First Day of Shooting
Based on the characters of Looney Tunes, Tiny Toons Adventures, and Animaniacs, which are the property of Warner Bros.
This work was inspired by SammyHeroes1's Hey, Doc! Look What I Found! on the Archive of Our Own website. It is recommended that viewers should read that story first before reading this one.
Bugs Bunny wasn't sure who was more excited: him or his kids.
After months of preparation and collaboration between Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, tomorrow will be the first day of shooting for the new animated series Animaniacs. More importantly, however, his kids—Yakko, Wakko, and Dot Warner—will be the show's star toons.
Shucks, just thinking about it brought a smile to the rabbit's face. His kids were going to become stars. Stars!
Lost in his thoughts, the gray-haired toon jumped slightly in his seat when he felt a hand on his right shoulder. Turning his head, his eyes met those of Wakko, the middle Warner child. "Eh, what's up, doc?" he asked.
"Sorry, Bugs, but could you please pass the garlic bread to me?" the cap-wearing toon asked.
"Yeah, sure thing, Wakko," the rabbit said, reaching across the table and grabbing the basket of warm, sliced garlic bread before handing it to the toon.
Wakko smiled before opening his mouth and swallowing the entire basket, bread and all. "Thanks," said Wakko, his tongue sticking out adorably.
"Oh, my heavens!" an elderly female voice exclaimed. Looking down at the length of the table, Bugs saw Emma "Granny" Webster looking at the young Warner with surprise as she was serving the other Warner siblings mashed potatoes. Placing the bowl of food down, the elderly toon shook her head and sighed. "Well, there goes the garlic bread…and my bread basket."
"Wakko!" Dot, the youngest Warner, shouted in embarrassment and anger. Yakko didn't say anything, though he crossed his arms and stared hard at his younger sibling with an expression that clearly showed his displeasure.
Wakko, upon seeing his sibling's looks and the look that Bugs was giving him, had the decency to look ashamed. "Sorry."
From one corner of the room, a toon resembling a yellow canary had seen the entire scene from within a gilded birdcage. "Gee, and I thought the puddy tat had an appetite," Tweety whistled, his large blue eyes staring at Wakko.
Glaring at the bird, Sylvester the Cat was about to move from his seat but paused upon seeing Granny's stern glare. Giving the elder a sheepish smile, the black and white toon cat focused on the food on his plate, shooting Tweety a heated look when the female turned towards the cap-wearing toon.
"I understand that you like to eat, Wakko," Granny said, her tone light but scolding. "But please try to control yourself in the future."
"Yes, Granny. Sorry, Granny." Looking at everyone at the table, he said, "Sorry, everyone."
Satisfied with his apology, everyone settled down and resumed eating while discussing tomorrow's events. The kids, understandably, were a bit nervous, especially as they would be performing for one of the biggest producers in the movie industry.
"We've never done anything like this before," Yakko said, twirling a piece of food on his plate with his fork. "I mean, the most we did was a few short cartoons. And everyone—especially the executives—hated them so much that they never even released them. Just chucked them into the vault before…" Yakko suddenly stopped talking, his face dropping, catching everyone's attention.
Seconds later, looks of understanding, anger, and sadness crossed everyone's faces as they realized the meaning behind Yakko's sudden silence: the unjust imprisonment of him and his siblings for almost sixty years in the studio's water tower.
Bugs sighed, feeling both sadness and anger at what his kids had gone through. Although they were no longer prisoners, the trauma that they endured was something that no person or toon should ever have to endure. As he looked at the young toons, Bugs gave them a small, encouraging smile. "Well, I'm sure that you kids will do great. Don't forget, Spielberg chose you three."
"Bugs is right, children." Granny agreed. "You three were chosen by one of the biggest movie producers in the world to be the lead actors in this new cartoon. You kids should feel very proud of yourselves."
This caused the Warner siblings' mood to brighten considerably. The three of them shared a look before turning back towards Granny and Bugs.
Oh boy, Bugs thought, already suspecting what the three of them planned to do. Before he could blink, the three kids jumped from their seats, with Dot landing in front of him while her siblings stood on either side of Granny. A second later, the kids proceeded to shower the older toons with kisses before hugging them. Bugs smiled as he returned Dot's hug. He noticed in the corner of his eye that Granny was giggling and smiling affectionately as she embraced the male Warners.
