| Camp Lazlo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Created by | Joe Murray |
| Creative director | Mark O'Hare |
| Voices of | |
| Theme music composer |
|
| Opening theme | "Lazlo Was His Name-O"(parody of the children's song "Bingo") |
| Composer | Andy Paley |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes |
|
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Running time | 22 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Cartoon Network |
| Release | July 8, 2005 (2005-07-08) – March 27, 2008 (2008-03-27) |
Camp Lazlo is an Americananimated television series created byJoe Murray forCartoon Network.[2] The series follows Lazlo, ananthropomorphicspider monkey who goes to a camp called "Camp Kidney", aBoy Scout–likesummer camp in the Pimpleback Mountains. Lazlo resides in the "Jelly Bean" cabin with his fellow Bean Scouts; Raj, an Indian elephant, and Clam, a pygmy rhinoceros. Lazlo is often at odds with his pessimistic camp leader, Scoutmaster Lumpus the moose, but usually gets along well with the second-in-command, Slinkman the banana slug, and other campers. Camp Kidney sits just across the lake from Acorn Flats, which is home to the campsite of the all-female Squirrel Scouts (which function somewhat similarly to theGirl Scouts).[3]
Camp Lazlo was produced byCartoon Network Studios. Its style of humor is similar to theNickelodeon seriesRocko's Modern Life, which Murray also created and worked on, albeit more well-suited for a younger audience.[4] The series premiered on Cartoon Network on July 8, 2005, and ran for five seasons comprising 61 episodes and the hour-long television special,Where's Lazlo?. The final episode aired on March 27, 2008. During its run, the series won threePrimetime Emmy Awards and threePulcinella Awards, and was nominated for another Emmy and an Annie Award. Spin-off media include DVDs, restaurant promotions, a video game, and digital download releases.
The series is set in a universe inhabited solely by anthropomorphic animals of many species and focuses on a trio of campers attending a poorly runsummer camp known as Camp Kidney. The trio consists of Lazlo, the eccentric, optimistic spider monkey; Raj, the timid Indian elephant; and Clam, the quietalbino pygmy rhinoceros, and their multiple surreal misadventures.
Other characters include the selfish, ill-tempered moose Scoutmaster Lumpus and his mild-mannered assistant Slinkman thebanana slug, the boys' assortment of fellow campers including the disgruntled, surly platypus Edward, the two unintelligent, dirt-lovingdung beetles Chip and Skip, and the klutzy, accident-prone, geeky Guinea pig Samson. There's also a frenemy summer camp called Acorn Flats, which is attended solely by girls, primarily focusing on Lazlo, Raj, and Clam's respective female counterparts attending that camp; Patsy the adventurousmongoose who has a major crush on Lazlo, Gretchen the short-temperedalligator and Nina the bookish,sci-fi-lovinggiraffe, along with the object of Scoutmaster Lumpus's affections, Miss Doe (a femaledeer), the head of Acorn Flats.
Murray said that, as he did inRocko’s Modern Life, he matched the personalities of characters to various animals.[5]
Some episodes may involve the Bean Scouts' attempts at unveiling the truth behind camp legends or clowning around, infuriating their peers or placing themselves in a variety of odd situations commonly based around traditional or fictionalized, bizarre camp activities.
