Joe Camp, the filmmaker behind the beloved “Benji” movies, passed away at the age of 84 at his home in Bell Buckle, Tenn. Camp’s son, Brandon Camp, confirmed the news of his father’s death, stating that he had been battling a long illness.
Camp’s journey to becoming a filmmaker was not an easy one. Despite facing numerous rejections, he eventually co-founded his own production company, Mulberry Square Productions, in Dallas. It was there that he would create the iconic character of Benji, a lovable stray dog who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The idea for “Benji” came to Camp while watching the Disney film “Lady and the Tramp” with his first wife. Inspired by his own dog’s expressions, Camp envisioned a movie told from a dog’s perspective. With little experience, he wrote the script in one sitting and raised the funds to bring his vision to life.
“Benji” premiered in 1974 and became a massive success, grossing millions of dollars and spawning several sequels and a children’s show. Camp’s dedication to creative control and his refusal to include profanity in his films set him apart in the industry.
After the disappointment of “Benji: Off the Leash!” at the box office, Camp shifted his focus to horses and authored a memoir on his experiences as a horseman. However, it is his work on the “Benji” series that will be his lasting legacy.
Camp’s determination and passion for storytelling resonated with audiences of all ages, and his impact on the film industry will not be forgotten. As Camp once said, “If you try hard enough and you don’t give up, anyone can do it.” And that is the enduring message of the “Benji” movies.
