ITV

Tag: Cartoon Network

  • Cartoon Network to air ‘The Legend of Buddha’ & ‘Pandavas: The Five Warriors’ in Tamil in November

    Cartoon Network to air ‘The Legend of Buddha’ & ‘Pandavas: The Five Warriors’ in Tamil in November

    MUMBAI: With the spotlight on localization intensifying among television programmers, Cartoon Network has zeroed in on Tamil Nadu and will be showcasing The Legend of Buddha and Pandavas: The Five Warriors, both locally acquired films in 2001 and mid 2006 respectively. Dubbed in the local language the channel will air the animated feature films on 5 and 19 November at 11 am.

    Furthering this strategy, other series including Baby Looney Tunes, Robotboy, Franklin, Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, Dragon Tales, Bob the Builder – Project Build It, Krypto The Super Dog, Richie Rich, the all new Popeye show, the action franchise block, Toonami’s, Gransazers and Transformers Cybertron and Dexter’s Laboratory will also be aired in Tamil on Cartoon Network. The channel however, will not be completely transformed into a local avatar, like its Mickey counterpart, yet it appears to be a strategic move in that direction.

    Turner International India Vice President advertising sales and networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said, “Indian animation which has aired on Cartoon Network, has always been a huge success and we are extremely happy to introduce two of the most well-known features, specially dubbed in Tamil, for our audience in the state. Tamil languaging is a natural extension of Cartoon Network’s overall localisation strategy for India.”

    Both the movies have been produced by Chennai-based Pentamedia Graphics Limited. The 2D animation feature, The Legend of Buddha, is an inspirational story of the journey of Prince Siddhartha of the Kingdom of Kapilavastu, whose experiences prod him to pursue the true meaning and purpose of life. Siddhartha leaves his palatial comforts to embark on an arduous journey of self-realization. The movie captures through its storyline, the milestones that mark the path of Prince Siddhartha to Nirvana and becoming ‘The Enlightened One.’

    While on the other hand, Pandavas – The Five Warriors is an adaptation of one of India’s greatest epic, the ‘Mahabharata.’ With exotic backgrounds, intricate sets and action filled battle scenes, the film is broad in scope and also has been awarded the National Award for Best English Feature Film 2000 and the second Best Animation Feature Film at the Vancouver Effects and Animation festival, 2001, Pandavas promises to be the perfect entertainer for kids and their families.

    Cartoon Network India also acquired several other locally produced programming including Sinbad – Beyond The Veil of Mists, Ramayana – The Legend Of Prince Ram, The Adventures of Tenali Raman, The Adventures of Chhota Birbal, Vikram Betaal, Akbar Birbal and Son Of Alladin.

  • Cartoon Network to host ‘Toonami: Game On, Video Gaming Championship’; re-freshed Toonami block starts 6 November

    Cartoon Network to host ‘Toonami: Game On, Video Gaming Championship’; re-freshed Toonami block starts 6 November

    MUMBAI: Following Hojaye Shuru! – The Beyblade Championship Cartoon Network has announced yet another championship – Toonami: Game On, Video Gaming Championship for Indian kids, which is slated to kick off in Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad, at the end of November.

    The network doubles its dose of action on Toonami, the prime time action franchise, with brand new action series like Gransazers, Series 7 from Pokémon and new episodes of Transformers Cybertron. Some of Cartoon Network’s popular toon stars including The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter, Tom & Jerry will play hosts to add to the fresh, new look. The block will go on air starting 6 November at 5 pm.

    The Toonami: Game On, Video Gaming Championship is an on-ground extension of the new Toonami look and feel, giving kids an opportunity to personally experience shows featured in the action block. Cartoon Network will undertake a school contact programme spanning seven cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana, to promote the stunt.

    Kids can participate in the on-air contest which will give away prizes for early bird entries on the premiere day. Toonami watches, loads of Pokémon goodies, Cybergiants and one Xbox 360 gaming console will be up for grabs every week, states an official release.

    Turner International India vice president advertising sales and networks India & South Asia Monica Tata said, “We have always believed in constant innovation and creativity through self evaluation as well as our understanding of what our viewers need. Cartoon Network’s latest study, New Generations, revealed that the concept of gaming is fast gaining popularity with Indian kids and in keeping with our commitment to listen to our consumers, we have launched Toonami: Game On, Video Gaming Championship while also giving a new look to the Toonami block during this time to make it one of the trendiest destinations on television.”

