Marvel Productions

New World Animation Ltd., formerly known as Marvel Productions, was the television and film studio subsidiary of the Marvel Entertainment Group, based in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.[1] It later became a subsidiary of New World Entertainment and eventually of News Corporation (Fox Entertainment Group).

New World Animation Ltd.
FormerlyMarvel Productions Ltd. (1981–1993)
IndustryTelevision and movie studio
PredecessorDePatie–Freleng Enterprises
Founded1981 (1981)
Founder
Defunct1996 (1996)
FateDefunct; Marvel Animation team re-organized by Marvel Entertainment Group
SuccessorStudio:
Marvel Films Animation
Marvel Animation
Library:
BVS Entertainment
(Marvel and Fox Kids properties)
The Muppets Studio
The Jim Henson Company
(Henson's Assets)
Entertainment One
(Sunbow & Claster assets)
MGM Television
(Most of the DFE library)
HeadquartersHollywood, Los Angeles, California
Key people
Products
Parent

Marvel Productions produced animated television series, motion pictures, and television specials such as Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, The Incredible Hulk, My Little Pony: The Movie, The Transformers: The Movie, and G.I. Joe: The Movie as well as The Transformers and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero television series. Most of Marvel Productions/New World Animation's non-Hasbro-related back catalog (with the exception of Dungeons & Dragons) is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company.

History

DePatie–Freleng Enterprises (1963–1981)

The company began in 1963 as DFE Films, and was sold to Cadence Industries, Marvel Comics Group's owner, in 1981 after DFE founder and company executive Friz Freleng departed the company to return to his former job at Warner Bros. Cartoons.[2][3] Freleng's business partner and DFE co-founder David H. DePatie continued to work for the company under the Marvel banner for several years until his retirement.[4]

Marvel Productions (1981–1993)
Logo for Marvel Productions, New World's former name.

Marvel Productions opened its Los Angeles studio in 1981.[3] In 1984, Margaret Loesch joined Marvel Productions as president and chief executive officer.[5] Marvel Comics Group, owned by Cadence Industries Corporation since 1968, was sold to New World Pictures in 1986 along with Marvel Productions and incorporated as Marvel Entertainment Group (MEG).[6]

With New World having cash flow problems, MEG was sold in January 1989 to Andrews Group, a MacAndrews and Forbes subsidiary, owned by Ronald Perelman. However, New World kept Marvel Productions and merged it with its own television business.[6] MP moved their offices from Van Nuys to West Los Angeles in May 1989.[1]

New World's problems continued, which led them to also be acquired by the Andrews Group within the year.[7] Loesch left for Fox Kids in 1990.[8] In December 1992, New World formed New World Family Filmworks and New World Action Animation, headed by Marvel Productions president Rick Ungar, to produce $20 million worth of family entertainment programming.[9][10]

New World Animation (1993–1996)

Marvel Productions was renamed New World Animation in November 1993.[11] In 1994, Marvel and New World started up Marvel Films including Marvel Films Animation.[6][12][13][14] New World Animation (The Incredible Hulk), Saban Entertainment (X-Men), and Marvel Films Animation (Spider-Man), each produced a Marvel series for television.[15] Tom Tataranowicz was in charge of both Marvel Films Animation and New World Animation during this period.[16]

News Corporation subsidiary (1996)

News Corporation/Fox Entertainment Group acquired New World Entertainment, along with New World Animation and Marvel Films Animation for $2.5 billion in August 1996.[17] At the same time, Saban Entertainment secured the rights from Marvel Entertainment Group for Captain America, Daredevil, and Silver Surfer, and additional characters to be developed into four series and 52 episodes over the next seven years.[18]

Fox Children's Productions and Saban Entertainment merged to form Fox Kids Worldwide, a holding company and joint venture, in November 1996,[19] while Fox retained ownership of New World Animation.[20]

Postscript

Fox Family Worldwide and its assets, including the Marvel Productions library and Saban Entertainment, were purchased by The Walt Disney Company for $5.2 billion in July 2001,[21][22][23] with Saban Entertainment renamed to BVS Entertainment in October 2001.[24]

