Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) is leaving its Burbank animation facility. Brian Miller, who oversaw the studio as general manager from its founding in 2000 until 2021, shared the news on Twitter.
“Sadly, this building will no longer be CNS,” Miller tweeted. I’ve been informed that by August 1, everyone will be gone. All are moving as a single animation unit within a WB building. Goodbye, CNS, as it existed.
Situated at 300 N. 3rd Street, the three-story structure spans 43,000 square feet. The old commercial bakery—or Pacific Bell building, according to some media accounts at the time—was converted into Cartoon Network’s animation studio for about $1.2 million, and the studio was formally launched on August 24, 2000.
The Burbank studio produced dozens of Cartoon Network programs, such as Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
The studio eventually exceeded its premises and rented out other Burbank Media Center neighborhood buildings.
It comes as no great surprise to learn that the building is closing. Warner Bros. Discovery announced a “strategic realignment” in October last year, outlining plans to combine Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation to streamline its television animation operations.
Warner Bros. Animation will remain the organization that oversees Cartoon Network Studios’ operations. Managing both studios is Sam Register. WBD still needs to disclose the new location for Cartoon Network personnel formally. Still, we understand they will be moving a few miles away to the recently constructed Second Century Development, a visually arresting pair of office buildings off the 134 highway, which Frank Gehry designed. The 800,000-square-foot iceberg-shaped buildings will be built next to the Warner Bros. complex in Burbank and are anticipated to be finished this year.
Cartoon Network Studios Refutes Closure Rumors in the Wake of Parent Business Layoffs
Following rumors of the show’s cancellation due to cutbacks at Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., Cartoon Network Studios reassured viewers that it will still run.
Since the announcement of the animation studio’s merger with Warner Bros. Animation, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, rumors of its doom have been circulating. In a memo provided to Deadline, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO Channing Dungey revealed that the company is undergoing a “strategic realignment.”
The Production and Development Teams will Collaborate with Warner Bros; Animation Inc; and CNS
Sam Register remains head of Hannah-Barbera Studios Europe in addition to both divisions. The message states that the latter will continue to exist as a distinct team. All three divisions already share teams handling artist relations, casting, current programming, legal matters, and business concerns.
Additionally, there will be changes made to the leadership. Audrey Diehl, adult animation by Peter Girardi, animated long-form series by Sammy Perlmutter, and primary production by Bobbie Page will lead the development teams for children’s and family shows.
Ultimately, the structural adjustments resulted in a 26% reduction in the company’s personnel. This equates to a reduction of 125 workers, of whom 82 were laid off, and 43 were left unfilled.
A 14% reduction in jobs, or 70 positions, was made at HBO and HBO Max in August, and 100 staff were released from Warner Bros. Discovery’s advertisement sales department. Variety claims that the layoffs are a part of the $3 billion cost-cutting initiative.
Fans of the studio were highly alarmed when the hashtag “#RIPCartoonNetwork” began to trend on Twitter following the news. CNS swiftly refuted the notion on its social media platforms, stating that its merger does not entail its demise.
CNS tweeted, “You guys, we’re not dead—we’re just turning 30.” The tweet included a smile emoji. “To our supporters: We will continue to exist. We have always been your go-to source for cherished avant-garde cartoons. More is on the way!
A CNS spokesperson also informed Fox News that the Warner Bros. layoffs do not represent the studio’s overall personnel reductions.
Another spokesman said, “Cartoon Network is scheduled to premiere more new and returning originals in 2023 than at any other time in its history, and much of that content will also be available to audiences on HBO Max.”
The statement said that the network’s claim that it is “going away is categorically false” and that the studio will only carry on under Warner Bros. Television’s direction.
“We Have no Intention of Leaving,” The Statement Said
Variety reports that CNS will keep making original material for Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and HBO Max. HBO Max is moving away from adult animation at the moment. Several animated series were removed from HBO Max when the platform amalgamated with Discovery Plus.
Shows like “Adventure Time” and “Over the Garden Wall” are popular on Cartoon Network.
According to Complex, it debuted in October 1992 under “The Cartoon Network,” and its animation and production division followed in 1994. In 1991, Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, acquired Hanna-Barbera Productions and appointed Betty Cohen as its first president.
Under CEO David Zaslav’s direction, the Warner Corporation has undergone a series of adjustments since formally merging with Discovery Inc. earlier this year, including the present unification of the production and development teams.
Cartoon Network will Remain Open Following its Merger with Warner Bros
“Cartoon Network TV Channel is being shut down after 30 years and will be merged with Warner Bros. to create digital content,” according to a post that has gone viral on social media. Let’s use this article to confirm this post.
- Claim: Cartoon Network TV will unite with Warner Bros. and close its doors after 30 years.
- Fact: It has been reported that Cartoon Network Studios will combine with Warner Bros. Animation, a sister studio, but will remain open following the merger. Cartoon Network tweeted in response to reports that it might be closing, reiterating that it will not be approaching and that further information will be released shortly. As a result, the post’s assertion is misleading.
I discovered several online news articles regarding the Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network studio merger. Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) and Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) will merge to consolidate their animation division; Warner Bros. is citing this move as a “strategic realignment” of the company. This announcement was made on Tuesday, according to Collider. Chairman Channing Dungey announced a memo sent to the entire company. “The two animation studios will remain separate entities even after merging,” Collider stated in their analysis.
FAQs
Why is Cartoon Network closing its doors?
In response to shifts in the market, Cartoon Network is concentrating on digital channels to expand its audience. The choice is in line with both changing viewer tastes and technology developments.
Will my favorite television programs end forever?
Adored series may find new homes on streaming services or other distribution channels, even though Cartoon Network may no longer exist as a formal channel.
What does Cartoon Network Studios stand to gain from this?
Cartoon Network Studios will likely make material, although it might start concentrating more on partnerships and internet platforms.
What impact will this have on the animation sector as a whole?
The shutdown represents a change in the animation business toward digital platforms in terms of content creation, distribution, and consumption.
Despite the closure, are there any new projects planned?
Yes, the tenacity and adaptability of the business are demonstrated by the fact that artists and animators are constantly working on new projects.
How can fans maintain a relationship with the cartoons they love?
Follow Cartoon Network’s and the creators’ social media pages for updates. Investigate other platforms where shows can find a new home as well.
In Summary
In summary, while Cartoon Network may be ending as it exists today, a new chapter in the history of cartoon media is about to begin. Let’s look forward to the future with hope and excitement as the industry adjusts to shifting circumstances.