Turner mulls channel options in Asia-Pac

MIPTV: Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS) is looking into whether the strategy that saw the 112-country roll-out of preschool brand Cartoonito in EMEA could be repeated in Asia.

Cartoonito was successfully launched across the EMEA region into 125 million homes as a programming block on older-skewed Boomerang last September, a move spearheaded by TBS EMEA chief content officer Michael Carrington. A similar strategy is now one of the options open to Hong Kong-based TBS Asia-Pacific, which is seeking to launch new channels in the region.

“We currently have Cartoon Network channels across the region and we also have Boomerang channels in Australia and Southeast Asia,” said director of programming, acquisitions and development Layla Lewis. “We are obviously looking at expansion opportunities and we do look at our brothers and sisters across the world. The expansion of the Cartoonito brand has been fantastic.”

TBS Asia-Pac is also planning to boost its coproduction activities, following the recent deal that will see it work with French toon house Xilam on the fourth season of Oggy & the Cockroaches.

“We’re trying to be the frontrunner in the region and make sure people know we’re there and actively seeking opportunities to partner. The opportunity is great for both parties because we’re looking to invest, get onboard and work creatively if we can,” said Lewis.

Any show produced must include both local and international appeal, as has been the case with European produced Cartoon Network toon The Amazing World of Gumball, Lewis added.