5th Anniversary of The Great North!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today, we’re looking into the history and legacy of a beloved adult animated show, The Great North on it’s 5th Anniversary! I was even lucky enough to ask a couple of questions to the show’s former Art Director of 60 episodes; Derek Schroeder!

“The Great North” is an animated sitcom that premiered on Fox on January 3, 2021. Created by Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, and Minty Lewis, the series follows the Tobin family in the fictional town of Lone Moose, Alaska. The show has been praised for its unique setting, engaging characters, and heartfelt storytelling, blending humor and warmth in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The concept for “The Great North” emerged from the Molyneux sisters and Minty Lewis’s experiences working on “Bob’s Burgers”. They wanted to create a show that explored family dynamics and personal growth within a quirky, offbeat setting. Alaska, with its vast landscapes, extreme weather, and distinctive culture, offered the perfect backdrop. The creators conducted research trips to capture authentic aspects of Alaskan life, from small-town traditions to local wildlife, which informed both the storylines and the detailed background designs. Lone Moose was envisioned as a tight-knit community, allowing the characters’ relationships to be central to each episode while providing space for comedic absurdity.

Character development was a particularly important focus. Beef Tobin, the well-meaning but often clueless single father, was designed to embody both humor and warmth, giving the audience a relatable parental figure. The rest of the Tobin family, from Wolf the sarcastic teenage daughter to Ham the quirky youngest son, were crafted to reflect diverse personalities and family dynamics, drawing on anecdotes from the creators’ own lives and observations of real families. The voice cast was carefully selected to bring authenticity and nuance to these characters, ensuring that both humor and emotional depth came through.

Derek Schroeder, a lead background painter and art director, played a pivotal role in bringing the world of Lone Moose to life. His detailed work on the scenery; from snow-covered mountains to cozy cabin interiors; added texture and richness to the series’ visual storytelling. Schroeder’s prior experience with “Bob’s Burgers” allowed him to seamlessly translate the creators’ vision into vivid animation that enhanced both comedic timing and emotional resonance. The series’ success has been attributed not only to its writing but also to the careful attention paid to character, setting, and visual design, creating an immersive and charming animated world. Although the show was cancelled officially by Fox in October, it still remains an amazing series that people will enjoy for many years to come!

Fun Facts:

• The creators took inspiration from real small-town life in Alaska, including local festivals, winter activities, and wildlife encounters.

• “The Great North” features a diverse cast of characters, reflecting the creators’ commitment to inclusivity and family representation.

• Beef Tobin’s character was partially inspired by the creators’ observations of lovable, well-meaning fathers who sometimes struggle to keep up with their families.

• The show blends absurd humor with heartfelt family stories, a style the Molyneux sisters developed during their time on “Bob’s Burgers”.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: How does it feel to be a part of such a beloved show like “The Great North”?

Derek Schroeder: It has been such a joy and a truly rewarding experience. I really love the Tobin family and getting to help bring their world and stories to life. I’m proud of the hard work and care that goes into each episode, and it means so much to know it’s connecting with fans like you!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Derek Schroeder: Focus on progress, not perfection. Done is better than perfect, because you’ll learn more from finishing.

Check out his work: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0775466/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again Monday!

-Giancarlo