After getting its 2002 profit participation statements for the Marvel Productions library, Marvel Enterprises sued The Walt Disney Company over royalties in August 2004 after Disney would not open their books. This was followed by a November 2004 suit which claimed that the purchase of Fox Family did not transfer the shows' copyrights to Disney as the purchase was done without Marvel's approval. As part of both suits, Marvel claimed library income concealment and failure to exploit the characters.[21]

On August 31, 2009, Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion, reunifying the Marvel Productions library and Marvel Entertainment under the same corporate banner.[25][note 1] Disney then sold the Power Rangers franchise – which was included in the Fox Family acquisition and originally part of the BVS library – to Saban Brands in 2010;[27] that franchise, since 2018, is currently owned by Hasbro.[28][29] After Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox on March 20, 2019, the Marvel Productions and Fox Kids/Saban Entertainment libraries reunited with the New World Animation library.

nit acquired Warner Bros. Discovery

Filmography

Animated series
Show Year Network Notes
Spider-Man 1981 Syndication Marvel property[30]
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends 1981–1983 NBC[31]Marvel property, paired with The Incredible Hulk[30][32]
The Incredible Hulk 1982 NBC Marvel property, paired with Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends[30][32]
Meatballs & Spaghetti 1982 CBS co-production with InterMedia Entertainment Company, Pan Sang East Co. Ltd, and MGM/UA Television[33]
Pandamonium 1982 co-production with InterMedia Entertainment Company and MGM/UA Television
Dungeons & Dragons 1983–1985 co-production with TSR Entertainment/Dungeons and Dragons Entertainment Corp[34]
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 1983–1986 Syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name with Sunbow Productions[35]
Muppet Babies 1984–1991 CBS based on Jim Henson's Muppets[36]
The Transformers 1984–1987 Syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name with Sunbow Productions[35]
Little Muppet Monsters 1985 CBS based on Jim Henson's Muppets, co-produced with Henson Associates[35]
Super Sunday (aka Super Saturday) 1985 Syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name co-produced with Sunbow Productions[35]
Jem and the Holograms 1986 based on Hasbro toyline of same name co-produced with Sunbow Productions[38]
Inhumanoids 1986 based on Hasbro toyline of same name co-produced with Sunbow Productions[39]
My Little Pony 'n Friends 1986 Syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name, coproduced with Sunbow Productions;[35] first half of the show was My Little Pony while the second half was a wheel series[37]
Defenders of the Earth[40] 1986 Syndication co-production with King Features Syndicate[37]
Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series 1987 NBC based on Fraggle Rock[36]
Little Wizards 1987 ABC Marvel properties; co-production with New World International[37]
Little Clowns of Happytown[41] 1987 ABC co-production with Murakami-Wolf-Swenson[42]
Dino-Riders[40] 1988 Syndication co-produced by Tyco Toys; aired as part of the Marvel Action Universe block[37]
RoboCop 1988 Syndication co-production with Orion Pictures; aired as part of the Marvel Action Universe block[37]
Rude Dog and the Dweebs[37] 1989 CBS co-production with Just for Kids
X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men 1989 Syndication aired on the Marvel Action Universe block as a pilot for an X-Men series
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes 1990–1991 FOX co-production with Fox Children's Productions[37]
Kid 'n Play 1990–1991 NBC co-production with Saban Entertainment
Space Cats 1991–1992 NBC co-production with Paul Fusco Productions
Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars![40] 1991–1992 Syndication co-production with Abrams/Gentile Entertainment, Continuity Comics, IDDH, and Sunbow Productions
Little Shop 1991 Fox co-production with Saban Entertainment and Fox Children's Productions
Biker Mice from Mars[39] 1993 Syndication studio known as New World Animation onwards, released as Marvel Productions, distributed by New World (internationally), Genesis Entertainment (domestically),[9] co-production with Philippine Animation Studios.[43]
The Incredible Hulk 1996 UPN

