top of page
Writer's pictureGary Miller

Celebrating 10 Years of Bob Mazooka: Fun Time Action Hour For Kids: The Lasting Impact of Arts Education with Joshua Malone

Ten years ago, a group of college students came together to create Bob Mazooka: Fun Time Action Hour For Kids, a quirky 45-minute film that captured the imagination of everyone involved. What began as a simple project soon grew into an unforgettable collaboration, a testament to the power of creativity nurtured through arts education. As we reflect on the film’s anniversary, it’s clear that the skills and experiences gained from working on this project continue to shape our lives today.

Arts education is often undervalued, yet it provides more than just technical skills. It fosters collaboration, pushes boundaries, and encourages self-expression—qualities that were at the heart of making Bob Mazooka. Our film wasn’t just a fun college project; it was an exercise in learning how to bring ideas to life, overcome challenges, and create something meaningful with a team.

As I sit down to interview the cast and crew, we’ll not only reminisce about the fun and chaos behind Bob Mazooka, but we’ll also explore how this project—and others like it—underscore the lasting importance of arts education. Without the opportunities and lessons we gained through those years, many of us wouldn’t be the artists or professionals we are today. Let’s dive into the stories, memories, and impact of this wild ride.


Joshua Malone acting in a film

Gary Miller: Who are you, and who was the character you played or the role you played behind the scenes?


Joshua Malone: I played one of the crime mimes!


Gary Miller: If Bob Mazooka had a sequel, where would your character be now?


Joshua Malone: Well, per the fake teaser trailer Bob Mazooka: Forever mAlone, I do believe I escaped death just barely and am on the hunt for Bob to enact revenge.


Gary Miller: Where are you now, and what’s next for you?


Joshua Malone: I'm currently working at Universal Orlando, doing a variety of different jobs—from taking care of dinosaurs, to murdering innocents (joking), to helping decorate for Christmas.


Joshua Malone pets a dinosaur at Universal Studios Orlando

Gary Miller: What’s one thing you wish people knew about Bob Mazooka?


Joshua Malone: The most fun was throwing the baby doll off the bridge. I'm sure we gave some people heart attacks, but for the shot…🤌 it was worth it.


Gary Miller: How did being part of Bob Mazooka impact your life or career?





Joshua Malone: It was fun. I often pull it up and show friends because it was, and still is, honestly one of the most fun times I’ve ever had filming a project. It was silly, we were coming up with new things on the fly, and having a good time with friends making…er, "art."


Gary Miller: How did you juggle filming Bob Mazooka with your college studies?


Joshua Malone: I mean, learning the filming process on the fly was an experience. For a lot of "Black Squirrel Productions" stuff, we were teaching ourselves and learning along the way—which leads to errors, issues, mistakes, reshoots, etc. Running before we could walk kinda stuff.


Gary Miller: Was there a moment when you thought, ‘This is too much’? How did you get through it?


Joshua Malone: We were filming this, several other projects, in the middle of classes and other shows—it was certainly a busy time. But for me, this project was just show up and act. Gary and several others had a much bigger workload than I did!


Gary Miller: Did making the film bring you closer to any of your classmates?


Joshua Malone: I loved hanging out with you and Bill—any chance to work with you guys on projects during this time, I jumped at it.


 If you're feeling nostalgic or curious, Bob Mazooka: Fun Time Action Hour for Kids is still out there for a watch. It’s a fun, chaotic ride that captures the essence of what arts education can foster—creativity, collaboration, and pure joy in making something with friends.

But beyond revisiting this film, remember that supporting arts in your local communities and schools is crucial. Whether it's volunteering, donating, or simply showing up to events, your involvement can help fuel the next generation of filmmakers, actors, and creators. Let's keep the arts alive, one project at a time!


Bob Mazooka toy advertisement done by Cam Best (2012)




1 view0 comments

コメント


bottom of page