BEHIND THE STORY...
From its earliest days, animation satirized popular entertainment and entertainers. From classic stars appearing in actual cartoons to several animated series (such as THE FLINTSTONES) doing direct take-offs on (then) popular series. At first, there was discussion of trying an animated version of Saturday Night Live. This led to two ideas. One was trying to insert animated sequences into Saturday Night Live. (See Saturday Night Animated) The other was devoting a series to satires. Knowing the lead-time needed for animation was much longer than live action; I pitched the idea of a mini-series. It would feature a host who introduces satires of popular series and genres. One night, I sat down and put together a first take on a possible format and series for satire. (Note: some of the series being satirized are all but forgotten these days.)
Though it was discussed with a few network folks, we got a generally cool reception. Most were not interested in a prime time series not tied to a possible star (like Madonna). Also, the idea of an animated mini-series seemed to put the networks into a daze. Years later Fox and Film Roman did THE CRITIC, which utilized a host that showed animated satires of current movies and genres, while many kids shows (TINY TOONS, etc) delivered a variety of TV satires.
And now my pitch...
TV PREVUE
A Prime Time Animated Mini Series Proposal by John Cawley
TV PREVUE'S FALL SURVIVAL GUIDE
(A SATIRICAL LOOK AT TELEVISION PROGRAMMING)
AN ANIMATED MINI-SERIES FROM FILM ROMAN
TV PREVUE'S FALL SURVIVAL GUIDE is an irreverent look at the world of TV programming. Hosted by TV, himself, the series will examine the many genres of programs by showing clips and previews of various series based on some of TV's biggest titles and formats.
TV PREVUE is a noted television critic and couch potato who keeps all his eyes on the tube. His FALL SURVIVAL GUIDE is a look at some of the most famous current TV series as well as a sneak peek at what viewers can expect in the near future. As well as presenting the shows, TV takes time to give his always valid comments and asides.
THE MINI-SERIES would be divided up into looks at specific genres and formats. Possible topics covered could include...
ACTION/ADVENTURE SHOWS - From the big city paranoia to luxurious paradise, action and adventure can be found anywhere!
"MAGNUM P.U." - This famous skunk, Hawaii's best known "Private Undercover Cop," lives out back (where else) of a wealthy recluse's mansion. Criminals don't have a chance once he's gotten their scent... and vise-versa.
"LA JAW" - The best law firm in the swamps of Louisiana, headed by an alligator, always finds the most unusual cases... and even drinks a few of them.
"LURE OF DUTY" - Professional insects and worms in their battle to assist fisherman in obtaining the best catch possible.
"CAGEY AND LOCK-UP" - A pair of female dogs spend their time helping pets break out of the pound.
"SIMPLE & SIMON" - This team of coyotes, one from the city and one from the country, tangle with crime and their mother.
"JUMBO AND THE FATMAN" - An elephant and ...
"HUNTER" - Naa.... too obvious.
"O'HARA" - An Irish Setter uses his beguiling ways to assist the police dogs of a large airport.
"SUPER CARRIER" - A highly infected rat travels the country infecting all those he meets.
"UNDER 21 JUNK STREET" - About a group of teen-age junkyard dogs. (or) "21 JUMP BEAT" - Young kangaroo cops go undercover.
"PRIME STORY "- Bovine cops & robbers in Chicago.
COMEDY & MUSIC - Get ready to "Laff" when you see the most fun you can have in a half-hour.
"NEWSTART" - When the Newstarts, a bear pair, take over a country inn, the plot quickly shifts to a TV station.
"KATE'S ALLEY" - Two alley cats, Kate and Alice, try to raise their various litters with no help from the many fathers.
"DESIGNING WOMEN" - Aliens at work attempting to develop a mate for their newest life-form.
"POLLY" - Songbird of the west!
"GOLDEN GULLS" - Life with four elderly sea gulls in San Francisco.
"FAMILY FLIES" -
"ARF!" -
"THE COWSBY SHOW" -
"LOON FIGHTING" -
"30 SOMEWHERE" - A family of bats raising their family in a cave.
MURDER & MEDICINE - Dying and diseases! Cures and killers! Murders and miracles! All are found in these top series.
"MURDER SHE HONKED" - Famed naturalist, Jessica Feathers (a goose travels the world... always bringing murder and death. What is the strange curse that haunts her!
"BUCK TOOTH" - The famous beaver/tree surgeon who often finds himself out on the limâ with his family and co-workers at the dam.
"RATLOCK" - The vermin of the courts!
"ST. BERNARD" - The famed hospital of the Alps.
NEWS & SPORTS - The world as seen through the eyes of others... translated so that anyone can understand.
"60 MAMMALS" - Mike Walrus hosts this show which always looks for the most shocking behavior found in the animal kingdom.
"4800 HOURS" - A weekly look at how animals hibernate during the winter.
"BARBARA HALTERS" - A filly who interviews famous stock.
TV MOVIES/MINI-SERIES/SPECIALS - Something different in lieu of what you normally see, like repeats.
"DISEASE THEATRE" - A series of TV movies featuring the most heartbreaking medical crisis including "THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH" in which a promising racing career is scratched when a greyhound develops hot spots.
"SEE DICK, SEE JANE" - Watch in amazement as one of the longest running a most popular book series is adapted into a giant 2-episode mini-series.
"LIVE EVENTS" - You will be there live (unless you live west of the Potomac, when gophers finally discover "WHO "IS" In GRANT'S TOMB."
SOAPS - One of the most enduring genres of entertainment will often make a clean sweep of the ratings!
"KNUTS LANDING" - The continuing adventures of a Squirrel family and its battle to maintain a supply of food.
"BIRDIE AND THE BEAST" - A bird's fascination with the cat on the other side of the window.
"WHERE WOLF" - A lone wolf searches for his lost family.
"FLYWAY TO HEAVEN" -
text, image and format © John Cawley
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