Cartoon Network Asia eyes originals after Oggy deal

Cartoon Network Asia is looking to ramp up its slate of original productions after striking a deal to coproduce new seasons of Oggy and the Cockroaches.

The broadcaster inked the deal with Xilam and means that the Turner-owned station will work with the French animation company on season four of the animated comedy series.

Layla Lewis, director, programming, acquisitions and development, told TBI: “We identified that it would be amazing to have a new season of Oggy that brings something fresh to our channel. We’re airing seasons one through three this year and season four delivers at the end of 2012 with the introduction of a new character.”

Lewis adds that she wants this to mark a new strategy for the channel. “We have an opportunity to take a few more risks than some others. We want to make it known that we’re not just a library channel, we’re looking at doing development and looking for opportunities to grow.”