London, UK, 25 April 2010: Cartoon Network, a part of Turner Broadcasting, A Time Warner company, and Lammtara, the award-winning studio and creator of the popular 3D animation series FREEJ, have announced a collaborative licensing and development deal which will see Turner Broadcasting Europe licensing FREEJ episodes and merchandise.  Cartoon Network will also produce a local version of the successful original production, Skatoony which will feature characters FREEJ.

Skatoony is a part-live action/part 2D game show pitting children against popular Cartoon Network characters, shot against a green screen. As part of the deal Cartoon Network will feature characters from seasons one, two and three of FREEJ in the channels first regional production.

As part of the deal, Cartoon Network will also retain rights to air FREEJ on its channels, and will have the opportunity to syndicate the content outside the MENA markets.

Cartoon Network and Lammtara will collaborate on developing and co-producing regionally relevant IP that works in the region and beyond.

 “Cartoon Network is delighted to lead the market and launch this new and unique opportunity in the Middle East,” added Chris Groves, Senior Vice President Business Affairs & MD Middle East. “We are very pleased to be working with Lammtara on Cartoon Network’s first local production. This innovative collaboration is part of our dedication to creating exciting, original content and investing in the region“

Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of FREEJ, talked about the collaborative process; “Following extensive discussions with Cartoon Network, we were not only impressed with their desire, commitment and determination to produce something locally, but more importantly the transparency of the channel to align their organisation with our own. I am absolutely certain that this collaboration is only the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship that will present further exciting opportunities in the future.”

This collaboration follows the announcement at MIP in Cannes that Cartoon Network has launched the Cartoon Network Animation Academy in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based content provider twofour54. The Lammtara project is another example of the channels vision, going forward, in the region.

Jeff Kupsky, President, TBS Europe adds, “We are very pleased to be working with Lammtara on this project. It further re-enforces Turner’s ambition to build upon the business we have established in the Middle East and our commitment to investing in local talent.  We are confident that with Turner’s success in the broadcast industry and FREEJ’s strength and popularity, we can take these wonderful characters to viewers across markets.”