Sometimes storms are meant to blow us off course
into new adventures.
I posted a note on my facebook page in response to so many people wishing for new episodes of Rocko. I mentioned that it will never happen with my involvement, but Nickelodeon does own it. They can do what they want. ( I don’t feel Rocko is too high on their list however.) I also mentioned that I’ve come to a place where I feel it’s time to step aside in creating anything new for TV and the internet. I’ve said a lot. I wrote a book and said “This is what I have learned in my time in television and the internet. I hope it helps you. ” I also attempted to start an internet animation channel that would help new creative’s share their animation ideas with the world. I feel it’s time to put it behind me now.
I’ve weathered many storms in the last two years, and at times they seem to be blowing my ship into new lands that I resist because I am not familiar. But I’ve decided to stop fighting the storms, and see what shores I land on.
I will always continue making my indie films, because I can’t help it. Animation and telling stories are what I do. I don’t know if they will be attractive to a Rocko or Lazlo fan. But I’m glad you have those episodes to watch and re-visit when you want to. ( I just found out that the original pilot I produced in my studio up north with a yellow Rocko was just approved by Nickelodeon to be included in the season two bonus features.!)
Thank you for the emails and posts about what an impact Rocko may have had on you. I am proud of all of the Rocko and Lazlo episodes. I feel for television animation, I’ve said all there is to say without it becoming filler to stick between commercials. The way budgets are these days, it’s getting harder and harder for it not to be.
I will continue to teach what I know on creating characters and story for animation if there are students willing to learn and I have the time and money to do so. Every class I offer could be the last one. I’m not trying to use that as a marketing ploy. It’s just the way it is.
At the risk of sounding over dramatic, I am so grateful for my life, and the gifts I’ve been given.
I think Rocko, Heffer, and Filbert predated the “kidult” generation. Many of us twenty-somethings are going through the same experiences where we try to live on our own, keep what few jobs are available to us, and take more pertinent roles in society while hanging onto out inner childs. This is why Rocko’s Modern Life resonates with so many people decades later.
I’m positive that your book and your web channel will bear fruit in ways we have yet to expect.
i was wondering are we gonna be able to see fish head when its done on kaboing or do we need to buy a dvd from your site
Hi Ian,
No, it won’t be on Kaboing. I’ll do the festival circuit with it, and offer it on DVD.
Do whatever you want to, Joe, we’ll be backing you all the way!
I read a short biography about you like 8 years ago, obviously I didnt know all that you went trough when I was watching rocko every day, but thank you, thanks for keep up, you inspired me a lot and I had many good moments thanks to rocko’s modern life.
Rocko reached this little town in northwest mexico where I live… I specially like Peaches XD (Duraznito in spanish)
I’m planning on buying the Rocko DVD’s because Netflix tampered around with almost all the episodes.
Also, what happened to Frog In A Suit? Not that I care I’m just curious.