Just a reminder to watch for Coco Jones’s DCOM Let It Shine next month. I personanlly don’t think it looks like much but Brandon Mychal Smith is in it so I might check it out just for him.
Disney’s official press release follows:
A rousing, modern day story inspired by the ghostwritten love letters of Cyrano de Bergerac, “Let it Shine” is set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music and expresses the importance of staying true to oneself. Geared towards kids, tweens and families, the story follows a shy, talented musician who pens romantic hip-hop verses only to stand idly by as they’re delivered to the girl of his dreams by a proxy, his best friend.
The movie premieres June 15, 2012 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) as part of the popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, the industry’s gold standard when it comes to relevant stories, diversity and pro-social messages for a generation of kids. A Disney Channel Original Movie has delivered cable television’s #1 original movie telecast among Tweens 9-14 and Total Viewers for the past 10 and five years, respectively. The 80+ movies share attributes that reflect Disney’s heritage and core values: trust, quality, optimism, self-expression, creativity, storytelling, imagination and entertainment.
The inspiring story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge and his best friend Kris McDuffy reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews, whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writes music under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics but ultimately begins to win Roxanne’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self and pursue his dreams. All the while, Cyrus must convince his preacher father that hip-hop music can have a positive message.
Starring are Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as Cyrus DeBarge, Coco Jones (Radio Disney “N.B.T.”) as Roxanne Andrews, Trevor Jackson (“Eureka”) as Kris McDuffy, Brandon Mychal Smith (“So Random!”) as Lord of Da Bling, Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”) as Cyrus’ mother Gail De Barge, Alex Desert (“Becker”) as Levi, the owner of Off The Street, the teen music club where Cyrus works, Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”) as Roxanne’s music manger Lyla and Courtney B. Vance (“FlashForward”) as Cyrus’ preacher father, Jacob DeBarge.
The movie’s soundtrack features 12 original songs by acclaimed music producers/songwriters/performers: Rock Mafia, Toby Gad, David Banner, Antonina Armato, David Banner, Andy Dodd, In-Q, J-Doe, Glorious Foreman, actor/recording artist Adam Hicks (of Disney Channel’s “Lemonade Mouth” and Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”), Tim James, Steven Jones, Jay L’Oreal, Justin Mobley, Tocarra Phillips, Lindy Robbins, Thomas Armato Sturges, Dapo Torimiro, Anya Vasilenko, Jon Vella, Lambert “Stereo” Waldrip and Adam Watts.
“Let It Shine” was directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and choreographed by Danny Teeson (“American Idol”) and Brandon Shaw.
Filmed in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia, “Let It Shine” is a production of GWAVE Productions, LLC.
Ah yes, the new cartoon from the Fish Hooks guy. I can’t say I’m really looking forward to this…
Anyway, here’s the Disney press release:
May 21, 2012
“GRAVITY FALLS,” A FRESH APPROACH TO COMEDIC STORYTELLING FROM ANIMATOR ALEX HIRSCH, FEATURING THE VOICE OF JASON RITTER AND KRISTEN SCHAAL AS CITY KIDS SENT TO SPEND THE SUMMER IN A REMOTE AND QUIRKY TOWN, PREMIERES FRIDAY, JUNE 29 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
Gravity Falls is just west of weird, slightly east of eerie and always north of normal, in a fresh new comedy series that follows city kids and twins Dipper and Mabel Pines who are sent to spend the summer with their eccentric Great Uncle Stan (aka Grunkle Stan) who runs a tourist trap called The Mystery Shack in a remote northwestern town where nothing is what it seems. There are creatures in the forest, there are monsters in the lake and even time traveling adventures. The comedy, produced by Disney Television Animation, has a special preview FRIDAY, JUNE 15 (9:55 p.m., ET/PT) and premieres FRIDAY, JUNE 29 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Created and executive-produced by 2007 CalArts graduate Alex Hirsch (“Fish Hooks,” “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack”) and inspired by his real life adventures with his twin sister, “Gravity Falls” features the voice talents of Jason Ritter (“Parenthood”) and Kristen Schaal (“Toy Story 3,” “30 Rock”) in the lead roles. The cast also includes Linda Cardellini (“Freaks and Geeks”) and Alex Hirsch, and guest stars including Jennifer Coolidge, Will Forte, Alfred Molina, Lance Bass, Coolio and Larry King.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, May 25
• Viewers are invited to enter the elusive world of Gravity Falls at DisneyChannel.com and play the game “Mystery Shack Mystery” in which Dipper and Mable must collect objects to solve puzzles, and customize postcards with various backgrounds, objects and fun messages in the activity, “Postcard Creator.”
