New Looney Tunes Project?

[rimshot630]

A while ago there was a post here about a new Looney Tunes project - for TV, I believe. Anything new to report about this?

[Brandon Panther]

It will be called "Bugs Bunny's Laugh Riot" (well, that's the current title, who knows if they'll change it), and the writers are Groundlings comedians.

Apparently, one of John K's former animators will be working on the show, and the only voice actor that I know of that is involved in the project is Billy West, reprising his role as Elmer Fudd (one could just assume that Alaskey, Bergen, Bennet and LaMarche will be involved too). I haven't heard any other details.

[quack-up]

[QUOTE=Brandon Panther;151309]and the writers are Groundlings comedians.QUOTE]

Do you think that's a good thing or not?

[wiley207]

the writers are Groundlings comedians.

I heard a rumor that many of the old Tiny Toons/Animaniacs writers are returning to WB (i.e. people like Tom Ruegger, Sherri Stoner, Paul Dini, etc.), presumably to work on this project. I HOPE SO! After all, THEY came from the Groundlings too

[Brandon Panther]

I heard a rumor that many of the old Tiny Toons/Animaniacs writers are returning to WB (i.e. people like Tom Ruegger, Sherri Stoner, Paul Dini, etc.), presumably to work on this project. I HOPE SO! After all, THEY came from the Groundlings too
I didn't know Paul Dini came from the Groundlings.

What worries me is the style of humor that the younger writers are going to be trying to add to the new Looney Tunes shorts. To me, a lot of the current Groundlings alumns have a lot of sick humor. That's no what we need for Looney Tunes. But if they use writers from Tiny Toons and Animaniacs, then I will have some faith that this series will be good.

Plus it's got to have some decent animation.

[nickramer]

I hope Earl gets to write some of the shorts.

[Daws Butler Jr.]

I hope Earl gets to write some of the shorts.

Me, too. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

By the way, June Foray is still doing Granny, but Witch Hazel has been made into a different ethnicity, so someone else is doing the voice.

Also, the "Laugh Riot" title is no more.

[wiley207]

Me, too. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

By the way, June Foray is still doing Granny, but Witch Hazel has been made into a different ethnicity, so someone else is doing the voice.

Also, the "Laugh Riot" title is no more.

Regarding Witch Hazel, WHAAAAT???!!!

And what's the new title?

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Also, the "Laugh Riot" title is no more.

Good, I thought that title was stupid.

[Glowworm]

Me, too. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

By the way, June Foray is still doing Granny, but Witch Hazel has been made into a different ethnicity, so someone else is doing the voice.

Also, the "Laugh Riot" title is no more.

WHAT DID THEY DO TO WITCH HAZEL?!

I'm sorry, but I doubt that that will be a good idea-I'm afraid to know what they did to one of my favorite minor Looney Tunes characters.

Dare I ask WHAT ethnicity?

[Brandon Panther]

Can June Foray no longer perform Witch hazel's voice and laugh? Is that why they're changing the character to accomodate a new voice actress?

[MF TOON]

without the directors that made these films unique and interesting, this is as useless as any current hollywood reprise. if the studio actually cared about the art of animation (ha!) and had any interest in revising theatrical short productions, they would be best to take a page from the creative talents that conceived these films by applying a hint of imagination and effort and actually coming up with something different. who really needs to see modern day bugs bunny pictures? theyve all been awful since the late 50s and even back then with original talent still leftover at the studio. there's a reason these old films were special - unfortunately, those days are long gone and anything to come forth in contemporary times could only ever be motivated by quick cash grab marketing or fanboy nostalgia and theres nothing worse than either. let them rest in peace, I say. the only way to revive these films is to put the originals back in circulation on television and home video.

[nickramer]

without the directors that made these films unique and interesting, this is as useless as any current hollywood reprise. if the studio actually cared about the art of animation (ha!) and had any interest in revising theatrical short productions, they would be best to take a page from the creative talents that conceived these films by applying a hint of imagination and effort and actually coming up with something different. who really needs to see modern day bugs bunny pictures? theyve all been awful since the late 50s and even back then with original talent still leftover at the studio. there's a reason these old films were special. unfortunately, those days are long gone and anything to come forth in contemporary times could only ever be motivated by quick cashgrab marketing or fanboy nostalgia and theres nothing worse than either. let them rest in peace, I say. the only way to revive these films is to put the originals back in circulation on television and home video.
I disagree. I can think of at least five good Bugs Bunny cartoons after the '50's. I also think if they found someone that understand how they worked, the product can be decent, but no one listens to me.

