Keitz & Herndon
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Founder | Rod Keitz, Larry Herndon |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas , United States |
| Products | Cartoons, commercials, educational shorts, promotional films |
Keitz and Herndon was a U.S.-based television production company launched in 1952, situated in Dallas, Texas' Oak Cliff district. Their expertise encompassed producing cartoons, commercials, educational shorts, and promotional films. Among their notable achievements was the creation of the "Frito Kid" character for Fritos as well as the animated series JOT.
History
Founded by Rod Keitz (1927–2016) and Larry Herndon (1926–2014) in Oak Cliff, the company later operated out of their Belmont Park location in Dallas. They developed advertising content for a range of clients both nationwide and within Texas, including campaigns for Lone Star Gas (1955), automotive dealerships, bus lines, oil firms (1956), and food manufacturers (1957). During this era, animator Donald E. Wills became part of their creative team.
An ex-employee of the firm notably captured footage of President John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit to Texas, during which the assassination occurred. In 2008, the Dallas Producers Association honored the partnership for its contributions.
Filmography
- State of Alabama (1965), a propaganda piece commissioned by the Alabama State Sovereignty Commission concerning the 1965 civil rights march in Alabama.
- Animated promotional shorts designed for theater concession advertisements for Dr Pepper.
- JOT, an animated television program sponsored by the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission, broadcast from 1965 to 1974 and again from 1980 to 1981.
- Advertising campaigns created for Burleson Honey.
- Commercial productions for Lone Star Brewing Company.
- Originators of "Frito Kid," the official mascot representing Fritos corn chips.
- Marketing materials developed for Quality Dairy Company.
- Atmosphere for Learning (1965), a production made for Austin College.