Friday, June 15
• A full episode preview of “Gravity Falls” follows the premiere of “Let It Shine” (9:55 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. In the premiere episode, “Tourist Trapped,” Dipper and Mabel arrive to spend the summer in Gravity Falls and soon discover that something is amiss with the remote town.
• “Tourist Trapped” will be available on iTunes.
Friday, June 22
• “Gravity Falls” series premiere available on Disney Channel SVOD.
Friday, June 29
• “Tourist Trapped” encores on Disney Channel (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) and will be available immediately after on DisneyChannel.com. A new episode, “The Legend of the Gobblewonker,” follows on Disney Channel in its regular timeslot (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). In the episode, the twins embark on a mission to prove that a legendary sea monster exists at the bottom of the local lake.
• Viewers can take a speed ride through Gravity Falls in the new game, “Mystery Tour Ride” featured on DisneyChannel.com.
Saturday, June 30
• A new episode “Headhunters” premieres on Disney Channel (9:25 p.m., ET/PT). Larry King and Coolio guest star in a classic “whodunit’” episode filled with life-sized doppelganger wax figurines.
• Series launches on Disney Channel On Demand, Mobile VOD, Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation.
Sunday, July 1
• Encores of “Tourist Trapped,” “The Legend of the Gobblewonker” and “Headhunters” air on Disney Channel (beginning at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT).
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
People always ask me, “Greg, how can I be on Disney Channel?” and I usually say something like “Move to Hollywood, find an agent, and audition. Or, wait for an open casting call in your area – they do that sometimes.” Well, now is one of those times! Disney is looking for actors and actresses ages 10-18 the weekend after next in Kansas City, Missouri. If you think you’ve got what it takes, talk to your parents now and do what it takes to get there!
The official Disney press release follows. (My emphasis has been added to certain key parts).
DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL OPEN CASTING CALL
IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI ON SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012
Talented Young Actors, Actresses and Performers Ages 10-18
Have Opportunity to Audition for Upcoming Series and Movies
Disney Channel and Disney XD will hold an open casting call in Kansas City, Missouri, in search of talented young actors and actresses with comedy skills, and singers and dancers with acting ability, who will be given the opportunity to audition for authorized casting directors.
“We are constantly searching for new talent and this official open casting call gives participants the chance to showcase their abilities directly to our casting representatives,” said Judy Taylor, senior vice president, Casting And Talent Relations, Disney Channels Worldwide. “We are excited to help these kids follow their dreams.”
Registration and auditions will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Kansas City Convention Center, located at 301 West 13th Street in Kansas City, MO. An application and monologue will be provided upon arrival. Parking is available in surrounding parking lots for a $7 – $10 fee.
Boys and girls who can play characters between the ages of 10-18 and can act, dance or sing are invited to the casting to be considered for upcoming original movies and series being produced for exhibition on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
This official open call is among Disney Channel’s and Disney XD’s few annual casting searches in the United States. There are no guarantees of employment.
There is no fee to audition. There is no contract to sign.
More information is available at www.disneychannel.com/opencall. If an audition is not listed on this site, it is not authorized by Disney Channel.
For those of you familiar with the history of the Save Disney Shows movement (yes, all three of you), you will no doubt remember that Rich Ross was the executive in charge of the Disney Channel when my beloved Kim Possible was cancelled. Not to mention Phil of the Future and American Dragon Jake Long. Of course, like a broken clock, he did get a few things right such as High School Musical. And because of this, he was promoted to head of the Walt Disney studios in 2009 replacing Dick Cook. Well, last week in the wake of the John Carter debacle (and more importantly Ross’s mishandling of the spin) he was fired. Good riddance.
If you care to know anything more about the topic than what I just told you, here are two useful and informative articles.
Walt Disney Studios film chief Rich Ross’ abrupt departure Friday comes at a difficult time for one of the largest, oldest and most successful of Hollywood’s historic entertainment companies.
It has also called into question Walt Disney Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Robert A. Iger’s ambitious attempt to modernize the 89-year-old studio by placing a TV executive in charge of his film division and accelerates uncertainty at a time when all entertainment companies are struggling to come to terms with a dying DVD business and long-term declines in movie ticket sales.
