MUMBAI: After appointing Studio 18’s Chitra Subramaniam as director features for its film division, Turner has now given additional responsibility to Cartoon Network Enterprises South Asia executive director Jiggy George to head the division.

George has been made in charge to set up the company’s theatrical division, which will leverage the power of Turner channels, consumer products and new media businesses to market these films effectively.

It may be recalled that Businessofcinema.com was the first to report Subramaniam’s appointment earlier this month.

Subramaniam will work closely with George.

As head of the division, George will be responsible for all aspects of the theatrical business including production, marketing, distribution, licensing and merchandising and ancillary functions.

He will develop the core resource team and formulate strategic partnerships with studios and distributors for the business venture.

George will continue to drive the licensing and merchandising strategies for Cartoon Network and POGO in India.

Turner International India vice president and deputy general manager – entertainment networks, South Asia Monica Tata said, “Our theatrical venture is an extension of Cartoon Network and POGO’s long standing vision to embed themselves into the lifestyle of Indian kids. By introducing content on the big screen into the mix, we now offer kids’ entertainment across another platform. We are very happy that Jiggy, with his rich industry experience, inspiring vision and relentless drive will lead this division catapulting Turner into the theatrical business.”

Giving an update on the business division, Monica further added, “This venture is a key initiative in India and we are at the critical phase of laying its foundation. We are in the process of identifying the right projects, resources and are evaluating co-production options with studios.”

Subramaniam will be responsible for developing theatrical films on both animation and live action format. Her mandate will be to create a talent pool and manage co-production and marketing of the theatrical projects.

Turner, in addition to its existing offering of news and entertainment channels, will now represent a diverse bouquet of content across multiple genres in India: English entertainment channel with Warner Bros; Hindi GEC in partnership with the Alva Brothers; and theatrical entertainment.