We spoke to Bloofy and Pouchy: How ‘Inside Out 2’s’ breakout characters happened

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As a voice actor who grew up on the south side of Chicago, I can relate to Funches’ story of overcoming bullying and finding success in an unconventional way. His journey reminds me of my own experiences as a kid, where my unique voice set me apart from my peers and made me a target for bullies.

With an impressive domestic box office of $154.2 million, making it the largest opening for a film this year so far, Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has brought about a significant financial success. This triumph comes as a relief to the revered animation studio. However, even amidst this prosperity, Pixar didn’t foresee the massive laughter that filled crowded theaters upon the arrival of two new 2D characters.

Meet Bloofy and Pouchy.

In the hidden recesses of Riley’s mind lies “Bloofy’s House,” a preschool show where hand-drawn cartoon characters Bloofy and Pouchy shine. Though Riley, now a teenager in the sequel, keeps these cherished memories hidden from others, they continue to reside in a special part of her mind.

Ron Funches lends his comedic voice to Bloofy, a magenta canine with buck teeth and an unexpectedly sarcastic attitude. By contrast, James Austin Johnson brings Pouchy to life as a clever, sentient fanny pack. Equipped with a zipper for a mouth, Pouchy carries various useful items, including sticks of dynamite.

A toy duck? Duck tape? Pouchy contains multitudes in “Inside Out 2.”
(Disney / Pixar)

“Johnson remembers, during their Zoom conversation, how the Pixar team described the role they offered him as requiring some clarification. They told him, ‘This is a character with all the necessary tools to solve problems.’ Johnson replied, ‘I’m Dora’s backpack, I understand.'”

I was thrilled to join Pixar at the age of 41, having been drawn in by the opportunity to be a part of this esteemed animation studio. When I first saw an image of the character I would be voicing in February, I instantly connected with Bloofy’s wide-eyed expression and sweet demeanor. It was clear to me that his endearing nature aligned perfectly with my own sensibility and humor.

In the comfort of my own home, I’m greeted by an actor speaking directly to me through the screen. His Los Angeles residence serves as the backdrop, filled with several arcade machines nestled within a cozy space.

Funches expresses his sentiment by saying, “I continue to enjoy my games, including Pac-Man, just as a child would when they can finally afford their desired toys. It’s essential not to hurry growing up and letting go of sources of joy prematurely. It’s perfectly fine to cherish these things longer than others might think appropriate.”

Drawing inspiration from popular educational children’s shows like “Blue’s Clues” and “Dora the Explorer,” which engage viewers directly, Bloofy and Pouchy came to life during a creative brainstorming meeting facilitated by director Kelsey Mann.

Concept art for Bloofy by Ralph Eggleston.
(Disney / Pixar)

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: At Pixar, we typically go through numerous revisions. But let me confess something unusual – during our work on “Bloofy,” there was an exception. Bloofy showed up with his fanny pack and simply didn’t leave.

As a movie lover, I’ve always believed that Bloofy and Pouchy were meant to be brought to life in 2D animation to truly capture the essence of the classic shows they were inspired by. And you know what? The director took it upon himself to lend his voice to Bloofy during most of the production process.

As the film’s primary “drawover artist,” I found the show’s visual style to be uncomplicated and appealing to young audiences. Through my hand-drawn techniques, I brought the characters’ expressions to life in a way that adds depth and clarity to each scene.

He remembers suggesting, “Maybe Dora has far fewer lines. Could we simplify some details on Bloofy’s shoes or hat?” To incorporate 2D characters into Pixar’s 3D universe, artists constructed a digital flatboard within the 3D scene and superimposed their sketches onto it, bringing Bloofy and Pouchy to life. Thompson collaborated with the lighting team to employ shadows effectively, ensuring a smooth blend of the distinct techniques.

Johnson was thrilled to discover that Pouchy would be a character created through traditional animation methods. With a passion for animation beyond the average spectator, Johnson shared his background in the field. “During college, I worked on post-production for animation projects,” he explained. “Afterward, I had an internship at Mike Judge’s studio where we revitalized ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’.”

Concept art for Pouchy by Keiko Murayama.
(Disney / Pixar)

Based on my experience as a dedicated educator and avid reader, I believe that Pouchy’s voice came together swiftly, as Johnson recalls. With his knowledge that Riley had grown up watching “Bloofy’s House,” he chose to adopt a playful, clownish tone. This approach was likely inspired by his desire to connect with her on a nostalgic level and bring joy to her day. As someone who has spent years working with children and understanding the power of storytelling in shaping their imagination, I can appreciate this thoughtful and engaging approach.

“Johnson shares, ‘I’m a mom to a 2-year-old, and during bathtime, I experimented with various approaches to find what amused him.’ The voice we use for Pouchy was the one that elicited the most laughter from the director. Once we began receiving chuckles, we pursued it as much as possible.”

