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Ouweleen Moves Up Development Ladder at Cartoon Network

Michael Ouweleen takes on additional responsibilities in his newly created position of svp, development and creative direction for Cartoon Network. In his expanded new role, Ouweleen will oversee development and production of all original animated kid-targeted programming (6-14) including series, specials and made-for-television features for the 24-hour networks targeted dayparts.

Ouweleen will continue to direct all on-air promotions, program franchise packaging and on-air operations, and serve as the primary writer/producer of material aimed at establishing Cartoon Networks distinctive brand identity.

Over the course of his tenure here, Michael has provided exceptional team leadership and demonstrated creative brilliance throughout the network, said Jim Samples, evp/gm Cartoon Network Worldwide. Among his many accomplishments are creating the branding of Boomerang and the first look for Adult Swim, and providing valuable input overall to our program-development process. Most recently he has provided guidance and mentoring for the development of Cartoon Networks new on-air re-face, and introduced the live-hosted FRIDAYS franchise.

But he is perhaps best known to the animation community as the co-creater of one of Adult Swims hit series, HARVEY BIRDMAN: ATTORNEY AT LAW, Samples continued. Michael has that rare combination of direct experience with show creation and with oversight of the general creative environment, which makes him perfect for this position. He is a creative first, and an executive second, which is exactly what we need.

Sam Register, svp of original animation, will continue to oversee all new series development, reporting to Ouweleen and based at Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank. Working closely with Ouweleen, Bob Higgins, svp of programming and development, will oversee current series, pre-school development, network scheduling and acquisitions. Higgins continues to report to Samples.

Ouweleen came to Cartoon Network in 1996 from Korey, Kay & Partners in New York where he was a copywriter on accounts such as Comedy Central, Metropolitan Transit Authority and Celebrity Cruises. Previously, Ouweleen was a vp at J. Walter Thompson in New York City, where he wrote copy for the Bubblicious, Listerine, Schick, Kodak and Condomania accounts. Additionally, Ouweleen produced cartoons on a freelance basis, including an animated pilot called THE VOLES and an episode for THE TWISTED TALES OF FELIX THE CAT entitled Copycat.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in 86 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering animated entertainment.

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