Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475854
D E PA R T M E N T 29 KEYFRAME Rick & Morty images courtesy of Adult Swim WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES RICK AND MORTY UNIQUE? I'd easily have to say Dan Harmon's Story Circle. [Harmon is the show's Co-creator.] Every single episode of the show is broken on [this narrative structure], providing for the richest, most dynamic possible stories. As a self-admitted story nerd, it's been an absolute pleasure to learn from the man himself. WHAT WAS THE BEST PART ABOUT WORKING ON THE NOMINATED EPISODE, AND WHY DO YOU THINK IT RESONATED WITH VIEWERS? Mr. Nimbus–hands down! I think it resonated because Nimbus is a really funny, larger than life character, and it was relatable to see even Rick have a nemesis who's got his number. The story combo of their intense sit-down and Morty needing to fetch wine from a time-dilated world where he's made his own enemy really married together for a Rick and Morty I'm super proud of. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOMENT FROM RICK AND MORTY? Probably all of "Total Rickall." The concept of Smith family flashbacks spawning an infestation of hilarious one-off characters totally blew my mind as a fan and set the high bar that we aspire towards each and every episode. WHAT ANIMATED SHOWS INSPIRED YOUR CAREER? I've got two favorite shows as a kid that I can 100% credit for making me want to be a comedy writer, and that's the Golden Age of The Simpsons (seasons 1-9) and The Ren & Stimpy Show. The former hit the hat trick of top-notch story, characters, and jokes, while the latter delivered a manic tone and general insanity that I still can't get enough of. WHAT DO YOU THINK RICK AND MORTY'S LEGACY WILL BE? I think we'll be remembered for our ambition—trying to make the absolute biggest show possible within 22 minutes every week. Our crew works tirelessly to give us what feels like four movies in one each week, and I couldn't be prouder of the work they do knock- ing it out of the park on a daily basis. SCOTT MARDER SHOWRUNNER, WRITER, & PRODUCER Rick and Morty "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" Adult Swim FALL 2022 29