Instead of Johnson’s well-known method, the process varied greatly when he did his impressive imitation of Donald Trump.

As a movie critic reflecting on my experience portraying the Donald Trump character, I’d say this: “Creating my Trump impression didn’t happen overnight. It took years of observation and understanding. Impressions aren’t just about finding the right vocal tone or sound. They require tapping into the character’s mindset and uncovering the underlying jokes and stories that bring him to life.”

Johnson made sure not to influence Pouchy, a character of value with significant inputs, primarily through the use of explosives, with his personal views on Trump remaining hidden.

LeFauve admires the “SNL” rising star’s ability to create humorous voices, explaining, “It might seem simple to deliver a quirky vocal performance. However, it demands genuine acting skills to sustain the character, maintain its authenticity, and infuse it with silliness, joy, and intricacy – all while the voice actor masterfully brings those elements to life.”

Johnson was taken aback when the vast majority of those who contacted him to offer congratulations failed to identify his voice initially. With a chuckle, he mused, “As an actor, I aim to be recognized, but maybe I’ve excelled a bit too much in my craft as a voice actor for cartoons.”

The brief appearance of Bloofy on the screen leaves a deep impression, appealing to audiences of all ages. He manages to be soothing yet slightly rebellious at the same time.

As a cinephile, I’d rephrase that as: “Bloofy isn’t merely a cheerful character,” LeFauve explains from my perspective. “He’s intellectually sharp and articulate, yet he maintains his optimistic demeanor with that melodic voice of his.” Regarding “Bloofy’s House,” it’s plausible that Riley was still fond of it at the age of eleven when we are introduced to her in the initial film. The writer posits this theory, and I personally agree, adding that a particular imaginary friend might have disapproved.

“I would bet that Bing Bong was a little jealous of Bloofy,” LeFauve speculates.

Funches aimed to develop his vocal delivery, drawing inspiration from characters such as Barney the Purple Dinosaur and popular YouTube figure Ms. Rachel. With his young child being fond of the latter, he identified a key trait they shared: speaking in a respectful manner to children instead of talking down to them. This realization encouraged Funches to articulate distinctly, emphasizing each word for added emotional impact and a catchy rhythm.

Funches explains that when portraying Bloofy, he drew inspiration from his personal belief that the character’s sanity had deteriorated in the vault. He finds appeal in some of Bloofy’s more mature lines, such as his suggestion of a “quid pro quo” to facilitate his exit.

In my film critique, I’d describe him as an unusual canine hailing from the Windy City. We couldn’t help but remark on his Midwestern origins, with his cheerful greetings sounding something like, “Well, hello there! Fancy meeting you here!”

Over the past ten years, Funches has successfully built a career in voice acting, providing validation for him who, as a child growing up on Chicago’s south side, was often bullied due to his high-pitched voice. Currently, he contributes his time and efforts to School on Wheels, an initiative aimed at supporting children at risk, inspiring them to celebrate their unique traits that might otherwise set them apart.

Funches shares that his ex contacted him, mentioning she had seen their production with her child, and reported that all the young audience members were responding to Bloofy’s character during the performance. When I’m in the recording booth, I never know how things will turn out, but it brings me immense joy to see my work bringing happiness to people.

As a movie buff who’s thoroughly enjoyed “Inside Out,” I can’t help but feel elated by the tremendous response this film has received, especially towards the beloved characters of Bloofy and Pouchy. Funches, the voice actor behind these characters, shares my excitement and hopes that there’s more to come for them in future projects.

“Funches wonders aloud, with earnestness, why Bloofy can’t become a genuine production? We could create an entertaining program for children that includes some witty elements. There’s even Disney+ available for broadcasting. Why not use it?”

As a movie buff, I can only imagine the intrigue if there was a tool that could delve deeper into Pouchy’s hidden secrets. Maybe, just maybe, it would uncover what other surprises he’s been keeping from us. According to Johnson, Trump would certainly be eager to find out.

In my opinion, I found that film to be truly remarkable. (Using “I” and “my opinion” to make it first person) We haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, but based on what I’ve heard, it sounds like a fantastic movie.

“We’re deeply investigating Pouchy as he seems to be concealing much from us. Everyone at Disney has advised against probing deeper into his secrets, so we respect their advice and avoid intrusion.”

As a devoted moviegoer with years of experience in the film industry, I strongly believe that audiences hold significant power in shaping the cinematic landscape. They cast their votes through their box office dollars and word-of-mouth recommendations. If Disney takes notice, we’ll undoubtedly see more of Bloofy and Pouchy gracing our screens in the future. Their unique charm and engaging storylines resonated deeply with viewers, leaving us craving for more adventures. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the continued journey of these beloved characters.

“Doesn’t it get even funnier when Bloofy chats with his own reflection on the wall, while other emotions look on, wondering?” LeFauve ponders, stirring viewers’ curiosity.

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2024-07-18 18:45