Cartoon Network and MDA looking for local toons

Cartoon Network has teamed with the Media Development Agency (MDA) to launch Snaptoons, an initiative looking for locally originated animated series for the Turner owned kids channel.

Singapore’s MDA will promote the scheme, handle the first round selection of projects and contribute to the development of the selected animated series. Producers should submit a synopsis and at least three character designs to be considered.

Silas Hickey, creative director, Asia Pacific Animation Development, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific told TBIvision that the Singapore initiative makes sense as the city-state has a good pool of talent that is brimming with ideas with international appeal.

“We’re looking for the next generation of cartoon heroes,” he said. “Therefore we’re definitely on the lookout for great original ideas that reflect our Cartoon Network brand values of fun, funny, surprising and fearless.”

The initiative also marks a shift towards increasing the level of locally-sourced content on Cartoon Network, Silas said. “Cartoon Network viewers enjoy a solid mix of local and international programming and we’re excited to see a shift in the number of home-grown series coming out of Asia Pacific,” he noted. “We’re working closely with animation studios around Asia to help propel locally produced series to the global stage. There’s a huge talent pool in this part of the world so it’s the region to watch.”

Turner has already launched Snaptoons in Malaysia, India and Hickey says it will launch in other countries across Turner’s Asia-Pacific footprint.