The Journey of Creating Not Just A Goof

Starting with a Passionate Fanbase

When we embarked on the pre-production of our documentary, Not Just A Goof, we had a different vision in mind. Our goal was to shine a light on the enthusiastic fandom of A Goofy Movie, a film that has gained a dedicated cult following over the years. As fans ourselves, we understood the cultural significance that this film holds for many.

Before diving into interviews, we felt it was essential to build a compelling pitch deck to engage the film’s original director, Kevin Lima. We believed that if we could win him over, he might connect us with others who worked on A Goofy Movie.

Connecting with Kevin Lima

Our first meeting with Kevin was quite a surprise. He asked, "Really? You want to make this movie?" To which we affirmed our commitment. Kevin, with his extensive Hollywood experience, cautioned us that, should we start the project, we must see it through to the end. He had seen many creative projects begin only to fizzle out. This advice motivated us and affirmed our commitment to the film.

An Unexpected Revelation

During our initial interview with Kevin, we encountered an unexpected twist. He disclosed invaluable stories that were previously unheard, revealing the emotional depth he had entwined in the film. This moment made us realize that we were not merely documenting fandom; we were creating something meaningful for the fans.

After our conversation, Kevin took us to his basement, which he fondly referred to as his "movie treasures" area. He shared personal behind-the-scenes footage that was a goldmine for us. His simple encouragement to "make the best film you can" became our guiding principle.

Navigating Challenges in Production

Our journey was not without obstacles, most notably the global pandemic that complicated interviews. Many potential interviewees were understandably cautious about meeting new people during such uncertain times.

Furthermore, while we had a wealth of interviews, the lack of footage for some stories proved challenging. To tackle this, we turned to Venturia Animation Studios in Colombia. We chose them for their storytelling passion and understanding of our vision.

Creative Animation Solutions

Juan Urbina, the CEO of Venturia, suggested a creative idea: using animated dog characters to pay homage to A Goofy Movie’s unique style. This approach not only added charm to the documentary but also aligned with our vision. Venturia contributed roughly 10 minutes of animation, trusting us to deliver on our commitment of sharing profits if the film did well, an agreement built on mutual faith.

A Cultural Resurgence

Late in 2022, we received a surprising boost when we learned about a Atlanta episode dedicated to a mockumentary on A Goofy Movie. This episode validated the cultural importance of our project and fueled our determination to carry on with production. We understood that we weren’t alone in celebrating the legacy of this beloved film.

Crafting a Memorable Score

Our collaboration with composer Cameron Chambers was vital to shaping the film’s emotional tone. We aimed for the music to be more than a backdrop; it had to be intertwined with the film’s essence. With inspiration from the rich orchestral scores of the ’90s, Cameron became an integral part of our storytelling process.

Sharing Personal Stories

As the production progressed into 2023, Kevin provided a surprising critique—he urged us to include our own stories in the film. At first, we were hesitant, feeling unqualified to share our experiences. However, we eventually realized that by being vulnerable, we could connect with others who might relate to our journeys.

In late 2024, our film reached a new milestone when we sent it to Don Hahn, a Disney Legend known for classics like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. His belief in our documentary was a turning point, leading to its eventual submission to Disney.

The Road to Disney+

Our experience taught us valuable lessons, particularly about the need for an attorney. The legal complexity of undertaking a documentary can be overwhelming. For instance, we discovered that the iconic song "When You Wish Upon a Star" is not owned by Disney, leading us to remove it from our film due to high licensing costs.

As 2025 approaches, we reflect on a journey that has taken several years, intertwined with challenges and triumphs. We are excited to honor A Goofy Movie, the film that has had a lasting impact on our lives. Our documentary, Not Just A Goof, directed by Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, is set to be released on April 7 on Disney+. This project has been a labor of love, showcasing how collaboration and passion can bring a dream to fruition.

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