Arnesen Heads Up Int’l Cartoon Network Production

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) Europe has promoted Finn Arnesen to the joint roles of svp of Original Animation and Acquisitions for Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Toonami throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as international head of Program Production with responsibility for all areas outside the U.S.

In this new structure, Arnesen directly to Nan Richards, president of Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) Europe; Steve Marcopoto, president TBS Asia and Juan Carlos Urdaneta, president TBS Latin America, for his international responsibilities. He will continue to report to Tina McCann, svp/gm for Turner Entertainment Networks International, for his EMEA duties where he works across all territories with the respective Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Toonami channel managers.

"Finn is one of the original Cartoon Network Europe founders,” said Tina McCann. “He has been an invaluable contributor and one of the key architects of our highly successful animation brands throughout EMEA. Finn's expertise in the world of animation is unrivalled in the business."

Arnesen’s team produced THE CRAMP TWINS, which was a major hit series show for Cartoon Network and the BBC, with a second season in production and good ratings in the U.S. as well. He is also in production on ROBOTBOY with Alphanim and has just developed a CGI project with Aardman called CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS.

Internationally Cartoon Network has committed $500 million over five years (2003-2007) to produce original animated programming, to be primarily produced at the Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, California. In this role, Arnesen liaises between the domestic and international markets for all original program development.

Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network +, Boomerang and Toonami together make up the highest rated group of kids channels in the U.K. Cartoon Network, the 24 hour, seven day a week, all-animation channel is available on localized feeds in 11 languages on digital and analogue satellite, cable and DTT in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Channels are operated by Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd., a Time Warner Co.