Rick Ungar
Encyclopedia
Richard "Rick" Ungar is a writer/executive producer in the world animation
industry. His first creation, Biker Mice From Mars
, which began its first run in the United States
and the United Kingdom
in 1993, became one of the most successful animated television programs of its time, spinning off some 400 licensed products throughout the world.
in 1992, where he served as co-executive producer on the original "X-Men" animated series for Fox Kids
. While at Marvel Productions, Ungar served as executive producer, in partnership with Avi Arad and Stan Lee, on additional animated television programs including "Iron Man", "Fantastic Four" and "The Hulk".
In 1995, Ungar became president of New World Entertainment Domestic Television. New World was the parent company of Marvel Productions until it was sold to News Corporation in 1997. During this period, Ungar launched, along with televiison industry legend Brandon Tartikoff
, the long running entertainment news television program "Access Hollywood
", on NBC
.
In 1999, Ungar returned to his Marvel roots as president of the Marvel Character Group where he oversaw all television production and other aspects of Marvel's exploding business. During his second run at Marvel, Ungar executive produced the popular animated series "X-Men Evolution" for the Kids WB and the live action "Mutant X".
In 2009, Ungar became more interested in his years long study of health care policy in the United States and left the animation world to begin writing on the subject of the online site, Culture11. From there he moved on to True/Slant before ending up at Forbes.com, writing on health care policy and politics from a more liberal perspective than what is typically found at Forbes. He currently can be read on Forbes.com and is a frequent guest on American radio programs.
Ungar also created, wrote and produced Legend of the Dragon
which airs on broadcasters throughout the world, including Toon Disney
in the United States. Ungar also co-created an all new version of the popular Zorro character, writing and producing "Zorro: Generation Z
," along with his self-created series, "Dork Hunters From Outer Space," which was purchased for a two year run by poplular UK television broadcaster, GMTV
. Zorro: Generation Z
was released internationally, but never received clearance to air in the U.S. market. It is particularly notable as one of the last programs released from BKN
, which filed for insolvency in 2009.
Animation
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. The effect is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in several ways...
industry. His first creation, Biker Mice From Mars
Biker Mice from Mars
Biker Mice from Mars is a science fiction animated series created by Rick Ungar that began airing in 1993 in the United States and lasted for three seasons before it was cancelled...
, which began its first run in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in 1993, became one of the most successful animated television programs of its time, spinning off some 400 licensed products throughout the world.
Career
Ungar became president of Marvel ProductionsMarvel Productions
Marvel Productions Ltd. , last called New World Animation, was a television and film studio subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment Group , based in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, then New World Entertainment and News Corporation/Fox...
in 1992, where he served as co-executive producer on the original "X-Men" animated series for Fox Kids
Fox Kids
Fox Kids was the Fox Broadcasting Company's American children's programming division and brand name from September 8, 1990 until September 7, 2002. It was owned by Fox Television Entertainment airing programming on Monday–Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.Depending on the show, the...
. While at Marvel Productions, Ungar served as executive producer, in partnership with Avi Arad and Stan Lee, on additional animated television programs including "Iron Man", "Fantastic Four" and "The Hulk".
In 1995, Ungar became president of New World Entertainment Domestic Television. New World was the parent company of Marvel Productions until it was sold to News Corporation in 1997. During this period, Ungar launched, along with televiison industry legend Brandon Tartikoff
Brandon Tartikoff
Brandon Tartikoff was a television executive who was credited with turning around NBC's low prime time reputation with such hit series as Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, ALF, Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Cheers, Seinfeld, Miami Vice, The Golden Girls, Knight Rider, The A-Team, St...
, the long running entertainment news television program "Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood
Access Hollywood is a weekday television entertainment news program covering events and celebrities in the entertainment industry. It was created by former Entertainment Tonight executive producer Jim Van Messel, and is currently directed by Robert Silverstein. In previous years, Doug Dougherty and...
", on NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
.
In 1999, Ungar returned to his Marvel roots as president of the Marvel Character Group where he oversaw all television production and other aspects of Marvel's exploding business. During his second run at Marvel, Ungar executive produced the popular animated series "X-Men Evolution" for the Kids WB and the live action "Mutant X".
In 2009, Ungar became more interested in his years long study of health care policy in the United States and left the animation world to begin writing on the subject of the online site, Culture11. From there he moved on to True/Slant before ending up at Forbes.com, writing on health care policy and politics from a more liberal perspective than what is typically found at Forbes. He currently can be read on Forbes.com and is a frequent guest on American radio programs.
