The Duck Factory

1984

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

EP6 Can We Talk? May 17, 1984

6.4| 0h30m| en
Synopsis

The Duck Factory is a 1984 NBC television series produced by MTM Enterprises that is perhaps most notable for being Jim Carrey's first lead role in a Hollywood production. The show was co-created by Allan Burns. The premiere episode introduces Skip Tarkenton, a somewhat naive and optimistic young man who has come to Hollywood looking for a job as a cartoonist. When he arrives at a low-budget animation company called Buddy Winkler Productions, he finds out Buddy Winkler has just died, and the company desperately needs new blood. So Skip gets an animation job at the firm, which is nicknamed "The Duck Factory" as their main cartoon is "The Dippy Duck Show". Other Duck Factory employees seen regularly on the show were man-of-a-thousand-cartoon voices Wally Wooster; comedy writer Marty Fenneman; artists Brooks Carmichael and Roland Culp, editor Andrea Lewin, and business manager Aggie Aylesworth. Buddy Winkler Productions was now owned by his young, ditzy widow, Mrs Sheree Winkler, who had been married to Buddy for all of three weeks before his death. The Duck Factory lasted thirteen episodes; it premiered April 12, 1984. The show initially aired at 9:30 on Thursday nights, directly after Cheers, and replaced Buffalo Bill on NBC's schedule. Jay Tarses, an actor on The Duck Factory, had been the co-creator and executive producer of Buffalo Bill, which had its final network telecast on Thursday, April 5, 1984.

Director

Producted By

MTM Enterprises

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Reviews

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Scotty Burke It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review
Jerrie It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...
Fernseher At the time, I didn't realize he was the star. I liked it a lot, but I thought it was an ensemble comedy with Jack Gilford and the girl as the main characters, with Carrey in the loudmouth sidekick part. I was always waiting for him to shut up and then the others could get back to the story. I've never been able to watch his other roles, he always seems so hammy and yet full of himself. Seems like they had a lot of familiar faces like Larry Gelman, the dentist on the Newhart show. I never realized it was on tape. Now that I know it's available I bought the two reels for $10. I'll be able to see if it really was as promising as I remembered it.
canonet I remember seeing "The Duck Factory" on NBC as a teenager( makes two who saw it). I had an interest in voice-work and animation, plus curious to see what Don Messick looked like.The show was OK, from what I remember, but felt NBC did not really give it a chance. Typical of shows that are actually good but the almighty dollar, and ratings, rules so it was cut.
shark-43 I actually saw this sitcom when it first appeared on TV in 1984 (I must of been the only one). But since I myself was a cartoonist and fascinated by the whole process, I couldn't wait to see this show set in a cartoon studio. I remember enjoying the episodes and that Jim Carrey gave a believable, controlled performance and I was always a big fan of Jack Gilford. Needless to say, the show didn't last (wasn't really given much of a chance). The network didn't promote it at all - but it does show that Carrey can give naturalistic performances. I do admire Carrey's work, but he seems to have fallen into the Robin Williams trap - be manic and crazy at comedy - practically shouting out, "Love me, accept me" and then get all brooding and quiet when they try their dramatic turns. I'm all for actors trying to stretch their wings, but don't get angry when people don't exactly jump up, applauding and throw awards at you. (Truman Show, Man/Moon). As for Duck Factory, it is a sweet little show with good performances.
gary-109 This little gem of a comedy (the title refers to a cartoon studio whose main character is a duck) didn't get its due. It stars Jim Carrey in his pre-crazy period as well as the wonderful Jack Gilford. The entire cast is a delight in this show that really deserved a stay of execution. I'm glad that imdb says its out on video, but I've never seen it anywhere. I'll guess I'll keep looking.