Episode runtime

As the archive acquires script scans, I have been keeping track of the approximate unedited runtime of the episodes based on page count.  Alongside this, I have timed out the broadcast episode' original story animation, meaning no intro, credits, bumpers or repeated footage.  Recaps are only included if they are accounted for in the scripting.

The majority of scripts are timed based on a standard of 30 second per page.  Some scripts from 1983 and up to the summer of 1984 worked to an older timing standard, of around 20 to 25 second per page.

Page count

October 2019 additions

MP 700 Transformers

Thanks to contributors we_are_forest and Nathan Stacy respectively.  The archive now hosts both the unedited script and full storyboards for episode 700-60 Cosmic Rust (FKA Rust In Peace).

If there are any other script or storyboard owners who wish to contribute to the archive, but lack a dedicated scanner.  Then an alternative can be the use of Adobe Scan, used for the above storyboards:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/mobile/scanner-app.html

If time is an issue and it is not possible to scan all in one go, contributions can be sent in instalments to later be stitched together with the use of Adobe Pro.

MP 6610 Bucky O'Hare

The 7 scripts already hosted at the archive have undergone digital cleanup and restoration work to correct the poor scans made by Sunbow in the early 2000's.

Before:

After:

August 2019 additions

Transformers

Thanks to walruslaw at TFRaw for contributing a copy of the show bible, as found on the 2009 Shout Factory DVD.  This edition covers the 1984 cast with addendums for Jetfire, the Dinobots, Insecticons and Constructicons.

Thanks to nmeofthast8 at tfw2005 for contributing an unedited copy of the War Of The Dinobots script.   This version features the original character of Dr. Lynn Hyashi and a subplot of Sparkplug being jealous of her, mirroring Grimlock's jealousy of Prime.  In story-editing, Lynn was replaced by Chip Chase and eventually the jealousy subplot was dropped entirely.


G.I Joe

I have compressed the file size of the G.I Joe: The Movie script down to 19mb for easier access and viewing.


Bucky O'Hare And The Toad Wars

Having tracked down and bought a copy of the 2004 Metrodome DVD, I have uploaded 7 of the 13 full scripts.  This was the first show in Sunbow's 1991 return to full length animation since the conclusion of Jem in 1988 and the last to be co-produced by Marvel Productions.

Note that while the other 6 scripts are available on the DVD, they are explicitly forbidden from being uploaded online.

Also added a sizeable Marvel Productions model pack and lists.

July 2019 new additions

Here are the new additions to the archive for this month

Transformers, part 1

• A modern reproduction, created by TheRoboplasticApocalypse and posted with permission, of the original Marvel Comics treatment for The Transformers.  Written by Jim Shooter, this treatment would form the foundation for both the comic and the cartoon.
• A transcript of Marvel Productions' internal correspondence from story editors Bryce Malek and Dick Robbins, to Margaret Loesch and Lee Gunther, detailing their development work on the main Transformers series as of April 30th, 1984.
• A second version of the Transport To Oblivion script.  This computerised revision on June 8th, 1984 preceding the handwritten final revisions on 22nd June, 1984.

Transformers, part 2

• A transcript of The Eye Of The Beholder, one of five premises submitted to Sunbow by Cary Bates and Greg Weisman in April 1986.  None of the premises were taken forward to the outline stage.  Bates and Weisman would make their television writing debut on the Jem episode Video Wars.  Written likely in spring 1987, aired February 1988.

Once again, I invite all those viewing this blog:  If you have production material and wish to preserve it for posterity, please get in touch.  Especially interested in....

• Premises, outlines or full scripts
• Storyboards
• Voice actor call sheets
• Dialogue scripts.  Including those that contain all original dialogue that can replace "as broadcast" copies
• Memos and internal correspondence

If Sunbow Productions commissioned it and/or Marvel Productions produced it, it is welcome here.

Marvel production codes (incomplete)

An incomplete list of production codes used during Marvel Productions' run.  I hope to get verification on the remaining codes in the future.


4000: Mini-series/movies

(Note: Where a mini-series was taken forward to a full series, the retroactive title has been used for clarity.)

4004 E.T The Extra Terrestrial
4005 - 4009 GI Joe: The MASS Device
4012 My Little Pony: Rescue At Midnight Castle

4013-4017 Gallavants (produced as Episodes 1-5)
4018 - 4022 GI Joe: The Revenge of Cobra
4023 - 4025 The Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye
4028 My Little Pony: Escape From Catrina
4034 The Transformers: The Movie
4035 - 4039 Robotix
4040: Robotix: The Movie
4041 - 4045 Jem: Truly Outrageous
4046: Jem The Movie

4053: Defenders Of The Earth (specific production unknown)
4054: My Little Pony: The Movie
4055 The Glo Friends Save Christmas
4056 The Inhumanoids
4057 GI Joe: The Movie
4064 Pryde Of The X-Men

4066 Fraggle Rock: The Spring That Almost Didn't Happen (unproduced prime-time special)
4067 The Monster Bed

4069 Time Challengers

Main series:

1981
5000 Spider-man (Syndication)
6000 Spider-man And His Amazing Friends

1982

100 The Incredible Hulk

200 Pandamonium

300 Meatballs & Spaghetti

1983

400 Dungeons and Dragons

1984

500 Muppet Babies

600 GI Joe

700 Transformers

1985

800 The Young Astronauts

900 Defenders of the Earth
7000 Little Muppet Monsters

1986

5201 My Little Pony

5202 Potato Head Kids

5203 The Glo Friends

5204 Moondreamers

5205 Jem

5206 Inhumanoids

1987

6501 Fraggle Rock (Animated)

6510 Muppet Babies 

6520 Little Clowns Of Happytown

6530 Little Wizards

6701 The Transformers: The Rebirth

1988

6511 Muppet Babies 

6551 Robocop

6560 Dino-riders

1989

6570 Rude Dog And The Dweebs

1990

6513 Muppet Babies
6580 Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes

6590 Kid N' Play 

1991

6514 Muppet Babies
6581 Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes 

6610 Bucky O'Hare
6630 Space Cats

Production timeline (Work In Progress)

A project I have been working on for nearly a year now.  To chart the production of each TV series covered on this blog.

If anyone out there is able to provide cover dates from scripts, storyboards, dialogue scripts, voice actor call sheets, internal correspondence or anything else that can fill in the gaps.  Please don't hestitate to get in touch.

Production timeline

Launch

Introducing the Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions script and storyboard archive.

This site is intended to be a repository for digital copies of scripts, storyboards and other production material from, but not limited to the following cartoon shows: Transformers, G.I Joe, Jem, Inhumanoids, Visionaries, Dungeons & Dragons and Defenders Of The Earth.

The intention of this archive is to preserve as much as possible from this period in animation history.  With older websites that once hosted this material shutting down and DVD sets that offered this material rolling out of print.  Digital scans are now as much at risk of being lost as the original paper.

If any fans or collectors out there have scripts or storyboards they wish to add to this archive, please get in touch.  Note that where scanning and uploading have been forbidden by the original writer or artist, that material will NOT be hosted on this site.