Dismissed after less than three years in the top movie job, Ross leaves a legacy of costly box-office flops, including last year’s “Mars Needs Moms” and the recent Martian adventure film “John Carter,” for which Disney plans to take a $200-million write-down — one of the largest losses in movie history.
Iger’s loss of confidence in his handpicked film chairman suggests that he may have overreached in his attempt to set a new course for Disney’s movie division and miscalculated Ross’ ability to make the transition from television to film.
Industry observers said that Ross, a former Disney Channel executive, never effectively adapted to the world of film. He all but conceded as much in his resignation email to staff Friday, acknowledging that the chairman’s job was not “the right professional fit.”
“It’s hard to make that transition — there’s a steep learning curve,” said veteran film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who is responsible for Disney’s very successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and the upcoming Johnny Depp Western “Lone Ranger.”
To run a film division, he said, “You have to get people off their couches and go spend 12 bucks to go to a movie. With the Disney Cable Channel it is easy to do — people just turn on their TVs.”
When Iger picked him to run the film studio in October 2009, Ross was charged with remaking it for the 21st century realities of an industry challenged to adapt to new forms of digital distribution that deliver lower profit margins.
Ross set about eliminating jobs, cutting overhead and reducing the number of films Disney releases each year. He placed increased emphasis on established entertainment brands Marvel and Pixar, which the company had paid billions to bring into the Disney family. The Iger-Ross game plan was to make big, ambitious films with the potential to create a cultural tsunami that would spawn sequels, theme park rides, merchandise sales and spinoff television shows.
But in shaking up the studio, Ross removed seasoned film executives — who could have helped him learn the intricacies of the industry — and brought in outsiders, such as New York ad agency executive MT Carney, as head of marketing, ostensibly to inject the venerable Burbank studio with new ideas and approaches.
As a result, Ross put few films into production. There are just three Disney live-action movies this year that did not come from Pixar, Marvel and DreamWorks Studios, whose films the studio distributes.
This failure to surround himself with strong people who knew the business contributed to Ross’ undoing, say people in the industry with knowledge of the situation. Agents, managers and filmmakers perceived him as lacking a fundamental understanding of the film business.
That inexperience was reflected at the box office. Although the company continued to make money with “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Alice in Wonderland,” both of which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, Ross presided over two terribly costly flops. The $150-million 3-D animated 2011 release “Mars Needs Moms” grossed just $39 million worldwide and ended with a $100-million write-down for Disney; “John Carter,” a live-action adventure tale which cost at least $350 million to make and market, has grossed $269 million worldwide.
“There are real problems in Disney’s core content business — Disney studios and ABC — that are still both troubled, and Iger hasn’t fixed them,” said Laura Martin, senior media analyst at Needham & Co. “You can’t let an executive lose $200 million or $300 million on his watch and not fire him. If Iger loses another $200 million, his job could be on the line.”
The Carter debacle was damaging beyond its financial toll on the company, say people with knowledge of the situation.
Ross spoke negatively about the film, according to people familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly. Ross sought to blame Pixar Animation Studios for the “John Carter” debacle, they said. That prompted key Pixar executives to turn against Ross, whose abundance of self-confidence and abrasive style had alienated many within the studio. It set the stage for Iger to remove the studio chief from his post, say people familiar with the matter.
Iger sought to take the high road Friday, lauding Ross for his contributions to the company.
“For more than a decade, Rich Ross’ creative instincts, business acumen and personal integrity have driven results in key businesses for Disney, redefining success in kids and family entertainment and launching franchises that generate value across our entire company,” Iger said in a statement. “His vision and leadership opened doors for Disney around the world, making our brand part of daily life for millions of people.”
Ross’ exit came without a clear successor in place, signaling a highly unusual era of instability at the studio.
Iger has told certain individuals who do business with the company that he has not made a decision about Ross’ replacement, and did not indicate an urgency about doing so. In the meantime, Iger will rely on his production head, Sean Bailey, and president, Alan Bergman, to oversee the studio.
Investors are unlikely to be concerned with the latest executive shake-up at the movie studio, which is a relatively small contributor to Disney’s bottom line. But the misstep is a mark against Iger, who is expected to report the company’s second-quarter earnings results May 8.
“As CEO, Iger makes a lot of decisions and most have been successful and he’s guided the company very well over the years,” said veteran media analyst Hal Vogel.
