David H. DePatie was an American film and television producer.
He was the last executive in charge of the original Warner Bros. Cartoons studio and the longest-living until his death. He also formed DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, with Friz Freleng, and was an executive producer at Marvel Productions.
After Warner Bros. closed its animation studio in 1963, DePatie's production company was formed at the former Warner cartoons studio.
David H. DePatie was an American film and television producer.
He was the last executive in charge of the original Warner Bros. Cartoons studio and the longest-living until his death. He also formed DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, with Friz Freleng, and was an executive producer at Marvel Productions.
After Warner Bros. closed its animation studio in 1963, DePatie's production company was formed at the former Warner cartoons studio.
Director Blake Edwards contacted DePatie Freleng Enterprises and asked them to design a panther character for The Pink Panther feature film, which eventually led to a contract with the company to produce animated titles for the film.
The production company then agreed to contract with United Artists to produce a series of cartoon shorts featuring the Pink Panther, which would include over 100 theatrical shorts and TV episodes.
Other projects of the production company included producing animation for the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series from 1964 to 1967 as well as Dr. Seuss television specials from 1971 to 1982. After working on animated series such as What's New Mr. Magoo and Return to the Planet of the Apes, DePatie Freleng co-produced The New Fantastic Four and Spider-Woman with Marvel Comics Animation.
DePatie died September 23, 2021. He was 91.
