Finn Arnesen
SVP, Original Animation & Acquisitions
Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Toonami, Turner Entertainment Networks International

How many hours or slots do you program per year?
We have 3 24 hour all animation channels in the UK ,Cartoon Network,Boomerang and Toonami. Across Europe, we have Cartoon Network and Boomerang in a majority of our territories.

What percentage or number of hours are commissioned vs. acquired? (Ie. 60% commissions/ 40% acquisitions)
An average 35-40% of the schedule across Europe is either acquired or commissioned. For Toonami UK, this rises to 90% acquired given the nature of the action-adventure/anime content.

What is the average amount for acquisitions and/or license fee?
We don't discuss our budgets. Suffice it to say that we pay what we feel is appropriate on a show by show basis depending on the market, rights availability, slot and the competition.

What are you looking for right now?
As ever, kids 6-11 character driven gender neutral comedy. Action adventure and anime for kids 8-12. Animated movies and specials. Timeless "classic" character based shows for Boomerang.

How do you prefer to be pitched?
All pitch material should be sent or mailed to Richard Rowe in the Original Animation and Acquisitions Dept. Turner House, 16 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HS. richard.rowe@turner.com Please include bible,show concept, character design, storylines.

What is your biggest pitch turnoff?
Distributors and producers who are unfamiliar with our channels and their output-pitching clearly unsuitable shows. Watch our air and be familiar with our line up, it helps everyone!

What is your market circuit?
Natpe, Kidscreen, Tokyo Anime Fair, MIP, Cartoon Forum, MIPCOM