Cartoon Network, MDA Partner on SNAPTOONS

SINGAPORE: Cartoon Network Asia is expanding its SNAPTOONS animation initiative to Singapore following rollouts in India, Malaysia and Australia, via a partnership with the Media Development Authority (MDA).

SNAPTOONS (Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons) will enable Cartoon Network to connect with creative talent from Singapore, with a view to investing in and developing new animated ideas. Local animators are encouraged to submit pitches, of which ten will be shortlisted and five turned into broadcast quality shorts. SNAPTOONS initiatives in India, Malaysia and Australia have resulted in the production of Kul Veera (India), Johnny Bravo Goes To Bollywood (India), Hi-So Hillbilly (Thailand) and Exchange Student Zero (Australia).

“It is important to us at Cartoon Network to find and nurture home-grown talent from around the Asia Pacific region,” said Silas Hickey, creative director of animation at Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific. “Singapore has long been known as a hub for creativity, particularly within the arts, and with the support of MDA we hope to showcase this talent on an international platform while animating kids’ lives with the best in homegrown entertainment.”

Yeo Chun Cheng, director of broadcast, animation, film and music at the MDA, added: “We are pleased to partner with Cartoon Network on SNAPTOONS. Our collaboration provides opportunities for Singapore content creators especially budding animators to create original and creative content for the international market. We look forward to receiving many interesting pitches and have some of the best ideas developed into shorts or even a full series.”