Cartoon Network in India is set to airing locally produced features, SON OF ALLADIN and THE LEGEND OF BUDDHA, according to THE HINDU.
Kicking off this programming was the 3D animated, SON OF ALLADIN. This cartoon sees Mustafa, Prince of Basra Alladin's son get the better of the evil Zee Zee Ba, meet the woman of his dreams and rescue his long lost parents.
Giving young viewers something new in the popular story of the Buddha is THE LEGEND OF BUDDHA, which will premiere on June 25, 2006. An animated version of the classic, the cartoon will take children through the life and times of Prince Siddhartha on his way to becoming "The Enlightened One."
"Cartoon Network is extremely proud of its pioneering role in bringing Indian folklore and historic tales to young audiences in a format that is appealing, educating and entertaining. We are also very happy that local animation has very quickly gained its rightful place of honor on the network, right beside the ever-popular international animation shows, demonstrating that quality content, be it Indian or international, resonates with the discerning young viewers,'' says Anshuman Misra, md of Turner International India Pvt. Ltd.
Both produced by Pentamedia, these two animated films raise the tally of local animation acquired and showcased on Cartoon Network to 11, with three of these launching in 2006.
Having paved the way for Indian animation shows on television channels in the country, we are very enthused by the success of these shows on the network. Taking a cue from the overwhelming positive response to Indian content by viewers across the country, Cartoon Network is now moving to the next level of being involved in the creative process. The Network is scouting avenues for lending its expertise on the likes and dislikes of Indian kids to partner studios from the conceptual stage to the finished product,'' said Anshuman.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