Current productions
Since 2003, Ungar has returned to creating and executive producing primarily his own creations and has become one of the busiest animation writer/producers in the world. He produced the all new Biker Mice From Mars, which launched in the UK in 2006 and quickly became the most popular Saturday morning television show in the country. However, its high ratings were not long lasting, as it didn't live up to the original series from the 90's and fans reaction was mostly negative.Ungar also created, wrote and produced Legend of the Dragon
Legend of the Dragon (TV series)
Legend of the Dragon is an animated series consisting of 26 episodes followed by 13 additional episodes for a total of 39 episodes. It is produced by BKN and premiered in October 2006 as part of the Jetix block on Toon Disney...
which airs on broadcasters throughout the world, including Toon Disney
Toon Disney
Toon Disney was an American cable television channel owned by The Walt Disney Company. A spinoff of Disney Channel, it mostly aired children's animated series and some live action programming. Its format had similarities to those of Cartoon Network and Nicktoons...
in the United States. Ungar also co-created an all new version of the popular Zorro character, writing and producing "Zorro: Generation Z
Zorro: Generation Z
Zorro: Generation Z is an animated series that began in 2007. Former Marvel Studios development executive, Rick Ungar, developed the original series in association with BKN, G7 Animation and Pangea Corporation. Scripts produced by Danish comics producer Cool Comics for the mini-series "The Mantle...
," along with his self-created series, "Dork Hunters From Outer Space," which was purchased for a two year run by poplular UK television broadcaster, GMTV
GMTV
GMTV was the national Channel 3 breakfast television contractor, broadcasting in the United Kingdom from 1 January 1993 to 3 September 2010. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of ITV plc. in November 2009. Shortly after, ITV plc announced the programme would end...
. Zorro: Generation Z
Zorro: Generation Z
Zorro: Generation Z is an animated series that began in 2007. Former Marvel Studios development executive, Rick Ungar, developed the original series in association with BKN, G7 Animation and Pangea Corporation. Scripts produced by Danish comics producer Cool Comics for the mini-series "The Mantle...
was released internationally, but never received clearance to air in the U.S. market. It is particularly notable as one of the last programs released from BKN
BKN
Bohbot Kids Network was a syndicated animation block created and distributed by Bohbot Entertainment, an animation production company founded by Allen J...
, which filed for insolvency in 2009.
Filmography (partial list)
- Dork Hunters, TV Series (executive producer/writer/creator)
- Zorro: Generation ZZorro: Generation ZZorro: Generation Z is an animated series that began in 2007. Former Marvel Studios development executive, Rick Ungar, developed the original series in association with BKN, G7 Animation and Pangea Corporation. Scripts produced by Danish comics producer Cool Comics for the mini-series "The Mantle...
, TV Series (executive producer/writer)
- Biker Mice from MarsBiker Mice from MarsBiker Mice from Mars is a science fiction animated series created by Rick Ungar that began airing in 1993 in the United States and lasted for three seasons before it was cancelled...
(executive producer/writer/creator)
- Legend of the DragonLegend of the Dragon (TV series)Legend of the Dragon is an animated series consisting of 26 episodes followed by 13 additional episodes for a total of 39 episodes. It is produced by BKN and premiered in October 2006 as part of the Jetix block on Toon Disney...
, TV Series (executive producer/writer/creator)
- Spider-ManSpider-Man (1981 TV series)Spider-Man is a syndicated animated TV series based on the popular Marvel Comics character of the same name.-Production background:The series was created to launch Marvel Productions, successor of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, who had previously produced the 1978 New Fantastic Four and 1979...
, TV Series (executive producer)
- Mutant XMutant X (TV series)Mutant X is a science fiction television series that debuted on October 6, 2001. The show was created by Marvel Studios, and it centers around Mutant X, a team of "New Mutants" who possess extraordinary powers as a result of genetic engineering. The members of Mutant X were used as test subjects...
, TV Series (executive producer)
- X-Men: EvolutionX-Men: EvolutionX-Men: Evolution is an American animated television series about the Marvel Comics superhero team the X-Men. In this incarnation many of the characters are teenagers rather than adults...
, TV Series (executive producer/writer)
- Roswell Conspiracies, TV Series (executive producer)
- The Incredible Hulk, TV Series (executive producer)
- Fantastic FourFantastic Four (1994 TV series)Fantastic Four is the third animated television series based on Marvel's comic book series of the same name. Airing began on September 24, 1994, until ending on February 24, 1996...
, TV Series (executive producer)
- Iron ManIron Man (TV series)Iron Man, also known as Iron Man: The Animated Series, is an American animated television series based on Marvel Comics' superhero Iron Man...
, TV Series (executive producer)
- Biker Mice from MarsBiker Mice from MarsBiker Mice from Mars is a science fiction animated series created by Rick Ungar that began airing in 1993 in the United States and lasted for three seasons before it was cancelled...
(1993), TV Series (executive producer/writer/creator)
- X-MenX-Men (TV series)X-Men, also known as X-Men: The Animated Series, is an American animated television series which debuted on October 31, 1992, in the United States on the Fox Network as part of its Fox Kids Saturday morning lineup...
, (1992) TV Series (co-executive producer)