    Toonami claims to be the first block for kids on Indian television that focused on action shows. This block airs shows such as Pokémon, Beyblade, Digimon, Duel Masters and now Gransazers between 5 pm to 6.30 pm.

    Pokémon is the story of Ash, a 10 year old Pokémon trainer. His Pokémon – ‘Pikachu’ and his friends – Brock, May and Max – are always on an adventure as they travel to participate in battles, win medals and come closer to being a Pokémon Master Trainer. Pokémon Series 7 is the brand new season of Pokémon Advanced Challenge which sees Ash continuing on his journey in the Hoenn League.

    While Gransazers revolves around the descendents of an advanced human civilization, which was wiped out billions of years ago during a conflict with a terrestrial race called the Astral Allies. The twelve descendents, called Sazers, form four separate tribes: Fire, Wind, Earth and Water. Each Sazer possesses extraordinary powers, and is able to control the ‘Super Star God’, mammoth war machines constructed by their ancient ancestors. At first, the tribes begin to wage wars amongst each other on Earth, until they discover that the Astral Allies are planning another strike, this time the domination of humankind. Upon this revelation, the tribes join forces to mobilize a resistance against the invaders and protect the future of all life on Earth.

    Cartoon Network has played hosted to several on-ground events in the past including such as Join The Powerpuff Generation, Toon Cricket, Toon Yatra, Next Big Toon, School Is Cool and Save Dexter’s Brain.

  • Cartoon Network & Pogo toons shake a leg with kids

    Cartoon Network & Pogo toons shake a leg with kids

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo hosted a ‘Fun Day Out’ for Mumbai kids giving them an opportunity to meet their favourite toon stars including Johnny Bravo, Noddy, Dexter, Dee Dee, Popeye and Scooby Doo on 29 October 2006.

    Aimed at engaging viewers in activities beyond the scope of television the ‘Cartoon Network and Pogo Fun Day Out’ had the adorable cartoon characters render a local flavour to the event as they danced to popular chartbusters, urging the kids to also join in with them.

    In addition to catering to the kids, games were also organised for the entire family. On-stage games such as ‘Dance Like Noddy’ and ‘Pogo Trivia’, tested the skills and knowledge of not only the children, but also the elders. Special Cartoon Network and Pogo games were also organised beyond the stage including puzzles like ‘Back Where They Belong’, ‘Knock Down The Villian’, ‘Play Smarter’ and ‘Tiny TV Play Area,’ informs an official release.

    Kids also got a chance to show off their beyblading skills with ‘Beyblade’ games. While other games like the ‘M.A.D (Music, Art and Dance) Fan Club’ allowed kids to scribble and draw their messages on a large canvas.

    The gala day came to an end with 20 lucky kids hogging the opportunity to shake hands with Bob the Builder, Scooby and Noddy while the winners of the various games pocketed Cartoon Network and Pogo goodies as prizes.

  • Turner inks deal with Nokia for Cartoon Network mobile content

    Turner inks deal with Nokia for Cartoon Network mobile content

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting and Nokia have announced that high-quality content from Turner’s Cartoon Network will be made available for consumer downloads through the Nokia Content Discoverer client, embedded in Nokia devices available in markets globally. The territories covered under this agreement include United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

    Under this multi-country deal between the companies, mobile subscribers will be able to browse, download and purchase over-the-air Cartoon Network games, video clips, and other content from a dedicated Cartoon Network mobile content “storefront” available to consumers through the device-resident Nokia Content Discoverer client, part of Nokia’s complete mobile content ecosystem, informs an official release.

    A selection of Cartoon Network favourites – ranging from Johnny Bravo to Dexter’s Laboratory will be offered on the service. The new agreement provides a method for people to quickly access and enjoy Cartoon Network entertainment on buses, at school or in the office, according to Turner Broadcasting vice president Commercial Distribution and Digital Media Sales Phil Lawrie. 

    “Turner is delighted to offer a Cartoon Network catalog as part of the exciting Nokia Content Discoverer initiative,” said Lawrie. “Accessing and buying mobile content can often be challenging for the end-user. Having an embedded showcase for our Cartoon Network content as part of Nokia Content Discoverer will eliminate these barriers and provide a shop window for games, video clips, wallpapers and much more in the future. In a nutshell, it’s content purchase made easy – with a positive commercial outcome for all stakeholders: Turner, Nokia and the network operator. And our consumers will now be just a few key-strokes away from Cartoon Network favorites like The Powerpuff Girls and Dexter’s Laboratory.” 

