Mike Owens, co-creator of "Danger & Eggs," didn't think his series had a shot at winning a Daytime Emmy this past weekend, based solely on the fact that the Academy had him and his team seated in the balcony. But when the Amazon series was recognized for outstanding directing in an animated program Friday, the Minnesota-based animator was more than happy to make the long haul to the podium.
"The whole directing crew had to run all the way down the stairs, back through the lobby, down the aisle and up onto the stage in a surreal frenzy of joy, disbelief and pride!" Owens said in an e-mail Sunday evening, still basking in the attention over the high-profile cartoon conceived and largely produced in the Twin Cities.
"A victory for 'Danger & Eggs' is a victory for Minnesota," said episodic co-director Drew Schmidt. "An Emmy win not only represents the hard work and dedication of our crew, but also the capability of our state to produce art of a quality that can stand alongside the best in the world. We have a unique voice, and this Emmy win is the world saying that they're ready to listen."
The show, executive produced by Chris Hardwick and featuring the voice of "Saturday Night Live"'s Aidy Bryant, beat out "Disney Mickey Mouse," "Niko and the Sword of Light," "The Loud House" and "The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show."
Amazon has yet to announce if there will be a second season.
But Sarah Seember Huisken, another of the show's episodic directors, is hopeful.
"I had always believed that work in this industry was impossible in the Midwest. I'm happy to say I was wrong," she said. "There are so many talented, passionate people with amazing stories to tell and an enormous capacity to blow minds. We're proud to represent Minnesota and we can't wait to make more waves in this industry."
