Cartoon Network, a part of Turner Broadcasting System, a Time Warner company, is set to open a dedicated animation training academy at twofour54 in Abu Dhabi.
The ambitious plans announced at MIPTV in Cannes, will see the development of a number of projects focused on the development of Arabic animation, the company said in a statement.
As well as the Animation Academy, the new partnership will see the opening of the Cartoon Network development and production studios, all of which will be based at twofour54.
Tony Orsten, CEO of twofour54 said, “Cartoon Network is planning to revolutionise the creation of Arab animation. When we launched twofour54 this is exactly the type of partnership we envisioned – one that impacts across the full content creation chain – from training through to broadcast.
“This partnership will not only facilitate the creation of Arabic media content, but also supports our aim to develop a sustainable media and entertainment content industry here in Abu Dhabi.”
The first phase to become operational will be the new Cartoon Network Animation Academy and development studios, which will launch in September.
Working closely with twofour54 tadreeb, the region’s premier vocational media and entertainment training academy, the academy will offer young Arabs animation training.
The new animation development studios, also launching in September, is where ideas and concepts for animation will be generated and trialled before taking the best Arabic creative concepts through to production, the company added.
Launching in early 2011, the production studios will be the final phase of the partnership.
Speaking on behalf of Turner Broadcasting, Jeff Kupsky, president TBS EMEA, said: “We are very pleased to be working with twofour54 on this project to stimulate the talent that exists here. It will allow us work with them to develop innovative local content to compliment Cartoon Network’s global brand and programming strength.”
