BEHIND THE STORY...
Monsters and kids just seem to go together. Universal was approached about an animated version of THE MUNSTERS. But the studio had just begun production on a new syndicated version – THE MUNSTERS TODAY (1988). Then came the idea of making the monsters into children. But I had seen that done before. I wanted to give the series a different spin and look. Inspired by such films as Steve Martin’s DEAD MEN DON’T WEAR PLAID and Woody Allen’s ZELIG. (Both groundbreaking films (years ahead of FOREST GUMP) mixed new footage with old footage to achieve a look of history.) I thought about mixing classic horror film footage with animated versions of the monster’s children. When it was discussed with the networks, they also liked the idea of using the “real” monsters.
The first proposal hit a snag. Universal, was still concerned about doing anything with their characters that might confuse the public with THE MUNSTERS TODAY. However, most of the classic monsters had appeared in other films. I just needed to find other film versions for use as live action. (The Creature from the Black Lagoon was purely Universal, so he was dropped from the second proposal.) I went back and re-did the proposal removing all mention of Universal.
Without the hook of the classic Universal footage, the networks were not interested in the project. Universal’s THE MUNSTERS TODAY, based on an idea that the original family had drunk some of Grandpa’s potion and slept for 20 years ran for three years. The series got a cold reception, never achieved any cult status and is mostly forgotten. (Though those who remember it think the ludicrous title song may live on forever.)
And now my pitch...
Pitch by John Cawley - Dated September 22, 1989
THE LITTLE CREEPS
Classic Monster Mayhem
An Animated Series Proposal by John Cawley
Universal's classic movie monsters are given new life via the animated series THE LITTLE CREEPS. The series features live action footage of the famous monsters, from their classic films, mixed with classic animation.
THE LITTLE CREEPS are the animated youngsters of the kings of horror. Their fathers, once greatly feared as the masters of the macabre, are more like social outcasts. The Little Creeps face a world that finds them strange and "creepy."
However, being different doesn't bother the Creeps, in fact they often find it fun and useful. Individually or as a team, this group of kids is always ready for a challenge.
THE LITTLE CREEPS are just a group of fun-loving kids trying to be kids. Though they may look different, and get strange looks from their peers, this foursome still just want to be kids. They go to school (with "normal" kids), shop, play and generally learn about life. They have friends, fears and hopes for the future.
And of course, when all kids need some additional help or advice, they can always go to their parents. The only difference is that these kids' parents are the most famous monsters in the world. At times the animated Creeps appear in actual scenes (in black and white) from classic horror films talking to their parents. Whether the young werewolf wants to borrow some money, the young vampire has A question, or the mini-creature from the Black Lagoon needs support, there's always dad to give A knowing nod, or point the way.
THE LITTLE CREEPS brings new life and cartoon craziness to the world of horror greats.
Revised Pitch by John Cawley - Dated September 29, 1989
THE LITTLE CREEPS
Classic Monster Mayhem
An Animated Series Proposal by John Cawley
Classic movie monsters are given new life via the animated series THE LITTLE CREEPS. The series features live action footage of the famous monsters, from their classic films, mixed with classic animation.
THE LITTLE CREEPS are the animated youngsters of the kings of horror. Their fathers, once greatly feared as the masters of the macabre, are more like social outcasts. THE LITTLE CREEPS face a world that finds them strange and "creepy." The one exception is the little curly haired girl who for some reason has befriended these Little Creeps at the risk of being ostracized by the other kids at school.
Being different doesn't bother the Creeps, in fact they often find it fun and useful in navigating the difficult waters of childhood. Individually or as a team, this group of kids is always ready for a challenge.
THE LITTLE CREEPS are really just a group of fun-loving kids trying to be kids. Though they may look different, and get strange looks from their peers, our gang still just wants to be "normal" kids. They go to school (with "normal" kids), shop, play and generally learn about life. They have fears and hopes for the future.
And of course just like all kids, when they need some additional help or advice, they can always go to their parents. The only difference is that these kids' parents are the most famous monsters in the world. At these times the animated Little Creeps will appear in actual scenes (in black and white) from classic horror films talking to their famous parents. Whether the young werewolf wants to borrow some money, the young vampire has a question about sports, or young Frankenstein needs help with his science project, Dad's always there to give a knowing nod, or point the way.
THE LITTLE CREEPS brings new life and cartoon craziness to the world of horror greats.
text, image and format © John Cawley
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