Kids
Cartoon Network’s talent search heads to the Philippines
MUMBAI: Cartoon Network has extended its global animation talent search further into Southeast Asia, bring the International Shorts Program to the Philippines. The country’s No. 1 kids’ channel is casting a wide net to identify writers, artists and studios that can develop its next original hit series.
Today, Manila-based production studio Top Draw Animation opened its doors for the very first time to local animation and TV industry representatives who experienced an exclusive studio tour and a sneak-peek of Monster Beach. This feature-length animated TV movie was commissioned by the team at Cartoon Network’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, created by Melbourne-based Bogan Entertainment Solutions and animation work was conducted by Top Draw Animation in the Philippines.
Silas Hickey, Cartoon Network’s Creative Director for Animation Development in Asia Pacific, said: “Our International Shorts Program signals serious intent that we are continuing to support the animation industry in Asia Pacific. We truly recognize the value of the talent in this region and a show like Monster Beach allows it to be consumed by a global audience. It’s really funny stuff and, with the exception of some voice talent based in North America, it’s all created in Australia, Hong Kong, and right here in the Philippines.”
After the tour, Top Draw Animation staff demonstrated their enthusiasm for the projects they are working on by dressing up as their favorite anime characters from Exchange Student Zero, another project that features the Asia-Pacific collaboration. Members of the animation industry, university students and the department of education were also on hand to show their support.
Original content makes up a large percentage of Cartoon Network’s line-up, and series like Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and Uncle Grandpa are a major factor that have made it the country’s No. 1 kids’ TV channel for the past five years.1
In Asia Pacific, Monster Beach premieres across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand on Halloween (October 31). Exchange Student Zero, an animated series, will premiere on Cartoon Network in mid-2015.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
