If you watch Comedy Central then undoubtedly you’ve seen commercials for Ugly Americans, a new animated comedy about social worker Mark LIlly, who works to help monsters and mutant newcomers adapt to life in New York City. This offbeat comedy is the creation of New York-based artist Devin Clark and Executive Producer David Stern, with assistance from Augenblick Studios (responsible for the Cartoon Network’s delightfully deranged Super Jail). Clark and Stern recently spoke with me about the show, which makes its premiere on March 17 at 10:30 p.m. EST.
How did you two come up with the idea for Ugly Americans?
David Stern: Comedy Central’s Dan Powell approached me with a web series created by Devin Clark titled “5-On.” Basically, just man-on-the-street interviews with various creatures on various subjects. I thought it was hilarious and worked with Devin to develop it into the show.
Devin Clark: Living in New York for the last 10 years, I’ve gotten in the habit of drawing while waiting for the subway. A couple years ago I was taking these big sheets of paper, splitting them into 8 panels, and drawing 8 of the same type of creature all talking about a single topic. For instance I had things like 8 demons on talking about religion, 8 zombies on sex, and 8 robots on money. It was all weird creatures making little comments on these esoteric questions. Silly stuff. I’ve always liked the humor that can be derived from taking something horrific or absurd and normalizing it. It is most likely the product of watching so much British humor as a child. Those 8 panel comics became a key element in pitching 5-On to Comedy Central. 5-On was the seed that, with David’s help, grew into the world of Ugly Americans.
We here at Suvudu.com are big fans of monsters, robots and other assorted creepy-crawlers. Where do you get the ideas for all of the strange beings that inhabit the Ugly Americans universe? Any particular books, movies or games that have inspired you?
David: I’m a big fan of horror movies from the 70’s. The Omen, The Amityville Horror, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (remake), and The Exorcist. We try to pay homage to all of the classic horror characters along the way.
Devin: Obviously, we pull heavily from the classic Hammer Horror films and EC Comics. But, I look everywhere for inspiration. One of my favorite finds were these old woodblock prints from the Nuremberg Chronicles, an illustrated world history book from the 1500s. There are some truly bizarre depictions of what can only be described as mutated humans in there.
Were you always doodlers or creative people? What were you like as kids?
Devin: I’ve always loved to draw. As a kid, when I wasn’t stealing pocket watches or working in the coal mine, I could be found drawing.
David: I can’t draw a circle. That’s where Devin and [animation director] Aaron Augenblick come in, but I’ve been writing stories since I was 10 years-old.
Ugly Americans has a unique visual style. Can you tell me about some of the artists that have inspired you?
Devin: I’ve been reading comics since I was at least ten. You will still find me at the comic book store picking up books every Wednesday. So, comic art played a big part in the style of my drawing. But, it was always the less traditional, non-superhero books I dug the most. Tintin and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind were two of the series that I collected early on. So, Georges Rémi, and Hayao Miyazaki definitely influenced me. Stylistically, I’ve also always loved the work Alex Toth, Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, Moebius, Garry Panter, Robert Crumb, and Charles Burns to name a few.
This isn’t the first time you’ve done some work for television. What are some of your other projects that we might know?
David: I started on The Wonder Years, then I worked on The Simpsons for a few seasons. Also Monk, and a bunch of other projects that you’ve probably never heard of.
Devin: Prior to this show most of the work I’ve done for television is in branding. Or, what I call “everything you see between the show and the advertising”. I contributed heavily to the re-branding of Comedy Central while working for Interspectacular in 2004. Folks may have seen some of the animated logo stings I did for that network package.
What has it been like working with the folks at Comedy Central on Ugly Americans?
David: Comedy Central has been a true pleasure to work with. They’ve really supported this project so far.
Devin: Comedy Central has been extremely supportive throughout the entire process. Everyone from the head execs to the various promotional departments have contributed their hard work and excitement into building out this crazy world. Dan Powell was the executive in development to whom I initially pitched 5-On. His involvement was crucial to developing 5-On into Ugly Americans, and has championed the show every step of the way.
We’re seeing a real renaissance in animated programs for adults. Any thoughts on that?
David: Animation allows you to tell stories that would be too dangerous, threatening, and/or expensive if they were live action. Also, controlling the complete landscape as you can in animation allows you to really pack the jokes in. This makes for good re-runs.
Devin: With the expansion of the cable networks, programming has the diversity and flexibility to appeal directly to many different audiences. My generation grew up with The Simpsons. There is a growing audience out there that sees animated shows as more than just kids’ fare, and more networks who are willing to take a shot at creating cartoons for adults. I think it’s awesome, and I hope the trend continues.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Devin: I feel insanely lucky to have gotten a show on air. It has been a phenomenal experience. Plus, I’ve been fortunate to have some insanely talented people involved at every stage of production. Aaron Augenblick and his crew at Augenblick studios have done an amazing job at bringing this world to life. I also want to thank all our hilarious writers, amazing cast, Cuppa Coffee, Great City Productions, and everyone else who helped make Ugly Americans possible.