TV specials
Airdate Title Network Notes
February 14, 1981 Pink at First Sight ABC production inherited from DePatie–Freleng Enterprises
May 20, 1982 The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat ABC production inherited from DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, co-production with Dr. Seuss
October 25, 1983 The Charmkins syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name
April 14, 1984 My Little Pony: Rescue at Midnight Castle syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name
September 12, 1984 The Secret World of the Very Young CBS co-production with Sunbow Productions
March 23, 1985 My Little Pony: Escape from Catrina syndication based on Hasbro toyline of same name
1987 Blondie and Dagwood CBS co-production with King Features Syndicate
1989 Blondie and Dagwood: Second Wedding Workout CBS co-production with King Features Syndicate
1993 The Magic Paintbrush CBS CBS prime time special sponsored by McDonald's[9]

Except for Fraggle Rock, the rights to series based on Jim Henson properties are now held by The Muppets Studio, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.[47]

All programs based on Hasbro properties were co-productions with Sunbow Productions. These programs are now owned by Entertainment One.

Theatrical and DTV films
Airdate Title studio Notes
June 20, 1986 My Little Pony: The Movie with Sunbow Productions[35] Theatrical
August 8, 1986 The Transformers: The Movie with Sunbow Productions[35] Theatrical
April 20, 1987 G.I. Joe: The Movie with Sunbow Productions[35] Direct-to-Video planned for theatrical release.
January 1993 Gahan Wilson's Diner Theatrical short[9]

Film titles

TV pilots
TitleOriginal broadcastNetwork
Solarman 1988 Syndication
X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men 1989

Executives
  • David H. DePatie – president and chief executive officer (1980–1984)[4]
  • Margaret Loesch – president and chief executive officer (1984–1990)[8]
  • Rick Ungar – president and chief executive officer (1991–August 1995)[48]
  • Lee Gunther – senior vice president, production (1986)[49]
  • Stan Lee – vice president, creative affairs (1986)[49]
  • Michael Wahl – vice president, business affairs (1986)[49]
  • Peter Knepper – vice president and chief financial officer (1986)[49]
  • Hank Sarovan – vice president (1986)[49]

Notes
  1. The only Marvel Productions programming related to Henson not owned by The Walt Disney Company is Fraggle Rock, which is owned by The Jim Henson Company,[26] and programming involving characters and trademarks owned by other companies, such as Hasbro and others.

