MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is planning to premiere the ?Ben 10 Omniverse? series globally in over 178 countries and 27 languages together with a coordinated global campaign that begins in the US on 22 September.

Ben 10 Omniverse is the latest original series from Cartoon Network Studios. The franchise will follow the outer space adventures of a young superhero named Ben Tennyson and his new partner Rook.

Ben is traveling the globe and crossing platforms to give kids a full digital experience. CartoonNetwork.com will also host a Ben 10 blog, keeping kids up-to-date with the latest Ben 10 news. Additionally, fans are invited to download the first episode for free on iTunes, Amazon, Playstation, Xbox and iNdemand through 28 September.

Coinciding with the global premiere of this new-look series will be brand-new Ben 10 consumer products franchise. Making a worldwide debut this fall will be new Ben 10 Omniverse toys from master toy partner Bandai, an interactive game from D3Publisher and apparel from Freeze.

Additional licensing partners for the brand will follow with new products next year, all adding to the more than $3 billion generated at retail worldwide to date since its launch in 2006.

MUMBAI: Maya Digital Studios is converting Sons of Ram, a mytho film co-produced by Amar Chitra Katha Media and Cartoon Network, from 2D to stereoscopic 3D.

Sons of Ram will, thus, be India?s first ever animated film to be converted to stereoscopic 3D,the company that pioneered the art & technology of animation & visual effects in India in the 1990s, has come a long way. It has excelled in 2D to stereoscopic 3D conversion today.

Everyone knows that the studio has recently completed the entire 2D to 3D conversion work on one of Indian cinema?s greatest films of all time Sholay. With its expertise in place, the studio has now taken to do the same in Sons Of Ram produced by Amar Chitra Katha (ACK).

Said Maya Digital Studios chairman & managing director Ketan Mehta, "3D is the future of entertainment and we at Maya are extremely thrilled to bring India?s first animated 2D to 3D converted film Sons of Ram for the Indian audiences. It is a spectacular film with world-class 3D effects and comes from the house of the legendary Amar Chitra Katha."

While Sholay came with its own technical and creative challenges for conversion, Maya successfully delivered the same within the stipulated timelines. The conversion of SONS OF RAM brought in newer challenges. ? Based on ACK?s bestselling comic book, Sons Of Ram tells Luv and Kush?s journey through enchanted forests into the revered land of Ayodhya, the home of their fabled heroes. Complete with a brand new gang of loveable characters, this feature is the epic coming-of-age adventure as never seen before.

The film will release in Hindi and English in over 400 screens pan-India on the first day of the Diwali school holidays, 2 November. Select theatres will screen the film in stereoscopic 3D.

The movie will also have releases in Tamil and Telugu.

MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television (Set) has appointed Vivek Bahl as its chief creative director. Bahl will be responsible for the overall programming of the Hindi general entertainment channel, which was operating without a programming head since Ajay Bhalwankar had left in June 2011.

He will be reporting in to Set Sr EVP and business head Sneha Rajani.

MSM COO NP Singh said, "Vivek?s entertainment experience and a cross-functional strategic perspective will enhance the growth of Set. On behalf of Sony Entertainment Network we look forward to a long and fruitful working association with him."

Bahl comes with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Prior to this, Bahl had a short stint at Viacom18 as network advisor - content.

Rajani said, "We are delighted to have Vivek Bahl on board. Vivek has great experience and knowledge of content across genres. I wish him all the success and good luck for his new assignment."

Bahl added, "I?m delighted to join Set and hope to provide valuable programming inputs in all genres of shows. This is an exciting and challenging role and I am honored that trust has been reposed in my abilities."

Prior to that he was with Turner International as its Chief Content Officer, overlooking the content strategy and development for Turner?s entertainment brands in India, including Imagine TV, Cartoon Network, Pogo and Warner Brothers. He has played various roles of creating, writing, programming, producing and directing entertainment content.

Prior to Turner, he was executive creative director for Star India and he co-produced the series ?Navya? for Star Plus. He has also worked with Mahuaa Network in a consulting role to set up their new regional channels and Zee TV.

MUMBAI: Oggy and the Cockroaches, the animated comedy series, will premiere on 16 July on Cartoon Network India.

The show will air every Monday-Friday at 3 pm.

Viacom18?s Nick was showing the series in India since 2009. However the property moved to Cartoon Network following an Asia Pacific level exclusive co-production agreement with leading French animation studio, Xilam, to create season four of Oggy and the Cockroaches.

Cartoon Network will be launching a contest based on Oggy and the Cockroaches called ?Oggy di New House Party!?.

Turner International India General Manager, Entertainment Networks, South Asia Monica Tata said, "Oggy and the Cockroaches has a winning comedy formula that has made it hugely popular with kids in India. We are thrilled about this latest acquisition, which ensures that Oggy and the Cockroaches becomes part of a formidable comedy line up on Cartoon Network this year."

MUMBAI: Kids channel Pogo is all set to reacquaint kids of Gen Y with the biggest comic hero of all time in an all new animated avatar in Chaplin & Co every Saturday at 9 am, starting 7 July.

Based on the hilarious escapades of Charlie Chaplin, Chaplin and Co is a co-production between Hyderabad-based DQ Entertainment and France-based Method Animation, and was developed in consultation with the Chaplin family.

Turner International India General Manager, Entertainment Networks, South Asia Monica Tata said, ?Our aim at Pogo is to strike the perfect balance between Indian and international shows that will enthrall kids and families.By launching a show based on the biggest comic icon in the world, Charlie Chaplin, we hope to entertain not only kids who never got to witness his brilliance but also adults who grew up admiring him. In addition, to remain relevant to today?s generation and broaden its appeal, the show has been made in colour and animation."

Cartoon Network Asia had in 2010 acquired the TV broadcast rights of the popular animated series for certain Asian territories including India.

The broadcasting rights relate to 104 Chaplin and Co episodes, each 6 minutes long and will be broadcast across all of Cartoon Network?s Asia Pacific markets in more than 26 countries from early 2012.

MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor FremantleMedia has announced a new distribution deal with Cartoon Network for the US broadcast rights to the animated comedy series, ?Grojband?.

?Grojband? follows Corey and his three best friends, Laney and twin brothers Kin and Kon, as they work to propel their garage band to international stardom.

The band soon realises that their lack of lyrical creativity is the only thing stopping them from making it big.

Corey hits the jackpot when he stumbles upon the diary of his drama-queen older sister Trina. Her diary provides the best inspirational lyrics for the band.

Corey and his band plot to steal Trina?s diary in order to write new songs. But to keep the diary drama-filled, Corey needs to ensure his sister?s life remains an emotional roller coaster. If they can accomplish all of that, then BINGO ? another sweet hit is born!

FME manages the worldwide (excluding Canada) TV distribution, home entertainment and brand licensing rights for the series.

FME Kids and Family Entertainment executive VP Bob Higgins said,"With its mix of unique visual styling, memorable characters, catchy music and hilarious gags, we think Grojband will be an outstanding contribution to Cartoon Network?s line-up."