Renegade Animation, producer of the popular Cartoon Network series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, has named Darin McGowan to the post of Director of Development. McGowan, who has worked as a storyboard artist and directing animator with the studio since 2004, will head a new effort to develop projects for traditional outlets including feature films, episodic television and DVD, as well as such emerging media platforms as video podcasting and cell phone applications.

‘The continued growth of the company depends on our ability to develop new projects, especially those in which we retain an ownership share,’ said Renegade Animation executive producer Ashley Postlewaite. ‘And we are delighted that Darin will be leading this effort. He is an exceptionally talented artist, who is a font of great ideas and has a real passion for this aspect of the business.’

In addition to providing new revenue, Renegade views development as key to its ability to retain emerging talent. ‘We have great team of artists and we want to continue to provide them with projects to work on that they are excited about,’ said Darrell Van Citters, Renegade creative director. ‘We also want to give them the opportunity to develop their own characters, stories and ideas.’

McGowan, who has previously had projects optioned by Warner Bros., Disney and Nickelodeon, said that Renegade boutique size and independent ownership allows it great flexibility in choosing and executing new projects. ‘It easier for us to make decisions and we can produce projects faster than studios often can,’ he said. ‘We also have a tremendous pool of talent here. It a natural.’ McGowan added that he is particularly excited about the opportunities in new media such as video podcasting where fresh content is lacking even as demand is undergoing explosive growth.

Renegade Animation is currently producing its first animated feature film, Who Stole Santa Sack? Written and directed by Robert Zappia and featuring the voices of Kathy Bates, Ed Asner, Jay Leno, Shirley Jones, Andy Griffith, Norm MacDonald and Daniel Roebuck. Additionally, Renegade is producing a compilation of music videos aimed at home video release based on the work of children songwriter Tom Chapin. The studio is also currently working on the third season of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi and numerous commercial and promotional projects.

Renegade Animation is located at 116 N. Maryland Ave., Lower Level, Glendale, CA 91206. For more information, call (818) 551-2351 or visit www.renegadeanimation.com.