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October 21, 2004
Warner Bros. Animation’s Short Film “Daffy Duck for President” To Be Released Election Day On Warner Home Video’s “Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two”
(October 21, 2004 – Sherman Oaks, CA) - In a stunning presidential bid, ruffling the feathers of rival camps, Looney Tunes star Daffy Duck has tossed his wing into the ring, announcing his highly anticipated candidacy for President of the United States. The announcement was made at a press conference held outside Daffy’s Warner Bros. Animation studio home, where the colorful candidate was surrounded in a show of solidarity by celebrity friends Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Sylvester and Tasmanian Devil. Scores of fervent fans amassed to rally Daffy on to victory, amid soaring approval ratings for the web-footed fowl who’s hot off the heels of a 2004 Emmy Award for his popular animated series “Duck Dodgers.” A plucky duck of the people, Daffy’s run at the White House has taken flight in recent weeks fueled by an all-character campaign of inclusion: left wing or right wing—he’s got both.
Daffy’s presidential bid coincides with the release of Warner Bros. Animation’s “Daffy Duck for President,” a four-minute animated, educational short film based on the late Looney Tunes legend Chuck Jones’ book of the same title published in 1997 (which was also Jones’ last book). Leaping onto the screen from the pages of Jones’ witty stylings, the film teaches about the lawmaking process and three branches of government, as illustrated by Daffy’s quacky quest: become President of the United States, then declare year-round Rabbit Season. On the highway to power, Daffy stumbles upon roadblocks at every turn and Bugs Bunny, armed with knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, gives him a few reality checks along the way.
“It’s an honor for all of us here at Warner Bros. Animation to have been able to bring this important part of Chuck Jones’ legacy to life through this short film,” said Sander Schwartz, President, Warner Bros. Animation. “In this, an election year, fans across the political spectrum and from both sides of the aisle are sure to love ‘Daffy Duck for President’—it’s pure Jones genius.”
“As we all know, Daffy’s view of politics (and of life) is dominated by his obsession for satisfying his own, short-sighted goals. His initial discovery of the American political system appears to be a dream of absolute power come true,” said Linda Jones, daughter of Chuck Jones. “My father wrote and prepared the storyboard for ‘Daffy Duck for President’ as a reminder that our system is designed to check and balance the greed and selfishness exemplified by our dear, frustrated friend, Daffy Duck. Warner Bros. Animation has come as close as is humanly possible to bringing his (Chuck’s, not Daffy’s) vision to life. Bravo!”
“Chuck didn't like to preach,” added Marian Jones, the widow of Chuck Jones. “He thought information could be better learned through stories— especially when told by Bugs and Daffy!”
“Daffy Duck for President” is featured on the upcoming DVD release “Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two,” available at retail on Election Day, November 2, from Warner Home Video.
“‘Daffy Duck for President’ represents the best of Chuck Jones' style, offering comedy mixed with an educational message to children and we are thrilled that this short is part of the classic ‘Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two,’ said Christine Martinez, WHV Vice President, Non-theatrical Franchise Marketing. “Whether it’s a generation that grew up with these beloved characters or youngsters who are seeing these cartoon shorts for the first time, we think everyone will welcome the opportunity to add ‘Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two’ to their video library.”
Starting today, the short film can also be viewed at online entertainment destination www.LooneyTunes.com, featuring Daffy’s presidential bid acceptance speech and campaign promises, as well as trivia, games, downloadable assets and the new hip-hop-pop flavored single, “Daffy Duck for President,” by up-and-coming teen recording artist Roam.
Chuck Jones’ career at Warner Bros. Animation spanned almost of the entire history of the studio and the history of animation itself. “Daffy Duck for President” was a project close to Chuck’s heart, a lighthearted look at the serious matter of the democratic process. “Daffy Duck for President” was Jones’ last published book before his death in 2002. The limited edition, taken from the original storyboard paintings created by Chuck Jones, is available at www.ChuckJones.com.
“Daffy Duck for President” is produced by multi-award-winning studio Warner Bros. Animation under the guidance of executive producers Sander Schwartz and John Schulman and producers Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone and Linda M. Steiner. The short film, based on Chuck Jones’ original storyboards, has been submitted for a 2005 Academy Award nomination.# # #