Cartoon Network seeks Filipino creative muscle

Cartoon Network has expanded its global creative talent search to include the Philippines, looking for talented Filipino writers, artists and studios who can develop its next hit show.Called the International Shorts Program, the announcement was made Tuesday at Manila-based production studio Top Draw Animation, opening its doors to local animation representatives and media for the first time for an exclusive studio tour.Top Draw Animation is among Cartoon Network’s partner studios from the region which helped animate two upcoming titles Monster Beach and Exchange Student Zero, together with its original creators Melbourne-based Bogan Entertainment Solutions.Original content makes up a large percentage of Cartoon Network’s line-up, with shows like Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and Uncle Grandpa contributing much to its firm claim as the Philippine’s No. 1 kids’ TV channel for the past five years, based on Kantar Media data.And this content with notable global appeal is built by an equally diverse creative team from different countries, says Silas Hickey (pictured middle), Cartoon Network’s creative director for Animation Development in Asia Pacific, who flew to Manila to grace the event.“Our International Shorts Program signals serious intent that we are continuing to support the animation industry in Asia Pacific. We truly recognize the value of the talent in this region and a show like Monster Beach allows it to be consumed by a global audience. It’s really funny stuff and, with the exception of some voice talent based in North America, it’s all created in Australia, Hong Kong, and right here in the Philippines,” he adds.Monster Beach is a feature-length animation TV movie to premiere on 31 October while Exchange Student Zero is a series to be aired mid-2015, inspired by a 2012 animated movie.