It’s a free alternative to the subscription-based Cartoon Network channel offered in the Middle East via the Orbit Showtime Network, despite the varying differences in programming and available languages.
The channel is actively working to increase the balance between dubbed international content and locally developed content, created by people from the region. Cartoon Network Arabic is interested in collaborating with local talent to create shows that are aimed at its regional markets and have potential to be adaptable on a global scale. The aim is to develop creative content to be enjoyed by the regional and global audience.
In June 2011, Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), the network’s parent company, announced its plans to launch a brand new Cartoon Network animation development studio, known as the “Cartoon Network Studios Arabia.” The studios were established in order to promote and support local talent from across the Middle East and from the already established Cartoon Network Animation Academy.
“The new studios aim to reflect MENA’s culture by developing the indigenous creative talent stemming from the region; exploring the art, color and story telling, bringing it to life through original animation,” said Michael Carrington, the general manager of Cartoon Network Studios Arabia.
A previous initiative in 2010 by the Cartoon Network was the launch of an animation academy in collaboration with twofour54. The academy will train talented young individuals in 2D animation.
“The Cartoon Network development studio promises to continue building on this commitment; nurturing talented graduates from the academy — offering them internships working within the development studio and putting their creative ideas into practice — whilst being guided by established professionals,” said Carrington.
“We are very proud to bring the development studio to MENA. Having already touched base with a variety of content providers in the region since the launch of Cartoon Network Arabic, I know that there is a wealth of talent here and lots of great stories that can be brought to life via our channel. It has always been our goal for Cartoon Network Arabic to produce local content in collaboration with local people that can be enjoyed all over the region but that might also have the potential to enthrall our various global audiences too,” he said.
The channel is actively looking for individuals with a creative passion for cartoons, to be able to develop their ideas and get them to the point where they can be produced and broadcast on Cartoon Network Arabic.
“Our aim is to do more than just translate and adapt our shows for the local market. We are collaborating with local producers to identify shows that I feel have the potential to not just be a hit in the Arabic market, but a show that could possibly be adaptable on a global scale,” said Alan Musa, vice president and general manager of TBS in pan Middle East and Africa.
One of the channel’s famous show is Skatoony, an animated game show that has successfully conquered the infotainment sector and appeals to children and parents alike by combining live action and animation. Skatoony has brought together over 35 Arab children from across the region in exciting and entertaining playoffs and has seen them star in 13 weekly 22-minute episodes.
“In every episode, Skatoony brings together three cartoon characters and three Arab children to compete in three fast paced rounds of quizzing. Skatoony features games such as ‘Tamam Aw Ay Kalam?’ (Bang on or Bogus), ‘Orsom Ma Tasma Wa Israkh Itha Araft Ma Rasamt’ (Draw What You Hear and Shout Out When You Know What You’ve Drawn) and the ever mucky ‘Henny Bil Benny’ (Who Flung Dung), with contestants competing to win a place in ‘Tahadi Ka’as Isaalouni Ya Skatoony’ (Skatoony Quiz Champ Challenge) to win a spectacular prize,” said Carrington.
“The show is hosted by ‘Professor Abu El Uraif’ (Chudd Chudders), ‘El Jagal’ (The Earl) and ‘Ashik Dinar’ (Tony Eagle-Eyes) whose names and dialects have been adapted to cater to an ever growing fan base of Cartoon Network Arabic viewers,” he said.
According to Wayne Borg, deputy chief executive officer and chief operating officer at media content creation company twofour54, animation is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing media disciplines in the region and one the organization is focusing heavily on.
“Since we signed the agreement with Cartoon Network, we have seen the first class of students enter the world’s first Cartoon Network Animation Academy. The next phase of our agreement is the opening of the development studios and this will contribute significantly to our efforts to build the talent pool by providing career development opportunities for Arab animators, especially graduates from our Academy,” said Borg.
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