References
  1. "Marvel Productions Plans Move to West Los Angeles". Los Angeles Times. May 2, 1989. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  2. Mangel, Andy (May 1991). "Reel Marvel". In Jim Salicrup (ed.). Marvel Age Issue 100. Marvel Comics. Retrieved October 25, 2011 – via AndyMangels.com.
  3. Gilroy, Dan (September 17, 1986). "Marvel Grows Into $100-Million Hulk". Variety. p. 92. Archived from the original (jpeg) on July 20, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  4. "DePatie, David H." ASIFA-Hollywood Cartoon Hall Of Fame. The International Animated Film Society: ASIFA-Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  5. Godfrey, Leigh (October 10, 2001). "Loesch Steps Down From Crown". Animation World Network. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  6. Hicks, Jonathan P. (November 8, 1988). "THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Marvel Comic Book Unit Being Sold for $82.5 Million". The New York Times. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  7. "History of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc". FundingUniverse. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  8. "Margaret Loesch Biography". Yahoo! Movies. Yahoo!. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  9. "New World forms two new kidvid banners". Variety. December 8, 1992. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  10. Times Staff (December 9, 1992). "New World Expands TV Program Activities". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  11. Freeman, Mike (November 1, 1993). "New world of animation: former Marvel Entertainment chief Rick Ungar will head new division concentrating on original animated series, including upcoming 'Stealth Warriors.'". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on June 29, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  12. "MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT AND AVI ARAD TO DEVELOP MEDIA PROJECTS" (Press release). Marvel Entertainment Group. PR Newswire. April 21, 1993. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  13. "John Semper on "Spider-Man": 10th Anniversary Interview". Marvel Animation Age. Toonzone. Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  14. Cawley, John. "Marvel Films Animation 1993–1997". Home of John Cawley. Cataroo. Archived from the original on May 22, 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  15. Goldman, Michael. "Stan Lee: Comic Guru". Animation World Magazine. Animation World Network. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  16. Materna, Marisa (February 24, 2005). "Gang of Seven Goes Employee-Owned Route". Animation World Network. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  17. "August Issue News Section – Time Warner-Turner Merger Approved and Fox to Take Over New World". Animation World Magazine. August 1996. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  18. "August Issue News Section – Marvel Super Heroics To Continue On Fox Kids Network". Animation World Magazine. August 1996. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  19. Hillier, Barry (November 1, 1996). "Fox Kids Worldwide is born". Kidscreen. Retrieved November 21, 2010.
  20. "10-K Annual Report for the Period Ending 06/30/14" (PDF). shareholder.com. 21st Century Fox. August 14, 2014. p. 181. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 26, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  21. "Disney Is Sued Over Copyrights". Los Angeles Times. Reuters. November 2, 2004. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  22. Hofmeister, Sallie (July 21, 2001). "Walt Disney to Acquire Fox Family". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  23. DiOrio, Carl (October 24, 2001). "Fox Family costs Mouse less cheese in final deal". Variety. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  24. "Company Overview of BVS Entertainment, Inc". Bloomberg Businessweek. Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  25. Wilkerson, David B. (August 31, 2009). "Disney to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4B". MarketWatch. Retrieved August 31, 2009.
  26. "Disney Newsroom". The Walt Disney Company. February 17, 2004. Archived from the original on 2004-12-07. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  27. Bond, Paul (August 10, 2010). "Disney's Q3 boosted by TV operations profit; Power Rangers sale added $43 million to coffers". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  28. "Hasbro to Acquire Saban Brands' Power Rangers and Other Entertainment Assets". BusinessWire (Press release). May 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  29. Gruenwedel, Erik (May 1, 2018). "Hasbro Acquires Saban's 'Power Rangers' for $522 Million". Media Play News. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  30. Fickett, Travis; Goldman, Eric; Iverson, Dan; Zoromski, Brian (May 3, 2007). "Spider-Man on TV". IGN. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  31. "Top 100 Animated Series. 59. Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends". IGN. Ziff Davis. p. 59. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  32. "The Incredible Hulk (1982)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  33. Leszczak, Bob (2016). Single Season Sitcoms of the 1980s: A Complete Guide. McFarland & Company. p. 99. ISBN 978-1-4766-2384-9. Retrieved October 24, 2017 – via Google Books.
  34. "Dungeons & Dragons". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  35. Gelman, Morrie (September 17, 1986). "Sunbow Takes To Marvel Like Duck To Water In Animation". Variety. p. 81. Archived from the original (jpeg) on February 14, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  36. Solomon, Charles (May 11, 1988). "Animation Industry Finding Cost Of Laughter Is In Serious Trouble". Orlando Sentinel. Entertainment News Service. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  37. Imbesi, Pete (May 5, 2017). "15 CLASSIC Cartoons Marvel SECRETLY Produced". Comic Book Rescoures. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
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  39. Webber, Tim (December 10, 2016). "15 Cartoon Superheroes Who Jumped To Comic Books". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
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  41. Yoshihara, Nancy (November 2, 1987). "'Little Clowns' Find Happytown Outside Japan : Korea, Brazil Among Countries Drawing Animation Work as Yen Grows Stronger". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  42. Lenburg, Jeff (2006). Who's who in Animated Cartoons: An International Guide to Film & Television's Award-winning and Legendary Animators. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 359. ISBN 978-1-55783-671-7. Retrieved February 15, 2018 – via Internet Archive. Little Clowns of Happytown 1987 ABC.
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  45. Carter, Robert L. (August 1, 1990). "Marvel Entertainment Group v. Young Astronaut Council". Leagle.com. Leagle, Inc. Retrieved August 7, 2016. Because of this, the show was postponed by CBS from the fall projected airing, although it was not cancelled. Eventually, YAC restrained the consultant and gave Marvel the freedom to go ahead with CBS' plans, and there was a meeting with CBS, Marvel and YAC in January, 1986, to discuss the show. The day after this meeting the space shuttle exploded and CBS notified the parties that the show was being cancelled.
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