On October 8, McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. will start distributing a new animated video series starring the company spokes-clown, Ronald McDonald. All three of the productions were produced by Los Angeles-based animation studio, Klasky Csupo. Just in time for Halloween, the first release is a 40-minute video titled “Scared Silly” (directed by John Holmquist), featuring Ronald and friends on a camping trip to a haunted house. It will be available for $3.49 with any purchase. Additional videos will be released in 1999: “The Legend of Grimace Island” and “The Visitors From Outer Space.” Klasky Csupo CEO Terry Thoren enthused, “We were thrilled to be challenged with this latest evolution and think Ronald as an animated hero is a natural next step for one of the world’s best-known live characters.” R.J. Milano, McDonald’s vice president of U.S. marketing, said, “Klasky Csupo’s cutting edge animation presents Ronald and the McDonaldland characters in a whole new way--one that is entertaining and appealing for kids and a great value for our family market.” McDonald’s claims that Ronald McDonald is recognized by 96 percent of American children.