Until now, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia’s (Tena) kids’ channel Pogo’s strategy has been to acquire original animation series from Indian studios and air them on their channels. Some of them are – Akbar & Birbal, The Legend of Buddha, Son of Aladdin, Tenali Rama and Ramayana – The Legend of Prince Ram. Now the network is planning on something big and a first of sorts.
Speaking to Animation ‘xpress sister concern Indiantelevision.com Turner Entertainment Network Asia Vice President creative and original content Orion Ross shared, “We are open to hearing animation script ideas from individuals as well as studios in India and then develop the series for Cartoon Network and Pogo. They could be series, feature films or pre-school shows”
Ross is in charge of overseeing the overall strategy for TENA’s two existing teams – the Hong Kong based Creative Services as well as the India based Original Productions. One of Ross’ mandate at TENA is to set up and manage a new Asia Pacific animation development structure in India, which will focus on new Indian animation projects.
The network will decide whether to produce the new series in-house or commission it to Indian studios. TENA will be funding the production for the series.
“The approach is creative driven. We are looking for the big idea in Indian animation. We are open to talking to people who have a distinct creative vision. The aim is to find the next William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Chuck Jones or Craig McCracken,” says Ross.
However, whether the series will be solely for the Indian market or will be aired in the international markets as well is a decision the network will take at a much later stage. Ross’ 12-member team will look to set the ball rolling in this direction.