As she pulled away, Dot smiled at the rabbit. "Thanks, Bugs." Looking toward Granny, she added, "And thank you, Granny."
"Yeah," Wakko said. "You guys are the best."
Bugs chuckled as he looked at his kids. "You're welcome, kids."
Following this, the rest of the dinner and the eventual dessert were uneventful. Two hours later, Bugs and the Warner siblings returned to their burrow and began preparing for bed. After brushing their teeth, Bugs observed as the three kids took their positions on the queen-size bed in their room: Dot was on the right side, Wakko on the left side, and Yakko was snug in the middle.
As he gently tucked them under the covers, Bugs smiled at his kids. "Sleep tight, kids. You have a busy day tomorrow."
"No kidding," Dot yawned, her black eyes barely able to stay open.
Wakko shook his head slightly. "I'm so excited. I doubt I'll be able to sleep tonight." Despite his words, the young toon looked as if sleep would claim him any moment.
"Oh, I'm sure you will, Wakko. Just close your eyes, and I guarantee you'll be asleep in no time." Bugs said.
Wakko looked as if he had something to say to the rabbit, but instead, he just yawned before nodding his head sleepily. Bugs couldn't help but chuckle at the kid, patting him on the head.
As he made his way to the door and was about to flick the light switch off, Yakko suddenly called out to him. "Hey, Bugs?"
"Yes, Yakko?"
"Thank you, you know…for everything." The young toon said with sincere gratitude.
The rabbit looked at the eldest Warner before saying softly, "You're welcome, Yakko." He flicked the light switch off, and as he began to close the door, he quietly called out, "Good night, kids." Pausing for a second, he added, "Love you."
"Love you, too." The three siblings said in unison just as he closed the door.
Bugs stood there momentarily, basking in the warm feelings currently swirling in his chest as he mentally repeated those words several times. While he was no stranger to hearing people say they loved him, it was primarily die-hard fans who grew up watching his role in cartoons. However, since they entered his life, he felt his heart about to burst with fatherly love and pride whenever his kids said those words.
He wondered if this was how every father felt whenever their kids said those words to them. These thoughts plagued his mind until he finally lay in bed and closed his eyes, silently praying things would go well for Warners on their first day of shooting.
Bugs would recall there was excitement in the air that day.
Like something from his old cartoon days, when the alarm went off, the kids instantly woke up and seemed filled with energy that morning. Rushing out of bed, they ran to his room to rouse him awake, and once they did, everyone dashed to the kitchen, where they made and then consumed a fast breakfast before freshening up. As Bugs was in the shower, he could hear Dot and Wakko arguing over who could use the hairbrush first while Yakko stood outside the shower, waiting impatiently for Bugs to get out so he could get clean.
Finally, at seven-thirty, everyone left the burrow and headed towards the famed Warner Bros. Studios. Several minutes later, they stood outside the front gates of the movie lot. "Well, kids," Bugs said, turning to look at them. "This is it. You ready?"
Sharing a quick look, the Warner siblings turned towards the rabbit with confident smiles. "Ready!" They cheered in unison.
Smiling, Bugs led them towards the studio's entrance. As they approached the gates, they noticed Ralph T. Guard, the tall, heavy-set toon security guard, sitting inside the guard house eating a donut.
Upon seeing the rabbit, the toon guard tried to hide the tasty treat before assuming a professional demeanor and greeting the iconic toon. "Ah, good morning, Mr. Bunny, sir." He then turned to look at the younger toons behind the rabbit. "Eh, morning Yakko, Wakko, and Dot."
"Eh, what's up, doc." Bugs said, pulling a carrot from his hammerspace before munching on it.
"Good morning, Ralph," Dot said.
"Hello, Ralph!" Wakko greeted happily.
"Morning," Yakko said before directing a questioning look at the man. "Say, what are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with the rest of our friends for Spielberg's new show?"
"Oh, don't worry, I'll be there," Ralph assured them. "But remember, I'm still one of the company's security guards. They depend on me to make certain that there's no trouble on the lot and that no one gets by me without the company's say-so."
Dot couldn't help but ask, "And has there been any trouble lately?"
"Oh, like you wouldn't believe! Just the other day, I had a heck of a time trying to keep a couple of toons from breaking in to see Mr. Spielberg while he was visiting."