The setting of the show was designed to deliberately bring a nostalgic feeling of childhood summer camps and "evoke a comfortable place to visit". The colors instill thefeeling of summer camp, rather than basing color schemes on real-life colors; Murray and Sue Mondt, the art directors, chose the colors. InCamp Lazlo, the sky can be yellow, and trees are not always green and brown. For the architecture and objects, books with cabins, camps andNative American artifacts were consulted. Ultimately, Murray wanted to create a place where nature prevails, and the hustle and bustle of real-life is left behind, with no technology to distract from the impressions of camp life. He describes the camp as having a "retro" feel. Murray likes 1950s and early 1960s designs of objects like advertising art, lamps, and old vacation brochures, and he said that the "brushy quality that developed at that time" heavily influenced the setting.[5]
| Season | Segments | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | ||||
| Pilot | August 10, 2004 (2004-08-10) | ||||
| 1 | 26 | 13 | July 8, 2005 (2005-07-08) | September 16, 2005 (2005-09-16) | |
| 2 | 25 | 13 | October 1, 2005 (2005-10-01) | June 29, 2006 (2006-06-29) | |
| 3 | 25 | 13 | July 4, 2006 (2006-07-04) | February 23, 2007 (2007-02-23) | |
| Shorts | N/A | 14 | November 9, 2006 (2006-11-09) | January 7, 2008 (2008-01-07) | |
| 4 | 24 | 13 | February 18, 2007 (2007-02-18) | August 29, 2007 (2007-08-29) | |
| 5 | 17 | 9 | September 3, 2007 (2007-09-03) | March 27, 2008 (2008-03-27) | |
AfterRocko's Modern Life concluded production in 1996, series creatorJoe Murray kept a notebook of ideas for television shows and books. Murray attributes some of his most fond memories to days at summer camp; Murray said that he attended summer camp every summer for "4 or 5 years in a row" and that he "couldn't really get thescouting thing down". He also described cartoons with pastoral settings, such as theBugs Bunny cartoons of theLooney Tunes andMerrie Melodies series andYogi Bear, as having a "calming" effect due to the tree-filled backgrounds. At the time he believed that too many futuristic themes appeared in media and literature, so he wished to create a series that would "get back to nature". Murray was also inspired byJohn Candy’s own summer camp-themed cartoon seriesCamp Candy.[5]
Camp Lazlo originated from a camp-relatedchildren's book series concept by Murray that, according to him, "outgrew its medium". As Murray developed the concept, he felt that his "lunatic characters wanted to live" and decided that a simple story could not sufficiently house his characters. Murray desired to create a series about a group of children without "high tech stimulus" and "in nature".[6]
Linda Simensky, who had previously worked with Murray onRocko's Modern Life, had since moved to Cartoon Network and called Murray to solicit a new series. Development of the pitch began in mid-2003.[7] After an initial hesitation, Murray sent Simensky[8] the idea for a show with a working title of3 Beans. Simensky "thought it sounded too much like a salad", so Murray changed the name toCamp Lazlo. When approval was given, Murray decided to produce the show at Cartoon Network Studios and his studio Joe Murray Productions, and broughtMark O'Hare on as co-producer.[9]
According to Murray, the greenlight to produceLazlo had been initially given and later revoked, leaving Murray and Mark O'Hare "pissed" and "depressed". Murray believed that an executive was not "completely sold" by the series, and worked to have the series receive definite approval.[10] Production ofCamp Lazlo began in 2004 and ended in 2007;[6] November 2007 saw the beginning of the series' final production run.[11][12] The series would later have writers that would go on to create their own shows, such asThurop Van Orman, who later createdThe Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack in 2008, andJ. G. Quintel, who later createdRegular Show in 2010 andClose Enough in 2020.
Murray felt thatCamp Lazlo successfully appealed to younger children because his prior experiences with his own children helped him determine details that children found humorous. Murray said that he resisted the urge inside of him to micromanage the production and instead approved aspects and contributions related to the show. He said that he had "a lot of pre-production time" and therefore details became established before the show aired on television.[5] His main philosophies expressed in the show include the phrase "be who you are" and that one should question authority unless the issue is "a safety issue". Murray said that he avoids sending "messages" to children and that he hoped that his television show did not contain "too many messages".[5]
Murray asked many staff members who participated in creatingRocko's Modern Life to return and perform duties forCamp Lazlo, describing his main tactic to attract the crew as "coercion". Murray wanted theRocko's Modern Life crew as it "knows my sensibilities" and gained ten years of experience. Crew members ofRocko's Modern Life, such as Robert Scull or Peter Burns, have worked on this show.[5] WhileKaz was storyboard directing the first season in late 2004,[13] Murray hired among others, such as comedy writerMartin Olson, who had collaborated with Murray on some of the most successful stories forRocko's Modern Life.