“But this is one unpleasant mistake. When the failure comes it’s spectacular — it feeds back on his decision to change the leadership of the company. I can’t object to shaking things up and taking risks. But not all risks work out.”
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Once considered one of the most powerful and sought-after positions in Hollywood, running Walt Disney Studios — the 89-year-old Burbank institution behind “Snow White,” “Mary Poppins” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” — now seems about as desirable as playing Goofy on a hot day at Disneyland.
But since Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger fired his studio head Rich Ross last week, the buzz in Hollywood has been less about who’s angling for the studio chairman job and more about who would want it.
The reason: Iger’s strategy of turning Disney into a collection of brands means that most of the films it releases are not overseen or greenlighted by the movie studio chief, as they are at rival companies. Next year, for example, Disney will release five movies, including two 3-D re-releases, from its Pixar and Disney animation units, both headed by John Lasseter and Ed Catmull; two superhero films from Marvel, a subsidiary run by Chief Executive Ike Perlmutter and President Kevin Feige; and at least one from DreamWorks, the independent studio run by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider that has a distribution deal with Disney.
Ross’ successor must be someone all of those partners trust and with whom they are willing to work. And a big part of the job will be managing their egos.
Only two films on Disney’s 2013 slate were approved and overseen by Ross: “Oz: The Great and Powerful,” based on the classic book series and movie, and a new version of “The Lone Ranger” starring Johnny Depp. And both have powerful producers who are themselves forces to be reckoned with: Jerry Bruckheimer on “The Lone Ranger” and former Disney studio Chairman Joe Roth on “Oz.”
The studio is responsible, however, for advertising and releasing the movies from all of its brands and partners, meaning Ross’ successor would be an easy target for blame if those pictures didn’t work. People close to Disney but not authorized to speak publicly say Lasseter, Feige and Snider are all intimately involved in marketing plans and were bitter about having their films promoted by inexperienced outsider M.T. Carney, whom Ross hired in 2010 and dismissed early this year.
Though Ross’ departure came soon after the failure of “John Carter,” for which Disney is taking a $200-million write-down, people close to the studio said it had more to do with his inability to win the support of allies inside and outside Disney. Lasseter, Perlmutter, Snider and Spielberg were said to have been unhappy with his leadership, and numerous lower-level employees at the studio, plus agents and producers around Hollywood, complained that Ross did not clearly articulate the types of projects he wanted or his vision to transform
the studio.
In addition, Ross replaced nearly all of the seasoned movie executives at Disney with less experienced hands. Some newcomers, such as production president Sean Bailey, are well liked, but others, such as Carney, were spectacular failures. (So far, Carney’s successor, Ricky Strauss, is winning higher marks.)
Thus, less than three years after Iger stunned Hollywood by replacing veteran Dick Cook with Ross, who had a successful tenure running Disney Channels Worldwide but had never worked in the movie business, the Disney CEO must go back to the drawing board — again.
He is faced with the humbling task of finding a chairman capable of endearing himself or herself to colleagues and Hollywood’s creative community and who also possesses the skills to update the studio for the digital age — one of the ostensible reasons Cook was fired.
“All of this drama shows the changes at the studio are very much a work in progress,” said Tony Wible, a media analyst at Janney Montgomery Scott. “But it’s important they figure it out because the studio is a launching pad for the brands that make money in theme parks, in consumer products and on television.”
Walt Disney Studios is now being run by several executives previously under Ross who now report directly to Iger, including Bailey and President Alan Bergman, who oversees distribution and business operations. It’s an unusual situation in Hollywood, where top executives usually aren’t fired without a replacement lined up to prevent the kind of instability and uncertainty now present on the Disney lot.
Already, many of the names that first popped up as potential successors for Ross have quietly made clear that they’re not interested or are unavailable.
Feige, who has produced Marvel’s string of hits including two “Iron Man” films, “Thor” and “Captain America: The First Avenger,” along with next week’s hugely anticipated “The Avengers,” is telling associates that he’d prefer to stay in his current job, according to two people familiar with the executive’s thinking.
Lasseter, who lives near the headquarters of Pixar Animation Studios in Northern California’s Emeryville, is said to be happy staying in charge of Disney’s fabled animation operation. Snider, who ran Universal Pictures before moving to DreamWorks, is obliged to sign a multi-year contract extension as part of a $200-million refinancing with backer Reliance Entertainment, making her unavailable even if she wanted the job.
