 In 1957 , Barbera reteamed with his former partner Hanna to produce cartoon films for television and theatrical release . As they had at MGM , the two brought their different skills to the company ; Barbera was a skilled gag writer and sketch artist , while Hanna had a gift for timing , story construction , and recruiting top artists . Major business decisions would be made together , though each year the title of president alternated between them . A coin toss determined that Hanna would have precedence in the naming of the new company , first called H @-@ B Enterprises but soon changed to Hanna @-@ Barbera Productions . Barbera and Hanna 's MGM colleague George Sidney , the director of Anchors Aweigh , became the third partner and business manager in the company , and arranged a deal for distribution and working capital with Screen Gems , the television division of Columbia Pictures , who took part ownership of the new studio . 