Murray said that he likes storybook art and the works ofPablo Picasso andHenri Matisse; the styles influenced the visual style ofCamp Lazlo. He also describes "greatcomic book artists" as important to himself and Mark O'Hare.[5] The team created some backgrounds using "AcrylGouache", a mixture ofacrylic paint and gouache.[14]Rough Draft Studios,[15] a South Korean studio, produced theCamp Lazlo footage.[citation needed]
Murray askedTom Kenny, who had voicedHeffer onRocko's Modern Life, to voice characters because Murray felt that Kenny "adds writing to his roles" and "brings so much". Murray looked for "comedic timing" in his voice actors, and therefore he used many stand-up comics and sketch actors.[5]Carlos Alazraqui, who had previously voicedRocko andSpyro the Dragon (a role that would coincidentally be taken over by Kenny), voices Lazlo.Mr. Lawrence, who voicedFilburt, voices Edward and the Loons.
The opening theme song, "Lazlo Was His Name-O", was based on the children's folk song "Bingo". It was adapted by musician/songwriter and producerAndy Paley, with Joe Murray writing new lyrics. Paley also composed the music score for the show; his score features original camp songs, bluegrass and cowboy swing. Murray explained that the team often used "strange instruments" such as washboards, and themusical saw.[5] In addition to Paley's music score, the show also utilized many tracks from theAPM Music library.
Ray Richmond ofThe Hollywood Reporter posted his review of the series on July 7, 2005. Richmond said that his child enjoyed the show but did not ask to see it again. Richmond said that the show forms "plenty lively and a nice, safe way for a child viewer to spend a half-hour". Richmond said that the show has too much "self-consciously precious" humor; the reviewer said that the trait may not factor for children and described children as "demanding and non-discriminating at the same time".[citation needed]
Ginia Bellafante ofThe New York Times said that if she became "socio-analytical about the Lazlo enterprise", Camp Kidney appears to be a stand-in for "our culture of obsessive parenting".[16]
Kathie Huddleston, a reporter for theScience Fiction Weekly, created a favorable review ofCamp Lazlo.[17]
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reviewed the series and gave it an "A".[18]
Joly Herman ofCommon Sense Media posted a review of the show onGo.com. Herman describes the humor used in theCamp Lazlo as making it an "unpredictable show for younger viewers". Herman gave the show two stars out of five.[19]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour)[20] | Joe Murray,Brian A. Miller, Mark O'Hare, Jennifer Pelphrey, Shareena Carlson,Merriwether Williams,Steve Little,Kazimieras G. Prapuolenis,Mike Roth, Clay Morrow, Kent Osborne, Cosmo Segurson, Brian Sheesley,Lindsey Pollard, Jon Ho Kim, Dong-kun Won, Phil Cummings and Maureen Mlynarczyk for "Hello Dolly"/"Overcooked Beans" | Nominated |
| Pulcinella Awards | Best Animated Series for Children[21] | Joe Murray | Won | |
| Best Animated Series for All Ages[21] | Joe Murray | Won | ||
| Best Character (Lazlo)[21] | Joe Murray | Won | ||
| 2007 | Annie Awards | Best Production Design in an Animated Television Production[22] | Sue Mondt for "Hard Days Samson" | Nominated |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More) | Joe Murray,Brian A. Miller, Mark O'Hare, Jennifer Pelphrey, Janet Dimon, Brian Sheesley, Won Dong Kun, Merriwether Williams, Russell Calabrese, Phil Cummings, Lindsey Pollard and Swinton O. Scott III forWhere's Lazlo? | Won | |
| Outstanding Individual in Animation | Sue Mondt for "Squirrel Secrets" | Won | ||
| 2008 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Short-format Animated Programs[23] | Joe Murray,Brian A. Miller,Mark O'Hare, Jennifer Pelphrey, Janet Dimon,Brian Sheesley, Won Dong Kun, animation director; John Infantino and Piero Piluso,Merriwether Williams,Kazimieras G. Prapuolenis andSteve Little and Doug Gallery for "Lazlo's First Crush" | Won |
Camp Lazlo was released in HD remasters partially on Boomerang's streaming service in 2018, completing the HD release of the show in its entirety in June 2019. The complete series was also released onHBO Max in Latin America.