    “Offering popular entertainment from Cartoon Network will greatly enhance the value of the Nokia Content Discoverer program to network operators and to the end consumers,” commented Forum Nokia (Nokia’s global developer program) director business development and channels Brad Brockhaug.

    “We’re excited by the addition of this outstanding new content catalog and look forward to working closely with Turner Broadcasting to address the enormous opportunities for content consumption in the global mobile marketplace.” 

    Nokia Content Discoverer facilitates easy access to downloadable content by mobile subscribers through a collection of shopping mall “stores” run by branded content providers, leading content aggregators and mobile service providers. Operators are able to build their own branded mobile shopping mall, with better positioning of content and the presence of the operator’s brand on the device, generating higher adoption. Consumers’ experience of content shopping is greatly enhanced through Nokia Content Discoverer’s advanced on-device caching of content catalog metadata which allows free browsing of the content stores in the mobile mall, as well as automatic content updates, integrated preview/prelisten and proficient content installation capabilities, adds the release.

    Nokia Content Discoverer is currently embedded in select S60 and Series 40 devices, including the Nseries multimedia devices (Nokia N70, N71, N72, N73, N80 and N93), Eseries devices for enterprise users (Nokia E50, E60, E61 and E70), Nokia 5500, and Nokia 3250 handsets currently available in mainland China and on Nokia 6131 devices in China and other Asia-Pacific markets. Nokia Content Discoverer is expected to be in the hands of over 20 million consumers worldwide by the end of 2006.

  • Cartoon Network, Graphic India, POW! Entertainment get together for Chakra: The Invincible

    Cartoon Network, Graphic India, POW! Entertainment get together for Chakra: The Invincible

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network, Graphic India and POW! Entertainment have announced a partnership that will bring to life Stan Lee’s first ever Indian superhero. The legendary writer is the co-creator of the world’s most popular superheroes including Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Hulk, The Avengers, and many others. The movie, entitled Chakra: The Invincible, will premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, 30 November at 12pm.

     

    Talking about his first ever Indian superhero Stan Lee said, “I am incredibly excited to be collaborating with my friends at Graphic India as we launch this great new, thrill-a-minute superhero saga named, Chakra: The Invincible, on Cartoon Network.”

     

    Brimming with enthusiasm he added, “The incredible story of Chakra, one of my latest and most exciting superhero creations, promises to captivate audiences in India and around the world with his adventures.”

     

    Chakra: The Invincible tells the story of Raju Rai, a young Indian boy living in Mumbai. Raju and his mentor, the scientist Dr. Singh, develop a technology suit that activates the mystical chakras of the body. When Raju dons the suit, he discovers superpowers and vows to use his newfound abilities to protect and serve. Using his amazing powers, Chakra must save the city and the world from super villains!

     

    Commenting on this partnership, Turner International senior director & network head – kids, south Asia Krishna Desai said, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership and to have the pleasure of working with one of the world’s greatest legends – and my favourite real-life superhero, Stan Lee. Chakra: The Invincible is a part of Turner’s continuing efforts to entertain kids and families across India with new and exciting characters and stories. We are certain that Chakra will be added to the long list of world renowned characters from both Stan Lee and Cartoon Network.”

     

    “What a great opportunity to expand Stan’s global brand by introducing Chakra as our first Indian superhero, and who better to partner with than Sharad Devarajan and Graphic India, as well as Cartoon Network,” said POW! Entertainment CEO/president Gill Champion.

     

    “The opportunity to work with Stan Lee to create Chakra: The Invincible is the culmination of a lifelong dream, made that much more rewarding by partnering with the amazing team at Cartoon Network,” added Graphic’s co-founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan, who is also the director and executive producer of the animated film.

     

    “Stan Lee is one of the most prolific storytellers in the world, and in the same way his previous characters are known by nearly every man, woman and child on the planet, we believe Chakra will captivate audiences from Boston to Beijing to Bangalore!”

     

    Graphic India SVP creative Jeevan J. Kang has overseen the visual development and also created the character designs and art for the project working closely with Lee and Devarajan to bring Chakra’s story to life.

     

    In addition to the partnership with Cartoon Network, Graphic India recently announced that Chakra: The Invincible has also been selected as part of a group of content partners to soon be featured on Angry Birds creator, Rovio Entertainment’s new ToonsTV platform, reaching audiences around the world.

     

    Beyond animation, Graphic India will also be launching the character in a series of digital and print comic books and graphic novels as well as through toys and merchandise.

