Warner Bros. to Launch Networking Site

Warner Bros. plans to launch a Web site early next year that will allow users to interact with its cast of animated characters, create personal profiles and watch original online episodes.

The advertising-supported site will be called T-Works and will launch next spring, the company, a division of Time Warner Inc., said Thursday.

Besides serving as a destination for fans of such characters as Tweety Bird, Bugs Bunny and the Flintstones, the site also will allow users to personalize the characters and take them off site to decorate Web pages and profiles on social networking sites such as MySpace.

Users also will be able to create their own profiles and use such standard social networking tools as online chats.

The site will enable Warner Bros. to market toys, books and movies from its various divisions, including DC Comics, which serves as the home to Batman and Superman.

''T-Works will offer original entertainment content, social interaction and an intimacy with our beloved and iconic characters like never before in an environment that's safe and appropriate for all ages,'' said Lisa Judson, president of Warner Bros. Animation.

While the site will let users adopt a cartoon personality, or avatar, and interact with others on the site, it will also include filters, parental controls and other safeguards, the company said.

Video channels will include original shows made for the site as well as games. Users also can accumulate points that can be redeemed for items to decorate their T-Works profile.