About This Footage
This footage is a rare gem, unearthed from the depths of 1979's animated package shows. Specifically, it's a behind-the-scenes look at "The Thing" segment of "Fred and Barney Meet the Thing," a short-lived but fascinating series that combined the worlds of Hanna-Barbera's Flintstones franchise with Marvel Comics' iconic superhero.
At this point in their careers, R.E.M. was still an embryonic band, formed just the following year in 1980 by students Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Stipe, and Mike Mills at the University of Georgia. They would go on to become one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time, but in 1979, they were merely a fledgling project, still gestating in the minds of its founders.
Meanwhile, Ween was not yet on the horizon, with Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo forming the band in 1984. R. Kelly, on the other hand, had already begun to make waves in the music industry, although his future crimes would cast a dark shadow over his accomplishments. JPP, a Finnish fiddle group, was also still an emerging force, blending traditional and modern styles with their unique sound.
This particular clip is notable for its behind-the-scenes look at "The Thing" segment, which consisted of two 11-minute episodes featuring the adventures of Benjy Grimm, a scrawny teenager who transforms into the monstrous superhero by touching together magic rings. The footage shows the animators and voice actors hard at work, bringing this bizarre world to life.
What makes this clip significant is its rarity – it's one of the few surviving behind-the-scenes looks at Hanna-Barbera's animated package shows from the late 1970s. These shows were a staple of Saturday morning television, but their production process was often shrouded in mystery. This footage offers a glimpse into the creative decisions and technical challenges that went into producing these short-lived series.
Watching this clip will transport viewers back to a bygone era of animation, when Marvel Comics and Hanna-Barbera collaborated on some truly bizarre projects. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of two major entertainment franchises, and a testament to the creativity and experimentation that defined the late 1970s. As we gaze upon the rough-around-the-edges animation and the nascent talents of R.E.M., Ween, and other emerging artists, we're reminded of the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the cultural landscape.
The Thing's transformation sequence, where Benjy Grimm touches together the magic rings to unleash his superhero alter ego, is a masterclass in absurdity. It's a moment that will leave viewers chuckling at its sheer ridiculousness – and perhaps even inspire a new appreciation for the campy humor of 1970s animation.
As we delve into this clip, we're not just watching a behind-the-scenes look at an obscure animated series; we're experiencing a time capsule from the late 1970s, when the boundaries between comic books, television, and music were blurring. It's a reminder that even in the most unexpected places – like Hanna-Barbera's animated package shows – creativity and experimentation can flourish, giving birth to new ideas and styles that will shape the future of popular culture.
The final shot of this clip is of the animators working tirelessly to meet their deadline, surrounded by sketches, storyboards, and rough drafts. It's a poignant reminder that even in the most chaotic and creative environments, there are people working behind the scenes to bring our favorite stories to life.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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