Ramsey A. Naito has been named vp of long-form development for Cartoon Network. In this newly created position, Naito will be responsible for finding, developing and producing long-form properties for the network. Sourcing from Cartoon Networks original assets as well as outside creator-driven publishing, comic and film resources, Naitos mission will be to shepherd event projects embodying the networks smart, funny and fearless sensibility for both on-air and DVD release. Naito will be based in Burbank, California, and will report directly to Michael Ouweleen, svp, development and creative direction for Cartoon Network U.S.
In addition to her considerable track-record within the animation industry, Ramsey stands out as one of the most creative, intelligent and non-traditional executives Ive had the pleasure to meet in some time, said Ouweleen. She has tremendous taste, a great rapport with artists, a good sense of humor and is, frankly, a delight to be around. As Cartoon Network launches further into long-form original production, well look to Ramsey to help us discover ideal properties that can be interpreted as either an animated, live-action or a combined animation-and-live-action project.
Most recently an independent consultant and exec producer of made-for-video movies, Naito comes to Cartoon Network from Nickelodeon Movies where she served six years (1999-2005) broadening the Nick Movies Family Film brand. In her tenure at Nickelodeon, Naito supervised development, production and marketing strategies for the companys most successful animated feature films the Oscar-nominated JIMMY NUETRON, BOY GENIUS; RUGRATS IN PARIS; RUGRATS GONE WILD; THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE; HEY ARNOLD, THE MOVIE and BARNYARD, THE MOVIE. In addition, Naito most notably served as one of the producers on the popular SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, THE MOVIE. Prior to working at Nickelodeon Movies, Naito was the unit production manager for the film SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER AND UNCUT. She also worked on direct-to-video projects and television series for DreamWorks (JOSEPH, KING OF DREAMS) and Klasky Csupo (RUGRATS; DUCKMAN; REAL MONSTERS).
Naito earned her Masters of Fine Arts Degree from CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) and a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She also is affiliated with both NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) and C.A.P.E. (Coalition for Asian Pacifics in Entertainers). A native of New York City and Baltimore, Naito lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11:00 pm-6:00 am (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.
Turner Broadcasting System Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