  • Cartoon Network joins Brighter Minds Media for gaming title ‘Cartoon Network All-Stars’ in US

    Cartoon Network joins Brighter Minds Media for gaming title ‘Cartoon Network All-Stars’ in US

    MUMBAI: Brighter Minds Media, Inc has announced an agreement with Cartoon Network, to release a new software title ‘Cartoon Network All-Stars’. The title consists of four computer games featuring characters from Cartoon Network original series such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.

    “Brighter Minds Media is a leader in children’s entertainment and educational products,” said Cartoon Network Enterprises VP of US Consumer Products Christina Miller. “We are pleased to be working with them to bring these innovative games to our fans in a new format.”

    The games have been developed under the direction of Cartoon Network New Media, which is responsible for Cartoon Network’s Internet sites, mobile content and other entertainment products, informs an official release.

    “Cartoon Network is the perfect addition to our portfolio of products,” said Brighter Minds Media CEO Vivian Antonangeli. “We are extremely excited about working together to offer games that are lots of fun at a great value to every family who loves the superb programming they see on television and wants to interact with their favorite characters.”

  • Cartoon Network to explore Indian talent for ‘Snaptoons’

    Cartoon Network to explore Indian talent for ‘Snaptoons’

    MUMBAI: Kid’s channel Cartoon Network has announced a pan Asian initiative titled Snaptoons – Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons, by scouting for emerging talent across its key markets in Asia, is slated to kick off on 18 October.

    The network is looking to invest in funding, backing and developing new and original ideas that lend itself to animation, is targeted at kids and must either have a universal or regional appeal. Thus, Cartoon Network is looking for poets, artists, amateurs, professionals, students, individual animators, animation studios, to send in their pitches and see their creations come to life.

    This programme will identify scripts and shortlist 30-40 entries for what they call a ‘bible synopsis’ by the end of this year. From these pitches, ten will be green lit and each will be developed into full pilot episodes of 7-10 minutes each. The commissioned ten will have their world premiere on Cartoon Network across the Asia Pacific feeds. Depending on the response, these will be created into a feature film or full series episodes.

    Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) creative director Arnab Chaudhuri threw light on the concept of a ‘bible synopsis’ with reference to a half hour animated series Class of 3000. This will be launched next year wherein Outkast’s Andre Benjamin is the central character. Chaudhuri will be heading operations for Snaptoons in India.

    Forseeing potential in the animation industry and expecting it to soar up to Rs 950 million by 2009, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Being the vanguards of original production, both live action and animation, it is our duty to raise the bar and create a platform for local animated productions.”

    Diamond added, “It is our responsibility to provide a platform for Indian talent to rightfully take a place on the global animation stage. Snaptoons is a serious, ongoing initiative designed to connect, discover and nurture creative brilliance that exists throughout Asia and will showcase the enormous potential that abounds in the region. This initiative will forge a relationship between that talent and Cartoon Network’s extensive global production infrastructure to help develop the next generation of ground breaking animation.”

    A similar project was conducted in the US titled ‘World Premiere Toons’ which identified the creators of the Power Puff Girls, Johhny Bravo and Dexter. “This approach has been extremely successful at a global level; toon icons such as The Powerpuff Girls, Courage The Cowardly Dog and many more, were born out of a similar campaign, and today, they are firmly entrenched in the animation hall of fame. This unique opportunity is an ongoing partnership between Cartoon Network and the local talent and I look forward to creating the next global Cartoon Network hit from this country,” says Diamond.

    Chaudhuri added, “For the network and the brand the ‘Characters are King’ and now we are looking for the next generation of creators.”

    The broad parameters that creators could keep in mind while developing the concept would be to ensure that their concept is kid related, is character driven with a good dose of comic action. Additionally, in terms of design and creative vision it should be fun, funny, fearless and importantly, should have the potential to be commissioned as full series and/ or a feature film.

    The two channels from the Turner stable (Cartoon Network and Pogo) according to Diamond have clocked a 22 per cent growth in ad sales revenue and currently Cartoon Network secures a 30 per cent market share in the kids genre, while Pogo marked 23 per cent. Diamond sees India as having immense potential and it optimistic about India’s contribution to this new initiate.

    For more information on the programme, the participants can visit the Snaptoons website on www.SNAPTOONS.org. The deadline for enteries is 31 December 2006.

  • Cartoon Network goes the live action way with its first original TV movie ‘Re-Animated’

    Cartoon Network goes the live action way with its first original TV movie ‘Re-Animated’

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network has announced the completion of principal photography on its first original live-action television movie, Re-Animated, which will combine elements of live-action and animation.