This caught Bugs' attention. "Really? What type of toons were they?"
"Ah, they were a couple of rabbits—a blue one and a pink one."
Bugs' eyes widened, and he covered his mouth to hide the smile, though the Warner siblings noticed that his shoulders began to shake as if he were laughing. Taking a few deep breaths through his nose, Bugs asked, "And what, pray tell, did these rabbits do that gave you such a hard time?"
"Let me think," Ralph paused to recollect. "They tried burrowing under the gate at least once, operated a giant, dinosaur-themed toon dozer and drove it towards the gate, and they even turned into a couple of sticks of dynamite—though, I think that was because of something else."
"And no one else saw this and thought to give you a hand?" Bugs asked, though his kids suspected that, from his tone, he already knew the answer.
"Only some camera folks. Said that they were shooting a scene for one of the studio's animated shows. Mini Toons Ventures or something, I think." Ralph said, scratching his head.
Bugs shook his head and chuckled. "Well, doc, it's good to know you're doing a good job," he said, giving his kids a slight wink.
Wakko quickly nodded. "Oh, yes!"
"No question," Yakko agreed.
"Indeed!" Dot said.
"Ah, geez, thanks, you guys," the tall toon said before waving them through. "I'll see you on set later. Take care."
"Bye, Ralph!" the kids said in unison.
When they were far enough away from the guard, Yakko asked the burning question in their minds. "So, what was all that about?"
"Eh, those two rabbits Ralph was talking about—I know them." Bugs revealed. "They're a couple of toons who are actually the stars of another TV show Spielberg and the studio made, Tiny Toons Adventures. From the sound of it, it seems that Ralph unknowingly acted in one of their scenes for a new episode." He shook his head as a thought occurred to him. "Which reminds me: after I drop you kids off at the set, I'll need to check and see if the producers left me any messages or something in my dressing room. Knowing them, odds are I will probably play a role in this new episode."
This certainly caught the kids off guard. "Wait," Dot asked, her voice dropping, "You're not gonna watch us on set?"
Catching the tone of her voice and noticing the looks on their faces, Bugs' ears drooped a bit, and he sighed. Stopping in from them, he knelt to look them directly in their black eyes. "I'm sorry, kids. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed near the lot you'll be working on."
"Why not?" Wakko asked.
"Plotz." Bugs said, a hint of a growl peppering his voice.
The Warner siblings were stunned for a moment before feelings of anger began to well within them. "Plotz…" Yakko muttered, clenching his fists. He wanted to say more, but with his younger siblings and Bugs around him, he tried to be more responsible and show some restraint.
Wakko, however, had no qualms about releasing his anger. "Why that no good, rotten, money-grubbing, two-faced—" he started to shout, only for Dot to cover his mouth with her hand.
"Don't even finish that sentence!" She hissed.
Bugs sighed. He knew that his kids were not going to be happy about this. "Apparently, he managed to convince several of the producers working on the show that I might be more of a distraction to you kids. I'm to stay away while you guys are filming the show. I'm sorry, kids."
Seeing the sadness radiating from the rabbit, the kids immediately forgot their anger for the moment and gave the elder toon a gentle hug. Bugs let himself be embraced by his kids, a feeling of warmth washing over him. Eventually, the siblings released the rabbit from their hold.
After a few seconds, Yakko gave Bugs a sad smile. "It's all right, Bugs. Nothing that you can do about it." He said.
"But don't worry," Dot stated, her voice full of passion. "Plotz may have won this battle but hasn't won the war!"
Wakko nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah! We'll show him and everyone else what happens when you try to mess with us. Besides…"
Sharing a look, the trio stated in unison, "He's our special friend."
Knowing the meaning behind that particular phrase, Bugs couldn't help but smirk. Still, he had to be responsible and set his kids straight…
"So long as you don't get fired on your first day, and you don't cripple the guy, I say be as zany as you want with him."
"We'll try, but no promises," Yakko replied.
"Yakko Warner." Bugs scolded, shooting the toon a warning glare.
The eldest Warner held his hands up in surrender. "All right, all right. We'll behave—mostly."
"That's better," Bugs said before teasing Yakko by messing with the tuft of fur atop his head.
"Hey!" Yakko shouted, embarrassed. To his further humiliation, his siblings laughed at his misfortune. "Thanks a lot, you guys." He grumbled as he fixed his hair.
