Cartoon Network Sets Focus on Arab Animation Sector

ABU DHABI: Cartoon Network is looking to help boost the animation industry in the Middle East and North Africa by opening a dedicated animation training academy at twofour54 Abu Dhabi.

The plans will see the development of a number of projects focused on creating Arabic animation. Along with the Animation Academy, the new partnership will see the opening of the Cartoon Network development and production studios based at twofour54.

The first phase will be the new Cartoon Network Animation Academy and development studios, which will launch in September. Working closely with twofour54 tadreeb, the academy will offer young Arabs animation-focused training, with the aim of developing animation skills across the region. The courses will offer comprehensive vocational training in all aspects of animation. There will also be a program of master classes, which will be presented by Cartoon Network along with industry experts. Internships to Cartoon Network’s international studios will be offered to the academy’s leading students.

The new animation development studios, also launching in September, will be where the ideas and concepts for animation are generated and tested before taking the best Arabic creative concepts through to production. Here, young Arabs will also be given the opportunity to work with Cartoon Network experts.

The launch of the production studios, in early 2011, is the final phase of the partnership. These studios will translate ideas from the development studios into a commercial product.

Tony Orsten, the CEO of twofour54, said, “Cartoon Network is planning to revolutionize the creation of Arab animation. When we launched twofour54 this is exactly the type of partnership we envisioned—one that impacts across the full content creation chain—from training through to broadcast. This partnership will not only facilitate the creation of Arabic media content, but also supports our aim to develop a sustainable media and entertainment content industry here in Abu Dhabi.”

Jeff Kupsky, the president of Turner Broadcasting Systems for EMEA, commented, “We are very pleased to be working with twofour54 on this project to stimulate the talent that exists here. It will allow us work with them to develop innovative local content to compliment Cartoon Network’s global brand and programming strength.”

Alan Musa, the VP and general manager for the Middle East, Africa and pan-region, added, “Cartoon Network has built a strong reputation in the Middle East so it made tremendous sense for us to invest directly in the region. Demand for quality Arabic animation is on the rise and our projects in Abu Dhabi will facilitate further growth in the industry.

“The academy will offer training programs that will develop the skills of the region’s animators and find the talent that exists in the region and the development studio will ensure their creative animation ideas get off the ground. This is a very exciting opportunity for Arabic content creators and we look forward to working with twofour54 to realize the potential in the region.”

“All of our partnerships, including this Cartoon Network agreement, add to the twofour54 ecosystem,” noted Wayne Borg, the COO of twofour54. “The training academy is raising standards and producing talented individuals who are able to fill the new jobs being created. Cartoon Network is one of the world’s most recognizable cartoon brands and will provide tremendous opportunities for talented young Arabs to create animation relevant for the region.”