Jim Kammerud, a multifaceted American creative professional, has garnered widespread recognition for his impressive body of work with the esteemed Walt Disney Company. Born in the year 1960, Kammerud's artistic odyssey commenced in the mid-1980s, when he embarked on a academic journey at the prestigious Ohio State University.
Kammerud's tenure at the university was marked by a deliberate and intentional focus on refining his cartooning abilities, which he accomplished through a variety of means, including his stint as an editorial cartoonist and the creation of the comic strip "It's Working" for The Lantern, the esteemed student newspaper.
Kammerud and Smith, a dynamic duo, embarked on a creative venture by co-founding the Character Builders animation studio in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. Following their collegiate pursuits, this esteemed duo brought their talents together to form a studio that would become a hub for innovative animation projects. Under their guidance, Kammerud was involved in the development of several notable productions, including Rover Dangerfield, Bebe's Kids, and the beloved Space Jam.
Kammerud's professional relationship with Disney persisted, and he embarked on a new creative venture, overseeing the direction and character design for The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. Following this endeavor, he took the reins to direct and helm 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure, while also lending his expertise to the screenplay development of Tarzan II. Moreover, he assumed the role of producer for this film, showcasing his multifaceted skills. Notably, his most recent project, The Fox and the Hound 2, marked a departure from his previous collaborations with Brian Smith, as he took sole direction credit for this film.
Noteworthy in his multifaceted career, Kammerud made significant contributions to The Aristocats II, a direct-to-video sequel that unfortunately never saw the light of day due to Disney's strategic decision to scale back its production of such films.
However, Kammerud's creative endeavors did not cease there, as he also had the distinction of being featured in The Cartoonist, a documentary film that delves into the fascinating life and work of Jeff Smith, the renowned creator of the beloved Bone comic book series.