Roth, who ran Disney Studios from 1994 to 2000 and has headed 20th Century Fox and Revolution Studios, is not interested in the position as he is busy producing three coming movies for Disney: “Oz,” a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster “Alice in Wonderland” and the “Sleeping Beauty” spinoff “Maleficent,” as well as the FX/Lionsgate television show “Anger Management” starring Charlie Sheen. He also owns Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders.
At a presentation of Disney’s coming movies at the CinemaCon gathering of theater owners in Las Vegas this week, things appeared to go smoothly despite the instability in Burbank. The studio brought out stars including Depp, James Franco and Mila Kunis and had executives including Bailey, Feige and Lasseter discuss the slate, along with Bruckheimer and Roth.
On the press line beforehand, however, the tension was evident.
Asked whether she was worried Ross’ exit might affect the marketing of her Pixar animated film “Brave,” producer Katherine Sarafian quickly changed the subject.
“We feel like we’re in good hands and here to talk about ‘Brave.’ I think we’re doing all right,” she said.
Almost immediately after Sarafian had uttered the words, a Disney publicist rushed over and implored a reporter to stop asking filmmakers questions about Ross because it was making them “uncomfortable.”
Good Luck Charlie returns this month with four new episodes! There are also a couple of Jessie, Phineas and Ferb, and Shake it Up episodes. Plus one new Austin and Ally. Unfortunately, last month was the last So Random of the Season. There don’t seem to be any A.N.T. Farm or Fish Hooks episodes scheduled either.
We’ve staring off the month with a new Jessie in it’s new 8PM time shot. Seems like a good idea to me.
JESSIE AND ZURI JOIN THE PAGEANT CIRCUIT IN A NEW EPISODE OF “JESSIE,” FRIDAY, MAY 4 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Beauty & the Beasts” – After convincing Zuri to enter a pageant, Jesse runs into her nemesis Nanny Agatha, who has entered her beloved Lindsay in the pageant, as well. Meanwhile, Luke and Ravi play practical jokes on Bertram, in a new episode of “Jessie,” premiering FRIDAY, MAY 4 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Guest starring are Jennifer Veal as Agatha and Nikki Hahn as Lindsay.
Phineas and Ferb seems to be relying on guest stars more and more recently. I don’t particularly like that…
TOM BERGERON AND RICHARD KIND GUEST STAR IN AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF “PHINEAS AND FERB,” FRIDAY, MAY 4 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“The Mom Attractor” – When the boys ask Candace to decide what they should do for the day, she slyly asks them to invent a device to attract their Mom so that she can finally bust her brothers. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz has invented a “Baby-Cry-Inator” designed to tarnish his goodie-two-shoes brother’s image with the electorate.
“Cranium Maximus” – When Baljeet becomes concerned that he is losing his mental edge, the boys invent a cerebral stimulatory hat, or “Brain booster,” to help him. But when the hat exceeds expectations and makes Baljeet exponentially smarter, he suddenly views everyone else as beneath him and becomes a threat to civilization. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz plans to use his “Key-Find-Inator” to collect all the keys in Danville in hopes that it will lead to the Key to the City.
“The Mom Attractor” was written Martin Olson and directed by Rob Hughes. “Cranium Maximus” was written by Scott Peterson and directed by Jay Lender.
The return of Good Luck Charlie! It’s about time – you guys still remember what Bridgit looks like, right?
SEASON THREE OF “GOOD LUCK CHARLIE” PREMIERES WITH
BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES SUNDAY, MAY 6 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Make Room for the Baby” – Now in her third trimester, Amy decides the family needs to move into a bigger house to make room for baby number five. However, even after all the furniture is packed up, Amy finds that the house is still filled with the incredible memories the family shared within its walls as she takes a nostalgic walk down memory lane, in the season three premiere episode of “Good Luck Charlie,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 6 (8:00–8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
“Bad Luck Teddy” – Everyone at school thinks Teddy is a jinx on Spencer since the basketball team has been losing ever since they got back together. Meanwhile, Gabe misunderstands a conversation he overhears between Amy and Bob and thinks he is being sent to a military school, and PJ has a hard time letting go of his old hair salon until he discovers that his new hairdresser is a cute girl, in a new episode of
Good Luck Charlie,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 6 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Shane Harper reprises his role as Spencer in “Make Room for the Baby” and “Bad Luck Teddy” and Raven Goodwin returns as Ivy in “Bad Luck Teddy.”
Another new Jessie? And more of Agatha (ok, twin sister LOL)? I’m surprised. But in a good way.
