One day, I called my friend David Coleman, the owner of The Nerd Machine, a “Redneck Ninja” because he was raised rurally, and great at his craft. This idea stuck: Being redneck didn’t mean “stupid” and being ninja meant “really awesome at the things you love.”

I moved to Los Angeles, CA to further my career as a storyteller. I started attending the San Diego Comic-Con, meeting pencilers, inkers, and other storytellers like Doug Warr, Aaron Mason, and Neil D’Monte. I spent many Friday nights with them watching films, playing video games, and reading the entertainment trades. We all possessed a passion for entertainment and story telling. We were really focused on planting seeds of creativity.

I grew up in the rural south, raising chickens, gardening, and working with my hands. But I daydreamed of things different than what I saw day-to-day. Stories had become my garden.

Anyway, I started to coin the phrase “Redneck Ninjas” around David, Doug, Aaron, and Neil. It always scored a laugh. However, the full concept didn’t come until June 2006, when I took a much-needed road trip to the Grand Canyon.

When I got to the Canyon, I was inspired. At that moment, my dreams could either fall, or fly. So try. Redneck Ninjas became an animated concept in my head. I set about researching the name, getting the trademark, and designing it.

John Shaffner, 2 X CEO and Chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and his partner Joe Stewart, they're Emmy award winning set designers, whom I’d befriended while living in Los Angeles. As well, Joyce Martin Hampton, a family friend in Blythewood, SC; they supported and nurtured my talents. They are my extended family. They loved the idea of Redneck Ninjas.

I found artist, Jasen Strong, and through collaboration we nailed the visual tone of Redneck Ninjas. Without him, the idea would frankly suck. No one else could create such colorful, expressive characters from descriptions on page. We really found a great way to work together.

Brad Graeber, Bruce Tinnin, Rachel Citron, and everyone at Powerhouse Animation in Austin, TX. They brought their multiple production skills to the table and have assisted in developing Redneck Ninjas.

Redneck Ninjas is about the loud, proud, country to-the-core Knech family. As the world passes by with adventure, urbanized-outsiders, and pink flamingo lawn ornaments, these country-fried, kung fu warriors under Granny’s tutelage, serve as the resident heroes in the town of Folksville.

“Where do I see Redneck Ninjas going?” It’s a 22-min animated action/comedy series for TWEENS 9-14 and ADULTS 18-34. The Redneck Ninjas brand is globally exportable across multiple retail platforms including but not limited to TV, DVD, Interactive Gaming, retail, and toys. The world is so fun, full, and zany. You’ll be laughing, fighting for, and loving these characters.