[kaseykockroach]

I disagree. I can think of at least five good Bugs Bunny cartoons after the '50's. I also think if they found someone that understand how they worked, the product can be decent, but no one listens to me.
Aw, quit acting like Loke Groundrunner! Sheesh! :shame:
(Though, I do agree: I like The Unmentionables, Horse Hare, Rabbit's Feat, From Hare to Heir and Transylvania 6500).

[nickramer]

Aw, quit acting like Loke Groundrunner! Sheesh! :shame:

Who? And I'd wish you respect others.

[MF TOON]

I'd rather see new hand drawn theatrical shorts produced on a proper budget with new character and scenarios than the same thing thats already been done to perfection over fifty years ago. Its not like anybody would be able to do them better, and if they even reached the level of a seven arts production it'd be something. Any new "Looney Tunes" are destined to fail because it's akin to that modern day color remake of Psycho. What's the point? I'd rather see them distribute the classic films to theaters.

[nickramer]

I'd rather see new hand drawn theatrical shorts produced on a proper budget with new character and scenarios than the same thing thats already been done to perfection over fifty years ago. Its not like anybody would be able to do them better, and if they even reached the level of a seven arts production it'd be something. Any new "Looney Tunes" are destined to fail because it's akin to that modern day color remake of Psycho. What's the point? I'd rather see them distribute the classic films to theaters.
You do know that a couple of members here happened to work on some of the newer Warners projects, right? I thought Earl did a good job writing "Litle Go Beep".

[Brandon Panther]

You do know that a couple of members here happened to work on some of the newer Warners projects, right? I thought Earl did a good job writing "Litle Go Beep".
And Spike Brandt did a great job directing it.

And for the record, "Wizzard of Ow" is okay IMO, it just has crap animation that drags it down.

[Glowworm]

Can June Foray no longer perform Witch hazel's voice and laugh? Is that why they're changing the character to accomodate a new voice actress?
Actually, I'm pretty certain that June can still do it. There was an episode of Duck Dodgers in which she voices Witch Hazel and she was still spot on.


BTW-Luke Groundrunner-"Thumb Wars"-is a spoof of Star Wars with thumbs-the Luke Skywalker like hero is named Luke Groundrunner-he complains a lot in the beginning about being on his aunt and uncle's stupid farm.

[LooneyFan]

It's funny--I think Witch Hazel is the only character I know that would actually approve of herself getting an ugly makeover by today's standards.

[Jack G.]

Unless you have some suits (who control the money)
that understood why those classic cartoons came to be, it's pretty much futile to try.

The only way I see that working is getting a suit who is a die-hard Warner cartoon fan
that is willing to look back at the way it was done in the Golden Age and trying to apply it to contemporary times.

Obviously, Termite Terrace was creator-driven (to use a modern term).
Also it was the talent that made the great cartoons.
If wasn't for them the cartoons and characters wouldn't have existed.
It took years for Leon to build that staff.
Most corporate thinkers what instant success and that's not conductive to building a great studio.

[nickramer]

I get the picture. Those suits are so closed minded that they don't care if an idea that's bad is approved. I just hope someday, someone in the main office would understand. Not very likely, but you never know.

[J. J. Hunsecker]

I wish they would stop with these new revivals, and just put the classic Looney Tunes back on TV.

Also, Witch Hazel, as far as I know, never had an ethnicity to begin with, unless there is a race of green skinned people I don't know about. So how could WB "change" Witch Hazel to a different ethnicity?

[Marty26]

But classic cartoons are not kewel among the kiddies. They're just old junk without any relevance to today's youth. :rolleyes:

I think I can just imagine how this will turn out:

One cartoon will portray Daffy Duck as a shameless Wii or X-Box 360 addict.

Another cartoon will feature Porky Pig developing internet paranoia.

Another cartoon will show Elmer Fudd hunting Bugs Bunny at a shopping mall (or would that be too 90's?).

And so on.

I hope this Looney Tunes project (if it pans out) proves me wrong, but if previous classic cartoon revivals (http://forums.goldenagecartoons.com/showthread.php?t=13687) are any indication, this will probably be little more than a detriment to our favorite cartoon characters in the same way Loonatics was a few years ago.

[Glowworm]

I wish they would stop with these new revivals, and just put the classic Looney Tunes back on TV.

Also, Witch Hazel, as far as I know, never had an ethnicity to begin with, unless there is a race of green skinned people I don't know about. So how could WB "change" Witch Hazel to a different ethnicity?

