Cartoon Network has widened its talent search in Asia Pacific by launching its international shorts program in the Philippines to find writers, artists and studios with original ideas for potential hit animated series.

Manila-based production studio Top Draw Animation kicked off the initiative today with an exclusive studio tour and preview of Monster Beach, a feature-length animated TV movie commissioned by Hong Kong-headquartered Cartoon Network Asia Pacific, for local animators and TV industry reps.

Created by Melbourne, Australia-based Bogan Entertainment Solutions, the movie follows the adventures of Jan and her brother Dean on a scary secluded island, and features animation work by Top Draw.

Monster Beach is set to premiere across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand this Halloween (October 31).

Another Cartoon Network Asia Pacific production supported at the event is animated series Exchange Student Zero.

The series tells the story of two boys who bring an anime character to life and pass him off as an exchange student. It is Cartoon Network’s first Australian-made series for global distribution and is also produced in conjunction with Bogan Entertainment. It’s expected to debut on Cartoon Network in mid-2015.

Celebrating its 20th year in the region this year, Cartoon Network had a landmark 2013 in Asia Pacific by reaching more than 75 million pay-TV homes to finish the year as the top-rated international kids channel in seven markets.

The network is currently available in 27 countries throughout Asia Pacific and has increased its online presence in the region with nearly three million unique visitors per month.