Hollywood Dive-In Preview

The following appeared in the PR Newswire on July 15, 1996. 1996-07-15. The citation is HANNA-BARBERA AND CARTOON NETWORK TO DEBUT WORLD PREMIERE TOONS AT LOS ANGELES' DIVE-IN THEATER ON SATURDAY, JULY 20; KOST 103.5 and Continental Cablevision Bring All-New Cartoons to Local Kids in Unique Swimming Pool Theater. PR Newswire; State and Regional News; Hollywood.

Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. and Cartoon Network, the world's only all-animation channel, will host a DIVE-IN THEATER at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center on the UCLA Campus on Saturday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. DIVE-IN THEATER features hundreds of kids and adults watching brand new cartoons on a giant 15 x 20 foot screen while relaxing in floating inner tubes and pool side lounge chairs. Celebrity guests Love Hewitt and Lacey Chabert ("Party of Five"), Ashley Johnson ("Maybe This Time"), Cameron Finley ("Leave It To Beaver"), and others will also be in attendance.

Guests will have a first look at never-before-seen cartoons from Cartoon Network Studio's World Premiere Toons series, an initiative that is turning out the cartoon superstars of tomorrow as witnessed by its numerous honors and awards. In addition, DIVE-IN THEATER will feature a sneak preview trailer of "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest," the all- new animated series from Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. that will debut on August 26.

DIVE-IN THEATER (not to be confused with a drive-in theater), will see the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center transformed into a kaleidoscope of color for one night. Large dimensional props will decorate poolside, including giant cartoon figures. Visitors may either take their places in lounges and chairs that line the pool's deck or take advantage of the best seats in the house -- atop Cartoon Network inner tubes floating freely in the pool. Poolside festivities will include roaming costumed cartoon characters posing for free pictures, free food and premiums and a "Cartoon Network Wacky Wheel" that rewards winners with Cartoon Network merchandise and other prizes.

"With this promotion, we hope to make thousands of people aware of Cartoon Network's original programming in a truly unconventional way that compliments our television voice," says Craig McAnsh, senior vice president of marketing for Cartoon Network.

Tickets to DIVE-IN THEATER will be distributed by radio station KOST-FM, co-sponsors of the event along with Continental Cablevision. Other cities on Cartoon Network's itinerary include Dallas, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Miami, and Atlanta.

The first annual DIVE-IN THEATER featured "Dexter's Laboratory," a cartoon that went on to receive a 1995 Emmy nomination and a 1995 Annie Award before becoming the first breakout star of the World Premiere Toons initiative by being expanded into a half-hour series currently airing on Cartoon Network, TBS and TNT. World Premiere Toons received additional recognition when "Courage the Cowardly Dog" in "The Chicken From Outer Space" was nominated for a 1996 Academy Award(R)in the category of best achievement in animated short films.

Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, basic cable service offering the best in animated entertainment from the world's largest cartoon library and unique original ventures such as "Dexter's Laboratory," "Space Ghost Coast to Coast," "World Premiere Toons" and "Big Bag." Since its U.S. launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of basic cable's highest-rated networks.

Hanna-Barbera, Inc. is comprised of two production entities, Hanna- Barbera Cartoons, Inc. and Cartoon Network Studios. Hanna-Barbera Cartoons produces cartoons related to the classic library. Cartoon Network Studios is a division dedicated to the creation of new cartoon stars of the future. Since being founded in 1957, Hanna-Barbera has remained committed to the cultivation of new talent and innovative production of new product. Possessing the world's largest cartoon library, Hanna-Barbera has produced more than 3,000 animated half-hour television shows, creating such classic characters as "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," "Yogi Bear," "Huckleberry Hound" and "Jonny Quest." Hanna-Barbera, Inc. was acquired in 1991 by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

CONTACT: Richard Lewis or Marc Grossmann of Hanna Barbera Cartoons, 213-882-1602; or Chip Duffey of Cartoon Network, Atlanta, 404-885-4118

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