The three people involved with the “MAX” series “Scavengers Reign” by the names Joe Bennett and Charles Huettner, co-creators of the new series, and James Merrill, co-executive producer and writer of the aforementioned series talked to fans via Reddit AMA about the choice of character names, talks of a possible artbook, the trippy influences that help shape the show into what it is, and the transition from animated short to legit series. On the choice of Character names such as Levi being Hebrew for union, Kamen which is the Japanese word for mask, or Hollow being an empty vessel literally and figuratively with Kamen, and if there are any similar intentions with Azi, Sam, and Ursula?Great observations about the character names! Ursula was named after a good friend’s daughter.Was it intentional that Hollow looks like Bobby Hill from King of the Hill? or just a happy accident?Happy accident!On the leap from short to series, and the rationale behind the change in character design?A couple of other influences were the film Koyaanisqatsi, the YouTube channel Primitive Technology, the films of Satoshi Kon, Katsuhiro Otomo, Terrence Malick, and the film Sorcerer by William Friedkin.On the the creative process behind your creature creations.It was a pretty long process over several years with many talented artists weighing in. From a writing perspective, if a creature needed to have functionality in the story we would write it in the script and have our wonderful concept designers take a crack at how that creature might look, move, and feel.On the mutually harmful symbiotic relationship between Kamen and his frog friend. Hollow was inspired by several things – most notably the zombie-ant fungus, Baloo from Jungle Book, and Vore.On whether or not the title has a deeper meaning? I think the title has multiple meanings, but we love the thematic irony that it implies.On the possibility of a Soundtrack and an Artbook. “On it!” Was the original “Scavengers” short always meant to be a pitch for an eventual show, or if not, when did you decide to pitch it as one, along with the transition from just drawing to full-on animating,It originally was not meant to be pitched as a show, but once it was completed, the world felt too rich not to explore as a potential series. As someone who’s looking at transitioning from just drawing to full-on animating, what would you consider to be the most important piece of advice to keep in mind? Timing is everything.How did you learn how to Animate? “Self-taught, baby!”And finally, any advice for entrepreneurs and creatives interested in finding their voice with storytelling? And any word on Season 2?Any shorts or projects you start, make sure you finish. If you have ideas, keep them to yourself until you’ve completed it. Don’t be discouraged by similar ideas and stories that come out while you’re working on your projects, keep your blinders on and follow through. Become obsessed with whatever you are making! As for Season 2, “Fingers Crossed”We’re signing off for the day. Thanks for all the questions. It was a joy chatting with you all!
