Cartoon Network launches initiative to tap local talent

In an effort to nurture home-grown creative talent, Cartoon Network announced a pan-Asian initiative "� Snaptoons "� in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

As part of the programme, Cartoon Network is inviting all Indians to send in their pitches and see their creations come to life. The pitches are invited beginning October 16, and the submission deadline is December 31, 2006.

Announcing the launch of Snaptoons here today, Ian Diamond, senior vice-president and general manager, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA), said 10 of the total pitches received would be green-lit and developed into full-pilot episodes.

"The commissioned 10 episodes will have their world premiere exclusively on Cartoon Network," he said.

According to a recent Nasscom study, the Indian animation development budget for the year 2005 was $25 million and is expected to touch $950 million by 2009.

On the company's theme parks designed around their leading Indian kid's channels Cartoon Network and Pogo, Ian said the 6.8-acre Cartoon Network park "� Cartoon Network Townsville "� located in Noida will be open for the public by the fourth quarter of 2006 while its 3.5-acre Planet Pogo park in Rohini in Delhi, will open in mid 2007.

Among the kids entertainment channels in India, Cartoon Network and Pogo currently enjoy 30 per cent and 23 per cent market share respectively.