Santa Clarita, California 1989
"So Mr. Hillenburg, you've decided to enroll in the CalArts Experimental Animation Program."
"Yes sir."
"Well I must say I am greatly impressed with your comic, The Intertidal Zone. What made you decide to pursue animation?"
"Well, at a very young age I've always had an interest in drawing. I tried publishing that comic strip back home but I kept getting turned down. I always wanted to try my hand at animation."
"Well, welcome aboard Stephen. You'll be studying under me."
"Thank you Mr..." *looks at name plate* "...Engel."
After graduating, and earning a Master of Fine Arts in experimental animation, Stephen's second self made animated film "Wormholes", which was kindly funded by CalArts, was screened at several animation festivals. Once, at the International Animation Festival in Ottawa 1992, "Wormholes" and another animated film named "My Dog Zero" was up for competition. Stephen met a young man at this festival, who could tell Stephen had a lot on his mind.
"Nervous?" The man asked.
"Yeah, but not about this. I have a lot of loans I need to pay off making these two animated films I produced. Starving artist is a hard gig." Stephen explained.
"Tell me about it." The man extended his hand. "Joe Murray, nice to meet you."
Stephen shook his hand. "Stephen Hillenburg."
"So you made this film here?" Joe asked pointing towards the screen.
"Yeah, it's my second film." Stephen said.
An idea popped into Joe's head.
"It seems you have a good sense of direction with animation, huh?" Joe asked.
"I guess you could say that." Stephen said.
"Listen, I have this animated series that may or may not get greenlit, but if it does, I'm looking for people to direct it. If you're interested let me know. The company pays good, and you'll have those loans out of your hair in no time." Joe said.
"What company?" Stephen asked.
"It's called Nickelodeon. The childrens television channel." Joe said.
After the festival, Stephen thought more about Joe's offer. This could be a new door opening for him.
Nickelodeon Studios, 1995
Stephen took Joe's offer and worked as Director and Executive Story Editor of the well known animated series "Rocko's Modern Life". During the fourth season, Stephen was promoted to Creative Director. He learned a great deal about animation during his time on this show. During production of Rocko, one of the head writers Martin Olson came to Stephen one day to have a life altering conversation.
"Hey Steve, what are you reading?" Martin asked.
"Oh this is just an old comic strip I drew back in the 80's." Stephen said.
Martin read through the book, and was blown away.
"Steve, this is really good."
"Thanks Marty." Stephen said.
"You should try to pick this up as a series." Martin suggested.
Stephen was a little surprised that he would suggest that.
"No way. I've seen the kind of trouble Joe goes through trying to run a show, I don't know if I could ever handle that. Besides, who would watch this?" Stephen asked.
"You never know Steve." Martin said.
He had a point. Showrunning was never anything Stephen considered, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized what an opportunity he had. For once he felt thankful for being so knowledgeable on something he almost gave up to pursue something else.