    When we decided to venture into the territory of live-action we knew it was going to have to be an event like nothing we’ve ever done before,” said Cartoon Network senior vice president, programming and development Michael Ouweleen.

    “And even though we are featuring live-action characters, it still had to be done the Cartoon Network way. Re-Animated has proven to be that kind of project,” Ouweleen added.

    The project, about a 12-year-old boy whose life is turned upside down after an accident at an amusement park, was announced in March at a Cartoon Network presentation and is currently in post-production with a premiere date yet to be determined, informs an official release.

    Dominic Janes (Alex Taggert on ER) stars as 12-year-old Jimmy Roberts, who while visiting the famous Gollyworld Park, has an accident with the park trolley that requires an emergency brain transplant. Gollyworld doctors give him the frozen brain of the famous cartoonist Milt Appleday (comedy veteran Fred Willard), which enables Jimmy to see a whole world of cartoon characters who turn his life upside down wherever he goes.

    Re-Animated is created and written by Adam Pava and Tim McKeon, who were writers on Cartoon Network’s hit series Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and The Life & Times of Juniper Lee. The film is directed by New York-based filmmaker Bruce Hurwit. The film is a Renegade Animation, Appleday Pictures, and Cartoon Network production.

  • Cartoon Network inks deal with Tata Indicom for VoD service

    Cartoon Network inks deal with Tata Indicom for VoD service

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network, kid’s entertainment channel, has signed its first video on demand (VoD) deal in the country with VSNL. The agreement will enable Tata Indicom Broadband subscribers to watch Cartoon Network toons on their PC.

    In attempting to give viewers a 360 degree entertainment experience, Tata Indicom Broadband will offer subscribers 40 episodes of Cartoon Network’s most popular and iconic toon stars including Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Courage -the Cowardly Dog, Camp Lazlo, Code Name Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack, etc.

    The content will be available both in Hindi and English across over 48 cities in India, including all metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
    output.

    Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. VP distribution and business operations (India and South Asia), Siddharth Jain said, “With technology evolving at a rapid pace, we are moving towards a digital world where entertainment will be consumed at the convenience of Generation M. As the Industry leader in the kids’ entertainment genre, it is imperative that we extend our compelling content to as many platforms available.

    “This deal to offer video on demand with VSNL is a step in that direction and is a pioneering initiative for Cartoon Network and the kids’ genre. All of these areas will become even more important going forward as ‘convergence’ becomes a reality, and our core audience of kids and young adults – as well as advertisers – come to expect our unique properties and characters to be available on all platforms and at all times. Cartoon Network is an immersive experience for our fans, and this deal adds yet another dimension to the number one kids’ channel of India – Cartoon Network.”

    VSNL vice president content and applications, broadband and retail business Mukul Sood said, “This first of its kind tie-up between Cartoon Network and VSNL will create an innovative entertainment experience to our broadband subscribers. This partnership represents the convergence of vision and strengths between VSNL, India’s leading telecommunication and Internet services company and Cartoon Network, India’s number one kids’ channel. Tata Indicom Broadband subscribers can now look forward to a roller coaster ride of exciting animation video content for their kids and themselves.”

  • Cartoon Network to set up interactive Internet sites

    Cartoon Network to set up interactive Internet sites

    Cartoon Network plans regional websites in different regions across the Asia Pacific. The network will launch a site for Australia by mid year. Other sites planned are for India in English, Taiwan in Mandarin and so on.

    Turner International’s Hema Govindan said that the key difference between the TV channel and the site will be new, interactive elements introduced via the World Premier Tool.

    “For instance, hypothetically speaking, in a chat room, Johnny Bravo will have a dialogue with people visiting our website. It will also be specific to the country the website is being built for. The cultural cues will be very , very different. The characters we champion, the interactive elements will be different.” Govindan said that the net could consider regional sites in Indian languages at a later stage, similar to it’s channel strategy.

    She added that the channel penetration’s was 10 million at present, and plans were to extend penetration beyond urban India. “The tune in will only come with more localisation and customisation. We are also looking at initiatives like Get Tooned, when we actually animated five Indian kids and put them on air as interstentials.”

    The channel has featured five kids in Australia and New Zealand, five in South East Asia, 5 in Taiwan and five in India. Research has shown that Indian kids would like to see winners. Because of that, the channel plans to showcase more Indian kids as winners in cartoon form in the new future.