"You're welcome!" Both Dot and Wakko said together.
The group resumed the trek until they reached the studio lot closest to the water tower. Bugs looked at the Warner siblings and said, "Well, kids, here we are."
The kids were amazed by what they saw. The entire area was bursting with activity, with people and toons constantly moving around. They watched as lighting technicians checked the set's lights and ran cables around the area to various consoles and outlets. On the set, prop assistants and art designers were moving items and creating the background for some of the show's scenes, while utility technicians coordinated with the set's sound mixers and boom operators to ensure all the microphones and speakers were working. Actors and actresses littered the area, wearing outfits and costumes that made them look like famous people, such as Bill Clinton wearing his glasses while playing the saxophone, historical figures like Albert Einstein and Ludwig von Beethoven, and various types of creatures ranging from aliens to trolls to even Satan. Camera operators and technicians cleaned and examined various standing and freestanding video cameras, preparing them for shooting. Finally, much to Wakko's joy, caterers carried food from a catering truck and set it on a long table where folks could grab a quick snack.
Bugs smiled upon seeing the look of amazement on their faces. "So, what do you think?"
Yakko shook his head and looked at the rabbit with disbelief and wonderment. "This is all for us?"
"Yep."
"Faboo!" Wakko exclaimed.
Dot snorted. "You can say that again."
"Faboo!" Wakko repeated.
Dot looked at her older sibling, who looked back, confused at her expression. She shook her head and sighed.
Bugs chuckled and was about to say something when a sharp, unpleasant voice pierced the pleasant atmosphere. "There you are!" Cringing, the small group turned to see the diminutive form of Thaddeus Plotz approaching.
"Think we should make a break for it?" Yakko suggested, half-joking and half-serious.
Before the rabbit or his three kids could say or do anything, the CEO of Warner Bros. had reached them–and he was not happy. Looking up at Bugs, he shouted, "You're not supposed to be here, rabbit!"
The three kids glared at Plotz, with Dot exclaiming, "Hey! You can't talk to him that way!"
"Excuse me, but are you the CEO of this studio?" Plotz asked mockingly. "Because, last time I checked, I was! And since Bugs Bunny works for the company, technically, he works for me. So, I have every right to talk to him however I want! And if you pesky Warners know what's good for you–"
"What, Plotz?" Bugs interrupted, glaring at the toon. If Plotz thought he could threaten his kids right before him—
Realizing that he was already on thin ice with the rabbit, the toon switched tactics. "Look, we're going to start filming very shortly, and–unfortunately–the Warners have to be there. So, finish whatever you are doing and leave." He said before looking at the black and white toon kids with red noses. "And you Warners get to the set ASAP–and no monkey stuff!"
Despite the tenseness in the air, Yakko couldn't help but jokingly raise his right hand and ask, "Define monkey stuff?"
"You know, hopping around like a monkey, making screeching noises, going crazy." Plotz said, and he began doing his best impersonation of a crazed chimpanzee. As he danced around, Bugs, the Warners, and even some of the studio staff couldn't help but laugh as Plotz danced around. Upon hearing their laughter, the diminutive CEO immediately stopped and glared at the wandering staff, who quickly halted their laughter and ran before turning his heated gaze at the eldest Warner. "Why, you–"
Yakko was quick to defend himself. "Hey, I asked for a definition, not a floor show, Plotz-y. That was all you."
"He's got you there, doc," Bugs smirked.
Angry and embarrassed, the now-red-in-the-face toon growled before shouting, "Just get to work!" and promptly stomped off towards the studio hangar.
Shaking his head, Bugs looked down at the kids and offered them a small, sad smile. "Well, I guess this is it, kids. You take care of yourselves and remember to stay close to your friends whenever Mr. CEO is around. I'll come by around three."
This caught Wakko off guard. "Three? Why so early? Our schedule said we don't get off until half past that."
"Exactly," the rabbit said, winking at them. "Ain't no way I'm gonna miss watching at least part of your first day as stars."
This caused the Warners to smile at Bugs before embracing him in a tight hug. The hug lasted several seconds before they let go of the gray-haired toon star. After exchanging a few more heartfelt words and wishing his kids luck, Bugs left the lot.
"Well, sibs," Yakko said after watching Bugs leave. "Let's get this show on the road."