I keep thinking that they're gonna change her into some sort of Tia Dalma/gypsy woman.

[J. B. Warner]

Another cartoon will show Elmer Fudd hunting Bugs Bunny at a shopping mall (or would that be too 90's?).

Actually, in thinking about the possibility of producing new Looney Tunes for theaters, I actually came up with this very scenario. Bugs gets captured from his hole and placed in a pet store in the mall, where Elmer Fudd is the manager; Bugs escapes, Elmer chases, mall-themed gags ensue. I actually think it could work if it was done right.

I think it's a fallacy that the Looney Tunes characters can't function in a modern environment. It all depends on the execution.

[Marty26]

Actually, in thinking about the possibility of producing new Looney Tunes for theaters, I actually came up with this very scenario. Bugs gets captured from his hole and placed in a pet store in the mall, where Elmer Fudd is the manager; Bugs escapes, Elmer chases, mall-themed gags ensue. I actually think it could work if it was done right.

I think it's a fallacy that the Looney Tunes characters can't function in a modern environment. It all depends on the execution.

Yeah, that could work. It'd be about on par with the new LT shorts of the early-90's. Which, for the most part, were fairly decent. Actually, Invasion Of The Bunny Snatchers was a very funny cartoon IMO.

[Mac]

Glad it's not called "Laugh Riot" any more. Something that's funny shouldn't have to tell you it's funny. That makes it unfunny! I'm looking forward to knowing more about this and seeing it for myself. Can anyone give us any clues as to when we can expect this series to start or how far into production it is?

[Brandon Panther]

Bob Bergen wrote this on his Facebook page when I questioned him about the show:

(with tongue firmly in cheek) Wow, a new Looney Tunes series??!! Cool!!!!!! >;'-)

......all I can say is stay tooned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, if Bergen hasn't walked off the series, I guess it's safe to say these will be better than the Larry Doyle shorts.

[Richie]

But classic cartoons are not kewel among the kiddies. They're just old junk without any relevance to today's youth. :rolleyes:


Darn, I wish you guys could see Mexican people.
Every, and I mean EVERY mexican, regardless of age, knows about the LT, Disney classics, Hannah Barbera, Walter Lantz, Famous Studios, a bit of Fleischers, MGM...The list goes on and on.
We haven't been deprived from our dosis of classic cartoons here. And even then, it remains fresh on thousands of mexican hearts.

EDIT: God, an hour ago a friend of mine uttered slang modeled after Andy Panda's name. He's 19.

[Thad]

... Andy Pansy? :andy:

[larriva9/11]

Actually, in thinking about the possibility of producing new Looney Tunes for theaters, I actually came up with this very scenario. Bugs gets captured from his hole and placed in a pet store in the mall, where Elmer Fudd is the manager; Bugs escapes, Elmer chases, mall-themed gags ensue. I actually think it could work if it was done right.

I think it's a fallacy that the Looney Tunes characters can't function in a modern environment. It all depends on the execution.


Better than this
http://forums.goldenagecartoons.com/showpost.php?p=120489&postcount=44

[Richie]

... Andy Pansy? :andy:

Sadly no. The term doesn't translate well in English. Recall Speedy's "Anda"? He changed it for "Andy" then added Pandy or it both to rhyme and order someone around
Was kind of the spur of the moment. Pretty funny.

[Daws Butler Jr.]

Actually, in thinking about the possibility of producing new Looney Tunes for theaters, I actually came up with this very scenario. Bugs gets captured from his hole and placed in a pet store in the mall, where Elmer Fudd is the manager; Bugs escapes, Elmer chases, mall-themed gags ensue. I actually think it could work if it was done right.

I think it's a fallacy that the Looney Tunes characters can't function in a modern environment. It all depends on the execution.

We've been doing it in the comic books for years.

[Jack G.]

Darn, I wish you guys could see Mexican people.
Every, and I mean EVERY mexican, regardless of age, knows about the LT, Disney classics, Hannah Barbera, Walter Lantz, Famous Studios, a bit of Fleischers, MGM...The list goes on and on.
We haven't been deprived from our dosis of classic cartoons here. And even then, it remains fresh on thousands of mexican hearts.Well when it comes to classic cartoons, it looks like Mexico is a better place to be than the U.S.

By the way, what do think of Speedy Gonzales?
Are they cool with him or offended like certain folks here in the states?

[Brandon Panther]

By the way, what do think of Speedy Gonzales?
Are they cool with him or offended like certain folks here in the states?
Back in 2002 or 2003, when WB and CN was doing that "research" to see if Speedy really was offensive towards Mexicans, and they "discovered" that they enjoy his cartoons and are not offended by it.

