Turner Sets Up Theatrical Business in India

DELHI, June 26: Turner is
moving ahead with plans to set up a theatrical business in India, which will
develop feature films targeted at kids and families.

Jiggy George, the
executive director of Cartoon Network Enterprises for South Asia, has been
charged with establishing the new division, which will tap into Turner’s
channels, consumer products and new-media businesses to market its film slate.
George will be responsible for all aspects of the theatrical business,
including production, marketing, distribution, licensing and merchandising and
ancillary functions. In addition, Chitra Subramaniam joins Turner India as director
of features. She will be responsible for developing animated and live-action
theatrical films. Subramaniam joins Turner after a number of years in the
Indian movie business.

Monica Tata, the VP and
deputy general manager for entertainment networks in South Asia at Turner
International India, commented: “Our theatrical venture is an extension of
Cartoon Network and POGO’s long standing vision to embed themselves into the
lifestyle of Indian kids. By introducing content on the big screen into the
mix, we now offer kids’ entertainment across another platform.”

She continued: “This
venture is a key initiative in India and we are at the critical phase of laying
its foundation. We are in the process of identifying the right projects,
resources and are evaluating co-production options with studios.”

—By Mansha Daswani