all different and engaging enough to merit the attention of a large audience, is true testament to his creative ability.
ReplyDeleteThe way Quintel has built a cohesive world through such short, irreverent episodes always tickled me. The culture of his creative universe permeates his characters experiance. that consistant aproach to story telling alowed Regular Show to tackle outrageous plots without ever losing the audience. It reminds me of Seinfeld in the way each crisis seems to be self inflicted and the characters flaws inveriably make things worse before they get better.
ReplyDeleteThe Regular Show is a breath of fresh air in kids shows. When the scene is over-saturated with cheesy live action shows, the Regular Show puts forth amusing and zany scenarios to watch the main cast go through. For me, the best part of the show was Muscle Man's "My Mom" jokes. The fact he threw away his job to say one of his jokes is priceless. Here is a link for a compilation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhtbLa6Y3j0 You're Welcome
ReplyDeleteI personally have never watched this show, but I found it so interesting how this show has become relatable to so many people when, as you said, it at first glance just appears to be a cartoon with random characters. In a way, it reminded me of something that Stan Lee ( :( ) said about Spiderman: that his mask and character are so important because it could be anyone with any identity behind that mask, so every kid can be the hero. Having these characters be random cartoon figures, I think the same effect is created.
ReplyDeleteI love the regular show. I used to watch it all the time and I always found it so oddly relatable. My family would always think im crazy, so im happy that I now have proof of my sanity! It was a great read, and very refreshing.
ReplyDelete