Warner Bros. appoints Jason DeMarco for its revamped animation division

Warner Bros. recently appointed Jason DeMarco to its newly expanded role of Senior Vice President, Anime and Action Series/Longform for Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. The executive will also continue his merit as Adult Swim as Senior Vice President, Head of Anime and Action Series. “Jason is an outstanding executive with a proven track record of successfully partnering with the best anime storytellers and creators and doing so with an unmatched level of enthusiasm,” President of Warner Bros. Animation Sam Register said. “His wealth of knowledge and passion will bring Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios sought after opportunities in the anime and action space.”

DeMarco will oversee the expansion of anime content production for both brands using the help of Japan’s most prolific anime studios, artists, and creators. He will also be tasked witht he development and production of future content, both in series and in longform versions. For one of his first projects, DeMarco will serve as the lead creative executive on original anime feature "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by New Line Cinema and WBA. 

DeMarco will report to both Register and Cartoon Network Studios, and Michael Ouweleen, President, Adult Swim. As Senior Vice President, Head of Anime and Action at Adult Swim DeMarco will serve as the current series and development executive of anime titles. He is currently overseeing the production of Adult Swim’s new original anime series Fena: Pirate Princess, famed Japanese horror franchise “Uzumaki” and the highly anticipated Blade Runner: Black Lotus set to premiere later this year. Previous series under his watch includes two seasons of fan-favorite anime series, FLCL. In addition, DeMarco will lead the creative direction, development, and implementation of all facets of on-air communication, promotion, packaging, and sponsorships for Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block.

DeMarco has been with Adult Swim and Cartoon Network for more than 20 years, beginning as a senior writer/producer and rising through the ranks of the on-air, marketing, and promotions teams. Among his many accomplishments, DeMarco co-created the Toonami programming block and founded Adult Swim’s Williams Street Records. “I got into this business because I love action cartoons and storytelling," Jason DeMarco said. "Being able to work in anime and action development, two areas of animation I care about deeply is a dream come true. I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned from Toonami and Adult Swim to our animation studios.”