Toonz Sets Up U.S. Distribution Arm

TRIVANDRUM: The Indian animation outfit Toonz Animation India has opened a distribution division in Los Angeles, Toonz Entertainment USA, which will be led by Matt Cooperstein.

The new arm will specialize in the worldwide sale and distribution of animated feature films, direct-to-video content and TV series. The initial distribution slate includes the first two seasons of Wolverine and the X-Men, Speed Racer 2, Speed Racer Classic and Mostly Ghostly seasons two and three.

As executive VP of Toonz Entertainment USA, Cooperstein will be overseeing the strategic and operational functions of the company. Cooperstein has worked with such studios as ITV Entertainment Group, Polygram Television, Universal Worldwide Television and IndieArts Entertainment. His most recent tenure was with Liberation Entertainment, which has now closed. The Wolverine and the X-Men and both Speed Racer properties were previously part of the Liberation portfolio.

P. Jayakumar, the CEO of the Toonz Group, commented: “The establishment of a new distribution arm is in pursuance of our vision to grow as a full-fledged media house. We would be able to take to the world, properties from our library as well as a portfolio of iconic properties.”

Cooperstein added: “I look forward to this challenging opportunity and I am elated to be part of one of the most respected animation houses in the world. We already have acquired the rights to highly branded properties and will be aggressive in adding more titles in the future.”