AUSTRALIA — Cartoon Network’s first Australian content commissioned for global distribution, Monster Beach, has taken home the 2015 ASTRA Award for Most Outstanding Children’s Program.
As an international broadcaster, subscription television channel Cartoon Network is committed to producing exclusive and compelling local content with global export potential, with Monster Beach’s world premiere occurring in Australia last Halloween. The special then aired across Asia becoming the number one show in its timeslot in markets including Taiwan and the Philippines, and was dubbed into several languages. Scheduled for later this year, European audiences will be the next to enjoy the animated fun.
The original movie was commissioned by Cartoon Network and created by Melbourne-based animation studio Bogan Entertainment Solutions (BES). Monster Beach follows two siblings who visit their uncle on a secluded island for the summer, only to find the island in danger and the locals are surf-crazed monsters.
“The success of Monster Beach is a result of a collaboration between Cartoon Network’s executive production team in Hong Kong and BES in Melbourne,” said Mark Eyers, Chief Content Officer – Kids Content, Turner International Asia Pacific. “It is a great example of how an international network can partner with Australia’s top talent to create locally-produced content that can reach audiences across the world”.
Cartoon Network made Australia its first port of call in Asia Pacific last year on its international search for animation talent with Monster Beach delivering Australian flavour to international audiences with its distinctive animation style through BES’ involvement.
“Taking a project from the kitchen table through to international release has been an amazing experience. As has partnering with those whose belief in the concepts and the potential of Australian animation has been unswerving in its support,” said BES’ Patrick Crawley, Director of Monster Beach.
“Working with Cartoon Network has meant we’ve had the opportunity link some of the best Australian writing, design and animation talent with their contemporaries from around the world to deliver an outstanding project,” added Mr Crawley.
The feature-length special features three-time Gold Logie Award-winner Rove McManus, who voices four characters: Mutt, King Knutt, Brain Freeze and Hodad. ARIA Award-winning comedy group Tripod supplied music, with all members lending their voices as the Tiki characters.
Cartoon Network’s smash-hit series Adventure Time, which is now in its sixth season, also received a 2015 ASTRA Awards nomination for Most Outstanding Children’s Program.
The ASTRA Awards recognise the wealth of talent driving the Australian subscription TV industry and highlight the creativity, commitment and investment in production and broadcasting. This year’s awards were held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney, on March 12, 2015.
