MUMBAI: Moving forward on its commitment to acquire locally relevant content for India, Cartoon Network has recently acquired Delhi based Moving Picture Company's Panchatantra inspired animated series Jungle Tales.
Strengthening its programming line up, the kiddies channel has lined up a slew of releases in the second half of 2004 which include shows called Boo, Rubbadubbers, Postman Pat, Little Red Tractor, Maisy, Duck Dodgers, Teen Titans, Xiaolin Showdown, Ozzie and Drix and Digimon Series. The channel has also lined up new series of the popular shows, He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe and X-Men Evolution apart from animated movies titles like Barbie Princess and Pauper and Cheburashka.
Jungle Tales also happens to be the eighth locally produced animation series, acquired by the Network for its discerning Indian audiences.
Jungle Tales is an adaptation of stories from Panchatantra, that are a well-known collection of animal fables, aimed at imparting wisdom, wit and morals through simple yet evergreen stories and incidents.
An official release informs that the series has been adapted for a contemporary audience, with a universal crossover appeal that promises to enchant both children and adults. Importantly, though the series is rooted in Indian folklore, the values portrayed here transcend all traditions and cultures. In fact, this is the country's first indigenous long-form 3D animation series for television.
"Acquiring Jungle Tales is another leap forward for the Network, and we are delighted to provide a high-quality platform for content developed by Indian production houses. The Panchatantra stories have always been an integral part of a child's formative years. We are happy that through Cartoon Network, the next generation of kids will continue to enjoy and learn from these timeless tales of wit and wisdom," said Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond.
Diamond further added, "Providing content based on the Indian story-telling heritage is a critical mandate for Cartoon Network in its mission to provide a dynamic and healthy mix of local and international animated programming."
"Moving Picture is committed to creating original animation content from India for both the domestic and global market. It is befitting that the first long format 3D Animation TV series from India, also our first animated production - Jungle Tales - will have its world premiere on the foremost kids platform of the country Cartoon Network," said Moving Picture Company India Limited chairman and managing director Ramesh Sharma.
