Cartoon Network has promoted Pola Changnon to vp of on-air and exec producer of program production. She will be responsible for managing and directing all on-air production that comprises the signature environments of both Cartoon Network and Boomerang-from network IDs and spots, to original and acquired series promotion and packaging, to interstitials and production work on network specials and stunts.
Additionally, she will continue to serve as production lead on key programming projects such as the top-rated five-hour weekly franchise Fridays; the comprehensive 3D network reface involving, to date, more than 75 minutes of original animation; and a new, soon-to-launch 11-week Sunday-night franchise presenting 30 minutes of animated comedy shorts for tweens 9-14.
Changnon will supervise a staff of in-house writers, designers and producers. And as part of the Cartoon Network senior management team, she will continue to provide valuable input to the development and execution of network initiatives and business goals. She is based in Atlanta and reports directly to Michael Ouweleen, svp, development and creative direction at Cartoon Network.
"As vp of on-air production, Pola masterfully directed the production of a living, vibrant, gorgeous new world that is the Cartoon Network reface, which never could have been done without her exacting standards," said Ouweleen. "Simultaneously, with hardly any lead time, she created one of the network's largest, funniest and brightest destinations, Fridays, which involves live hosts, guest stars and an ever-evolving set. We are truly the benefactors of her deep experience, limitless reserves of 'getting it,' and unwavering leadership. It was simply a natural progression for Pola to add creative development of these projects to her current production responsibilities."
Changnon joined Cartoon Network in 1998 as its vp/exec producer of Cartoon Network Online where she managed all creative development and production for Cartoon Network's award-winning, top-ranked website, CartoonNetwork.com. She oversaw a team of more than 30 producers, writers and graphic designers as well as third party vendors who created content for the site. Changnon also directed the development and introduction of Cartoon Orbit, an innovative trading community for kids. In fall 2003, she moved to the network on-air department where she oversaw production aspects of network spots, packaging and interstitials, as well as live-hosted programming.
Previously Changnon was a producer at San Francisco-based Colossal Pictures. Her projects there included producer/writer for SMALL-MINDED GOD, an animated online series for the Microsoft Network (MSN), as well as producer for FRANKENGUY AND THE PROFESSOR and THE MIX-UPS, two animated interstitial series for the Disney Channel. She also consulted on projects for Nickelodeon, CBS, Viacom and Hanna-Barbera.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), seen in 87.6 million U.S. homes and 170 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering animated entertainment. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
