Turner Strengthens Creative Team to bolster original production in Asia Pacific

Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has further strengthened its creative team, with the appointment of leading animator Yoshiya Ayugai as Executive Producer, Animation. Reporting to Silas Hickey, Creative Director, Animation, this newly created role highlights the increasing importance Turner is placing on the development of top-quality original production in the Asia Pacific region.

Based in Hong Kong, Ayugai will be responsible for the production of original animated content, and creative supervision for shorts, series and long-form productions. He will be working with the region’s most dynamic animation studios from Mumbai to Manila and Seoul to Sydney to produce comedy and adventure-inspired content that animates kids’ lives.

The appointment coincides with Turner’s commitment to bolstering original production in the Asia Pacific region, with multiple animation projects underway in India, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

Rick Fernandes, Executive Director Original Production & Development, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. said: “Yoshiya is a terrific asset to the team and together with Silas will make a formidable creative force in the region. In an industry where content is king and story is key, Yoshiya will no doubt inspire even more compelling content that reflects the Cartoon Network brand personality that is ultimately fun, funny, fearless and surprising.”

Prior to this position, Ayugai held several posts at Disney, including Creative Executive at Walt Disney TV in Burbank, and a tenure as Manager of Development for Walt Disney Animation Japan, working closely with Disney Toon Studios.

He was a producer for Cartoon Network Productions Japan, a new division focussing on co-production projects such as Powerpuff Girls Z, after which he went back to Disney to produce Stitch with leading Japanese studios Shin-Ei and Mad House Productions.

Ayugai has been an Executive Committee Member of the Tokyo International Anime Fair since 2000.