Finn Arnesen
Former SVP, MD of Original Series, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Toonami
30 minutes with Finn Arnesen, International Head of Programme Production, Cartoon Network, Boomerang & Toonami
Programming Showcase: Turner Entertainment Networks

Finn Arnesen has the dual roles of Vice President of Programming, Acquisitions and Development for Cartoon Network, Europe and Head of Programme Production for Cartoon Network International with responsibility for all areas outside the US.

Arnesen joined Turner Entertainment Networks International in 1993 and has been instrumental in developing the programming for the networks and beyond. He supervised all day to day programming, operations and development for Cartoon Network, including creative input into on-air promotions and themes as well as the development of scheduling strategy.

Since his promotion to Vice President in July 1997, Arnesen has been responsible for development of animation and original productions as well as overseeing all scheduling and programming buying for all Cartoon Network Europe feeds in the UK and Europe.

In a move to further integrate its global businesses Cartoon Network appointed Bob Higgins as head of Cartoon Network Programming & Development in the US and in July 2003 promoted Arnesen to represent all Cartoon Network channels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the Far East. This was in order to enable the international channels to play a more proactive role in the development process. Cartoon Network has committed $500 million over five years (2003-2007) to producing original animated programming much of which will be developed and produced at the Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, California. In this new role Finn liaises between the domestic and international markets for all original programme development.

Committed to bringing cartoon fans original European animation, Arnesen recently worked with producer and distributor, TV Loonland in co-producing The Cramp Twins, a 26 half hour series, created by British author Brian Wood and based on the books of the same name. The show has enjoyed great ratings success on Cartoon Network and the BBC. A second series is now in production. Continuing the relationship with Alphanim is another European co-production, Robotboy, 26 x 24, which has also been picked up Cartoon Network USA and other Cartoon Network regions outside Europe.

In the search for finding talent and the potential hit characters/shows of the future, Arnesen has commissioned a series of Flash pilots (working with Pete Candeland of Gorillaz fame), is in development with another European co-production series and continues the search for stand out acquisitions that will compliment the Network.

Prior to joining Turner, Arnesen worked for ScreenSport (the European Sports Network) from 1989-93 as well as a brief stint as Sky Sports. Arnesen has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in French and Drama from the University of Warwick and is a proud Charlton Athletic Season Ticket holder.