MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Networks Asia has recently hired 29 people in key positions for its channels, AXN and Animax.

The latter is expected to debut in India later this year, while AXN in India continues to be the frontrunner in action and adventure programming.

SPE Networks Asia MD Todd Miller says, "We searched region-wide for the best talents to suit our operations, functional roles, and also serve as brand ambassadors for AXN and Animax."

"Our new hires include Indian and Hong Kong nationals, Singaporeans, Taiwanese, and many others who have honed their skills all over the world. This will not only bring a global flavour to the two channels, but also the all-important local market knowledge to the teams."

India's Abid Hussain and Taiwanese Lisa Yang join as AXN producers while Hong Konger Miranda Ng and Taiwanese Kitty Chung join as Animax producers. Hussain will be in charge of the look and feel of AXN India. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com SET India's assistant VP marketing and sales Rohit Bhandari who looks after AXN in India said that Husain understood the creative requirements of the Indian market as well as the nuances needed for creating promos and events.

Asked about Animax, Bhandari said that as of now there were no concrete plans as to when it would be brought into the country. As and when that happens, further appointments would be made for the country.

Another key recruit is Anna Teo who is the programming manager for Animax Asia. A former employee of TMS Entertainment, Teo marketed and licensed Japanese animation programmes to broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region, including AXN Asia. At Animax, Teo is responsible for programming, new product acquisition and scheduling. She reports to Animax programming and production VP Betty Tsui.

"Virtually all departments from ad sales to marketing, from creative services to network presentation, and from programming to distribution have experienced an increase in headcount." Miller adds.