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Animation veterans form media venture Phuuz entertainment
MUMBAI: Three award-winning veterans of the US animation industry have joined forces to form a new media company Phuuz entertainment.
Emmy award-winning producer/director and Film Roman’s former executive creative director Eric Radomski, former Warner Bros. Animation production VP Ken Duer and Level13.net’s former VP, GM Jay Francis are the co-founders of this new enterprise.
Explaining the logic behind the new enterprise Radomski was quoted in an official release saying, “There is no escaping the essential truth that today’s audience, especially the young audience, has changed. They are a generation raised on computers, video games, and the Internet. We are convinced that the manner and format we employ to tell our stories have to be in sync with the way the audience is requesting their content be delivered. We intend to cater to their voracious appetites for bold, arresting, and entertaining stories.”
To achieve this purpose Phuuz will develop original properties for new media (video and computer games, wireless technologies, DVD, Internet), traditional media (television, film, comics / graphic novels), and other ancillary markets (toys, fashion, advertising, music). In addition it plans on using new media platforms to maximise franchising and distribution opportunities.
Phuuz entertainment’s client roster includes MTV, Pioneer Entertainment USA, Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi, Japanese game producer Banpresto, Korean animation company Seoul Movie, and Japanese animation company TMS. One of the projects it is currently busy with is producing an English adaptation of the Japanese animated series Lupin The Third for Pioneer Entertainment USA. On the distribution front it acted as an agent on behalf of Pioneer and sold the Lupin series to kids channel Cartoon Network.
Phuuz recently completed making the independent film Jorge in association with DPS/Film Roman. Duer spent 11 years at Warner Bros. Animation, which culminated with his tenure as VP of world wide production from 1997-2001. Duer played a key role in the production of Warner Bros.’ animated series for over a decade including properties such as Batman, Scooby Doo, Tiny Toons, Johnny Bravo and Superman.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
