Emmy-winning creator, producer, and director Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack) has signed an exclusive multiyear cross-studio overall deal with Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation.
Under the pact, Tartakovsky will develop, create, and produce original animated programming at both CNS and WBA intended for a variety of audiences and for all television platforms, including HBO Max, external streaming services, cable and broadcast networks. The cross-studio overall deal, developed by CNS and WBA, provides creators with maximum creative flexibility to develop original material and access to the extensive character and franchise libraries at each studio.
Tartakovsky is currently in production on Unicorn: Warriors Eternal – an animated supernatural adventure family event series coming soon to HBO Max and Cartoon Network. Season two of his Emmy-winning series Primal premieres this summer on Adult Swim.
Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register said: “Genndy is a true visionary who embodies the creator spirit of Cartoon Network Studios. As he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and animation, we are excited to have a front row seat both here and now also at Warner Bros. Animation.”
Tartakovsky created Dexter’s Laboratory, Cartoon Network’s first series, during his time at Hanna-Barbera where he also helped produce and direct another fan favourite series, The Powerpuff Girls. He then moved to Cartoon Network Studios, where he created Samurai Jack and Sym-Bionic Titan as well as produced and directed the beloved animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars. In 2012, Tartakovsky made his feature directorial debut with the Golden Globe-nominated Hotel Transylvania and later directed its two sequels.
“My time at Cartoon Network Studios, since its inception, has been the most creatively formative and fulfilling years of my career,” said Tartakovsky. “I now find myself continuing that amazing relationship as well as bringing in Warner Bros. Animation – the home to everything that inspired me to become an animator in the first place. I am beyond excited to see what we do next!”
Tartakovsky has received 13 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning five for his work on Star Wars: Clone Wars, Samurai Jack, and Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal.