[AUDIO] Cheers and Toy Story Actor, John Ratzenberger Funding New TV Show

The actor who became famous for sitting at a bar and drinking beer after his mail delivery in Boston has a new concept for a television show and he's looking for help.

Actor John Ratzenberger (Cliff from the NBC Series Cheers) is launching a new TV show called 'American Made' and he needs $500,000 to make the series a reality.  So, he's set up a fund raising site on the website Fund Anything and he's tallied some $3600 on day one.

Ratzenberger describes the show as a program that showcases American Made products.

I’m going to show you how the best in today’s American made companies make their products and introduce you to the remarkable men and women who use their skill and ingenuity to make it all possible.  To me, the manual arts have always taken precedence over the fine arts. Remember, somebody had to build a ceiling before Michelangelo could go to work.

From the things we need, to the things we want, to the things we dream about, I’m going to show you how we make it in America.

Here's how it works: you get a gift for each level of donation made.  A $10 donation will get you a behind the scenes video.  A $100 gift will earn you a copy of a Cheers script and $3000 donation will get you a back stage tour of the PIXAR sound recording studios where Ratzenberger lends his voice to characters in blockbusters like Toy Story and Monsters Inc. By the way, a $6500 donation will earn you the position of co-producer of the new series.  Nobody has taken Ratzenberger up on this offer, but if you cough up the cash, here's what you get:

I would be thrilled for you to be my Producer of American Made. Not only will I be forever indebted to you, I will make sure you receive full credit for your generous support in helping me make this show a reality. This means that your name will be prominently displayed and featured in the opening of the series. I will also send you a beautiful, custom made, walnut finished plaque to display in your home or office that properly recognizes your Executive Producer role.

In addition, it would also be my honor to invite you and your guest to an intimate dinner with me and some of the cast where we'll enjoy some delicious food and drink late into the night.

As the Producer, you and a guest are also entitled to visit the set, walk the red carpet with me at the Los Angeles premier and attend the after party. Of course, I'll arrange for you to be professionally photographed every step of the way, so you have plenty of photos to take home along with the memories.

Finally, I'll make sure you receive a 5 special Producer Collector's Copies of the DVD that are housed in a special, custom made case that features your name and Producer title. These Collector’s Copies will be released as an individually numbered Limited Edition of just 50. They will make wonderful, highly valued gifts for your closest family and friends. I will also send you a box of full color American Made business cards featuring your name, contact information, Producer title and the official American Made logo. This is everything I have in my arsenal and you truly deserve it all with my eternal gratitude.

Here's the interview John did with Keeler in the Morning.