[Richie]

Well when it comes to classic cartoons, it looks like Mexico is a better place to be than the U.S.

By the way, what do think of Speedy Gonzales?
Are they cool with him or offended like certain folks here in the states?

As Brandon says, we mexicans are in no way offended about Speedy Gonzales. He's like our "compadre". I may not like some of his cartoons much, but that's because of repetitive storylines and executions, or because I feel Sylvester suffers too much. The character itself we like a lot.

And, truth to be told, before to enter the Internet and find out about CN banning some Speedy cartoons in the US, the idea of Speedy possibly being offensive had never crossed my mind, nor anyone had commented it to me. He's someone to laugh with...

[Jack G.]

Well, you know that U.S. culture is a bit uptight with it's Political Correctness.
I suppose :speedy: is a stereotype. But he doesn't seem to be a negative one.

But people love to be outraged and offended here in the states.
Just watch any of our political talk-shows from either side of the spectrum.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program. :)

[Matthew Hunter]

Back in 2002 or 2003, when WB and CN was doing that "research" to see if Speedy really was offensive towards Mexicans, and they "discovered" that they enjoy his cartoons and are not offended by it.

That whole ordeal started with an email I got from Cartoon Network back in the Toon Zone days. Back then, they had an email address for people like us who wanted to post their current schedules or receive press releases from them...and I asked them why, after acquiring the entire Warner cartoon catalogue, they didn't show a single Speedy Gonzales cartoon.

The reply was rude and uninformed, from a publicist who clearly hated her job and was stuck with the unfortunate task of promoting the Powerpuff Girls movie. She was a wealth of misinformation, so much so that I decided to start an online petition for CN to show the Speedy series again.

The petition caught the eye of somebody at LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and those guys signed and drew attention to the petition, which got it some news coverage. That lead to even more publicity because of the unbelievably snarky Ms. Goldberg's quotes in these news articles...one of my favorites was something like "Next thing I know somebody's going to petition for "Goober and the Ghost Chasers!"

The story also got mentioned on a few talk shows, our own Nelson was interviewed for a local news program, and the creators of the comic strip "Baldo", about a funny Mexican-American teenage boy and his family, did a week of strips weighing in on the subject.

Regardless, the petition got an overhwhelming response and thousands of signatures and comments about how ridiculous CN was for trying to hide a character who was such a positive stereotype rather than a negative one.

CN listened, and Speedy was returned to TV, as were, I believe, several of the "12 Missing Hares", the Bugs Bunnies that were deemed too "politically incorrect" for their otherwise complete June Bugs that year.

A small victory for us cartoon fans. Shame it would all be irrelevant less than 4 years later, when they stopped showing ANY Looney Tunes!:speedy:

[Bugsy-Kun]

Well, you know that U.S. culture is a bit uptight with it's Political Correctness.
I suppose :speedy: is a stereotype. But he doesn't seem to be a negative one.

When TVA showed their renewed Bugs Bunny et ses Amis compilations in 1989, the entire main character being not Bugs Bunny but Speedy Gonzlaes as well. I remember long before the Tweety or Taz craze, Speedy was a popular character at my time even if he's a ethnic reference. But that's not because it's a Mexican stereotype that you should pulled off. It showed how you're ignorant and plenty of prejudices like too much peoples are today. Now, they removed every Speedy cartoons for Quoi de neuf, Bugs when they showed only 3 shorts and now, no Speedy anymore. :shame:

But people love to be outraged and offended here in the states.
Just watch any of our political talk-shows from either side of the spectrum.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program. :)

At least in States, the justice system is 100% better than our own in Canada despite some speakers. The hoaxers don't bleed their middle of prison times, so they free them and this hoaxers continue to sneak innocent peoples with their hoaxs.

[larriva9/11]

Maybe the problem which leads to the overwrought political-correctness reflex is that (as so much of the nature of Obama opposition proves) the USA's a veritable powderkeg of hairtrigger bigots and idiots. Like, the anti-censor in me starts having second thoughts once I read a lot of the Youtube comments for Coal Black, Tokio Jokio, etc.

As the saying goes, a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged by reality. And if PCness is an inherently conservative reflex (no matter whether it's self-styled "conservatives" or "liberals" upholding it), no wonder.

[Brandon Panther]

Random mentioning about the new Looney Tunes show.

http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/at-warner-bros-animation.html

So, in other words, they did a 360 and didn't really make any progress in terms of character designs, and wasted everyone's time. Lovely.