Joe Camp, a pioneering filmmaker who created a groundbreaking franchise with his “Benji” movies, which brought a lovable live-action dog to the masses and became a smash success, passed away on Friday at his home in Bell Buckle, Tenn. He was 84.
His son, the director Brandon Camp, announced the death in a statement. He mentioned that his father passed away “following a long illness” but did not provide further details.
Joe Camp’s interest in directing started at a young age of 8, but he faced years of rejections before finding success. He co-founded Mulberry Square Productions in Dallas with James Nicodemus in 1971, far from the traditional film industry hubs.
The concept for “Benji” came to Joe Camp while watching the animated Disney film “Lady and the Tramp” in the late 1960s. Inspired by his own dog’s expressions, he wondered if a movie could be made starring a real-life dog from the dog’s perspective.
Joe Camp created the script for “Benji” in one sitting, his first feature-length screenplay, and raised funds to shoot the film independently in 1973. Despite initial challenges, the movie was a massive success, grossing around $40 million and changing the landscape of successful filmmaking.
Joe Camp continued to make several “Benji” films, each with its own unique storyline. He insisted on creative control and no profanity in his films, staying true to his vision. His legacy with the “Benji” series remains iconic in the film industry.
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