TBS opens Cartoon Network’s Abu Dhabi studio
June 27, 2011
By Chris Forrester
Turner Broadcasting has formally inaugurated its Cartoon Network Studios Arabia, and promised that new productions would flow from the Animation Academy already based at twofour54’s fast-growing creative facility at Abu Dhabi.
Cartoon Network’s Animation Academy was set up last year with the intention of training local artists in 2D animation. Cartoon Network Arabia is already on air locally (on Nilesat and Arabsat) with a portfolio of well-known Cartoon Network favourites.
The Cartoon Network Studios Arabia operation is headed by Michael Carrington (GM/Cartoon Network Studios Arabia) and run by newly appointed Adam Khwaja (Creative Director, CNSA) who joins TBS Arabia having gained his skills in many different kids formats across multiple platforms, including game shows, interactive content and animation productions.
Carrington explained why he believed that it was imperative to work with local talent from the region: “We are very proud to bring the development studio to MENA. Having already touched-base with a variety of content providers in the region since the launch of Cartoon Network Arabic I know that there is a wealth of talent here and lots of great stories that can be brought to life via our channel. It has always been our goal for Cartoon Network Arabic to produce local content in collaboration with local people that can be enjoyed all over the region but that might also have the potential to enthral our various global audiences too.”