Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Align for Branded Block

NEW YORK: A multiplatform block of branded original content tapping into the assets of Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment was among the new programming highlights announced by Cartoon Network at its annual upfront presentation.

In all, the network unveiled 13 new animated series, including The Problem Solverz and Secret Mountain Fort Awesome, from Cartoon Network Studios; the U.K. production The Amazing World of Gumball; The Looney Tunes Show, from Warner Bros. Animation; plus a new version of the global hit franchise Ben 10; a new remake of the action series ThunderCats, from Warner Bros.; and a CG-animated follow-up the summer blockbuster Green Lantern: The Animated Series. These join 19 returning show. Cartoon Network is also upping its live-action commitment, greenlighting a new live-action scripted comedy, Level Up, which debuts as a 90-minute original movie this fall ahead of a series premiere in 2012. Yesterday’s presentation also saw Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO and co-founder of DreamWorks Animation, revealing development plans for the new half-hour CG-animated series based on How to Train Your Dragon. The network also announced fourth-season renewals of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the Total Drama franchise.

DC Nation is the branded block being produced in partnership with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment that makes its debut in 2012. It will be an on-air and online brand featuring event programming, interstitials, exclusive behind-the-scenes of theatrical production and an insider look into the world of all things DC.

"DC Nation on Cartoon Network will be the first-ever dedicated broadcast destination to showcase the depth and breadth of the DC Universe," said Diane Nelson, the president of DC Entertainment. "We and our partners at WBTV are thrilled that fans will be able to immerse themselves in DC’s phenomenal stories, experience a wide spectrum of amazing characters and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings of the world’s greatest superheroes and their creators, both on-air and online."

Announcing the new slate, Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division, said, "Our commitment last year to build on the volume of broad content for our audience has paid off in solid ratings growth and renewed strength among our core 6-11 audience. We now have successful new shows that we can grow into the next big franchises. By partnering with premier entertainment companies like Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation and DC Entertainment, we are laying the groundwork for even further growth and expansion opportunities across the coming year."