Prior toCamp Lazlo's premiere on Cartoon Network, a Press Kit for the show was given away as a promotional item, containing fact sheets on the show and a DVD with four episodes (2 half-hour episodes): "Gone Fishin' (Sort of) / Beans Are from Mars" and "Parasitic Pal / It's No Picnic". This release is sincediscontinued and is only available through a second-hand market.[citation needed]
On July 18, 2007,Madman Entertainment of Australia released a set of two DVDs encoded forRegion 4 of season one episodes. No further information is available about a Region 1 release or additional seasons since then.[citation needed]
Two episodes have also appeared on Cartoon Network-themed DVDs. "Hello Dolly" appeared on theCartoon Network Fridays – Volume 1 DVD, released on September 19, 2006. "Snow Beans", a winter-themed episode of the show, was released on theCartoon Network Christmas: Volume Three DVD on October 3, 2006.[24]
The special "Where's Lazlo," received a "For Your Consideration" release for its Emmy nomination containing a glowstick and a DVD containing the episode. This DVD is rare as it was only available for Emmy members, and is also only available at a second-hand market.
A video game for theNintendoGame Boy Advance calledCamp Lazlo: Leaky Lake Games was released on November 6, 2006, as a tie-in to the show. The game is published byCrave Entertainment and developed by Collision Studios. The player plays as the three main characters (Lazlo, Clam and Raj) to compete in a series of game challenges and earn merit badges in the Leaky Lake Games event. That will allow them to compete against the Squirrel Scouts in a final tournament. In the game, the player meets characters, such as Scoutmaster Lumpus, Mr. Slinkman, Edward, and others to receive hints and directions in achieving goals and completing timed mini-games.
Jack DeVries ofIGN rated the game a 4.0 out of 10, criticizing the mini-games for not explaining their objectives and calling its gameplay "boring" and its audio "some of the most horrendous music ever heard on the GBA."[25]
Camp Lazlo characters appeared in a 2007 commercial for the internationalfast food restaurant chainMcDonald's, which advertised variousCartoon Network characters being included asaction figure toys inHappy Meals, including those fromCamp Lazlo. Murray did not want the series to be used in Happy Meals; the only action he could take was refusing to appear in the television commercials. Murray stated on his website that he will not explain his opposition to Happy Meals due to his respect for the effort placed by Cartoon Network "marketing people". Murray stated that his opinions are his alone and do not reflect the opinions of Cartoon Network. He said that he appreciates Cartoon Network's "campaign for healthier eating habits for kids". "C" Raggio, a character designer, appeared in the commercials instead.[26][27]
On November 14, 2007, Cartoon Network Enterprises announced a deal with KellyToyUSA to create toys based on the series that would be distributed to amusement parks in North America beginning in 2008.[28]
Lazlo, Clam and Raj made cameo appearances during the end credits of theCodename: Kids Next Door andThe Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy crossover episode "The Grim Adventures of the KND", mixed with the characters ofEvil Con Carne. Lazlo made a cameo in theMAD episode "Taking Nemo / Once Upon a Toon", as one of the cartoon characters who forgotten their identity. Lumpus and Edward briefly appeared in theVillainous episode "The Lost Cases of Elmore". Lazlo made a cameo in theOK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes episode "Crossover Nexus", as one of the cartoon characters who was turned into stones by Strike.
Lazlo and Raj both appeared in theJellystone special, Crisis of the Infinite Mirths.[29]
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