Ben Giroux and Arnie Patoja - BIG NATE on Paramount+ | S2 AW 55

Welcome to Alicyn’s Wonderland, where we explore the magical world of animation and video games. This week, I am joined not by one but a duo of amazingness: best friends and writing partners Ben Giroux and Arnie Pantoja! Ben and Arnie are best known for their work on the new comedy series, Big Nate on Paramount+.. The dynamic duo have also starred together in Henry Danger, The Adventures of Kid Danger. Apart from these shared projects, Ben has also worked in shows such as Bunsen Is a Beast and the viral hit Back to the 90s, while Arnie’s separate credits include JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders and Final Fantasy VII Remake. 

In this episode, I sit down together with Ben and Arnie to talk about their friendship, writing partnership, and work. Ben and Arnie take us back to how they first met and how their friendship and writing partnership grew over the years. They also share with us how their real-life relationship reflects in their work. The friends also tell us what it’s like to work with each other (it’s definitely something to aspire for!). Ben and Arnie’s story and dynamic offer an inspiring message that shows just how amazing it can be when your core beliefs align with your work! 

Timestamps:

[13:09] How Ben Giroux and Arnie Pantoja’s real-life relationship reflects in the show

[14:30] What Ben thinks makes Big Nate so special

[17:17] Ben and Arnie talk about what it’s like to work together

[18:24] How you know you’re in the right creative partnership, according to Ben

[20:40] Ben and Arnie talk about the impact of Big Nate to kids

[24:00] Amazing things happen when your work and core beliefs align

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