While there isn’t just one way to create a film, reflecting on our journey to make Not Just A Goof feels essential. This documentary tells the story behind the beloved A Goofy Movie and celebrates the passionate fan community surrounding it.
When we began, our vision was much different. We originally intended to explore the fandom, sharing the love for a film that resonated with us and many others. To kick things off, we created a pitch for the film’s director, Kevin Lima. We thought if we could get him on board, the rest would follow.
At first, Kevin responded with surprise, asking if we really wanted to dive into this project. We assured him we did, and his response stuck with us: "If you start it, you have to finish it." This wisdom guided us, knowing many creatives in Hollywood say a lot but rarely deliver.
That first interview with Kevin changed everything. He opened up like we never expected, sharing stories that had long been hidden. This vulnerable moment allowed us to see A Goofy Movie in a new light. It wasn’t just a beloved flick; it was a piece of art filled with heart and dedication. Our documentary transformed from exploring fandom to honoring the creators behind the film.
After Kevin’s interview, he revealed a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes footage from the movie’s production. His enthusiastic encouragement to create the best film possible fueled our mission.
However, as we all know, the journey had its bumps—especially during the pandemic, which made interviews much harder due to safety concerns. We also faced the challenge of bringing stories to life without footage. That’s when we turned to Venturia Animation Studios in Colombia. Their passion for storytelling aligned with ours, and together we crafted animated segments featuring unique characters inspired by A Goofy Movie. This collaboration added a delightful charm to our project.
In late 2022, we received a surprising boost of motivation. Donald Glover’s show Atlanta featured a whole episode honoring A Goofy Movie. This brought renewed energy to our work, highlighting the relevance of the story we were telling.
As we moved forward, our composer, Cameron Chambers, became integral to our film’s emotional landscape. The score wasn’t mere background music; it became part of the storytelling, reflecting the film’s soul. Cameron’s willingness to experiment made it feel just right.
In 2023, Kevin had us consider something we hadn’t thought of before: why not include our own stories in the documentary? Initially hesitant, we realized our experiences could connect with others. Sharing our vulnerabilities added depth and authenticity to the film.
In 2024, we faced a major shift. Our film reached Don Hahn, the legendary Disney producer behind iconic classics. His enthusiasm validated our efforts and connected us with Disney, a dream we hadn’t anticipated. The process was lengthy, requiring patience and navigating through legal challenges, including a steep fee for using a renowned song.
A recent survey by the National Association of Theatre Owners found that over 50% of audiences find documentaries more relatable when they include personal narratives from creators. This further reinforced our decision to share our journey.
Now, as we approach the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie in 2025, we’re proud of what we’ve created. The experience has taught us the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and staying true to our passion.
Not Just A Goof, directed by Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, is more than a documentary; it’s a love letter to a film that impacted our lives and the lives of many fans.
The film is set to release on April 7 on Disney+.
Source link
blackmagic design, blackmagic pyxis, cinema camera, nab 2025, blackmagic pyxis 12k