Matthew Modine Joins New Animation Project, LAST DAYS OF CONEY ISLAND, PART ONE

Actor Matthew Modine has joined the cast of Ralph Bakshi's first film in over 15 years. Best known as "Pvt. Joker" in Stanley Kubrick's FULL METAL JACKET, Modine recently played "Deputy Commissioner Peter Foley" in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises and can next be seen as John Sculley in jOBS, the Steve Jobs biopic starring Ashton Kutcher (out April 19th). Modine is no stranger to indie animation; having lent his voice to the Academy Award-nominated A CAT IN PARIS, MIA AND THE MIGOO, and two short films (SANTA, THE FASCIST YEARS and THE FLYING HOUSE) by Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton. He also narrated and produced the PUNKY DUNK PROJECT, an animated children's storybook app available for the iPad and Kindle Fire.

"I learned about Ralph's new project on Kickstarter and decided to reach out to him," says Modine. "My dad was a drive-in movie theater manager and I learned things about life from watching Bakshi's films that positively altered me! They allowed me to see animation in a completely new way. I'm excited to help Ralph bring his latest project to life."

With 12 days left to go, Bakshi's Kickstarter campaign has already raised over $78,000 from over 625 backers. Supporters of the project can receive a variety of rewards including signed DVDs, rare artwork, and original animation drawings and cels from classic Bakshi productions.

"In my films, I've always discussed America; who we are, what we are for better and worse and the ridiculous," says Bakshi. "LAST DAYS OF CONEY ISLAND is a series of animated shorts set against the strange backdrop of Coney Island and all its weird characters crooked cops, broken hearts, jaded strippers, and singers. It takes place on and around Coney's garish, freaky midways and dark alleyways. It also discusses America: Kennedy's assassination, the mafia, Bobby Dylan, Vietnam, Dick Tracey, and Miss America. It's as real as it is crazy and funny."

Ralph Bakshi is widely considered to be the father of independent adult animation. His films include FRITZ THE CAT (1972), HEAVY TRAFFIC (1973), COONSKIN (1975), WIZARDS (1977), THE LORD OF THE RINGS (1978), AMERICAN POP (1981), HEY GOOD LOOKIN' (1982), FIRE AND ICE (1983), and COOL WORLD (1992).

Ralph and his team have been busy keeping up with the hundreds of questions and requests that continue to come through the Kickstarter message boards. To view the Kickstarter page and pledge your support, please visit: http://kck.st/WFM1eu. The Campaign ends on March 3rd.

LAST DAYS OF CONEY ISLAND, PART ONE is written and directed by Ralph Bakshi, produced by Eddie Bakshi, and Executive Produced by Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff (Cinco Dedos Peliculas).

Kickstarter: http://kck.st/WFM1eu

Official Ralph Bakshi Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RalphBakshi?ref=tn_tnmn

Official Last Days of Coney Island Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LastDaysofConeyIsland?ref=stream

Follow Ralph Bakshi on Twitter @ralphbakshi

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ralph Bakshi or Matthew Modine, please email: ebakshilastdays@gmail.com.