JESSIE DEFENDS HER TURF IN A NEW EPISODE OF “JESSIE,”
FRIDAY, MAY 11 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Evil Times Two” – Nanny Agatha’s twin sister, Angela, is in town and Jessie suspects she is trying to steal her job and also catch Tony’s eye. Meanwhile, Emma copes with a giant zit on her nose, in a new episode of “Jessie,” premiering FRIDAY, MAY 11 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Guest starring is Jennifer Veal as Nannies Agatha and Angela, twin sisters.
Seth Green on Phineas and Ferb? Never mind what I just said about guest stars. LOL
JORGE GARCIA AND SETH GREEN GUEST STAR IN AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF “PHINEAS AND FERB,” FRIDAY, MAY 11 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Agent Doof” – Candace’s plans to watch over Phineas and Ferb backfire when Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s “Babe-inator” turns her brothers into babies. After having an epiphany, Dr. Doofenshmirtz shows up at the OWCA to give up his evil ways. Agent P has no choice but to show Dr. Doofenshmirtz the ropes of the trade, but things quickly sour between the two after Dr. Doofenshmirtz accidentally exposes the identity of a fellow animal agent.
“Minor Monogram” – With Fall around the corner, Phineas and Ferb decide to invent “S’Fall,” a colorful world full of giant leaf piles and gourds. Meanwhile, over at Evil Inc., Dr. Doofenshmirtz is mentoring Rodrigo, a budding student of evil. Unfortunately, Rodrigo truly is evil, and when he captures Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Agent P., it’s up to Major Monogram’s son, Monty, to save the day.
This episode of “Phineas and Ferb” airs FRIDAY, MAY 11 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Jorge Garcia (“Lost”) guest stars as Rodrigo, and Seth Green (“Robot Chicken”) as Monty in the episode “Minor Monogram.”
Two more back to back GLCs? They could have just showed one per week and premiered the first one last month. *eye roll*
CHARLIE REVEALS THE SUPRISING REASON BEHIND AMY’S BABY SHOWER AND TEDDY FINDS HERSELF IN A PROM DRESS FIASCO,
IN NEW BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES OF “GOOD LUCK CHARLIE”
SUNDAY, MAY 13 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Amy Needs a Shower” – In the midst of Amy’s baby shower, Charlie reveals the surprising reason behind her mom’s motive for having the party. Meanwhile, Teddy and Ivy find themselves hosting the most boring show at their local radio station, and Bob makes PJ and Gabe compete for a playoff game ticket by proving who knows their dad best, in a new episode of “Good Luck Charlie,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 13 (7:30–8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
“Dress Mess” – Amy is sure her old prom dress would be the perfect fit for Teddy to wear to her dance, and PJ forgoes his prom to go to another one, only to regret his choice when he discovers that his date is home schooled, in a new episode of
“Good Luck Charlie,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 13 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Raven Goodwin returns as Ivy in “Amy Needs a Shower” and Shane Harper reprises his role as Spencer in “Dress Mess.”
A new Shake it Up. I was starting to wonder if they only had three shows now. xD Not that shis sounds like a particularly creative idea.
CECE AND ROCKY GET DOUBLE BOOKED IN A NEW EPISODE OF
“SHAKE IT UP,” SUNDAY, MAY 13 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Tunnel It Up” – CeCe hatches a plan that will allow her and Rocky to tape a “Shake It Up, Chicago” national special and be at a school dance on the same night. Meanwhile, Deuce ends up having to bring Flynn to the dance, in a new episode of “Shake It Up,” SUNDAY, MAY 13 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Oh, how I hope that they actually let Bridgit sing in this episode and not just hint at it.
TEDDY AND SPENCER STAR IN A MUSICAL
IN A NEW EPISODE OF “GOOD LUCK CHARLIE,”
SUNDAY, MAY 20 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Catch Me If You Can” – Teddy and Spencer worry that Amy will steal their spotlight if she discovers they’re starring in a musical at a local children’s theatre, so they try and keep it under wraps. Meanwhile, Bob tries to prove he is as brave as his nemesis by catching a snake, and PJ’s boss asks him to investigate crimes at Kwiki-Chikki, in a new episode of “Good Luck Charlie,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 20 (7:30–8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Shane Harper reprises his role as Spencer.
This seems fairly predictable, but is is good to see there’s a new A&A episode this month at least.
AUSTIN FACES HIS FEARS IN A NEW EPISODE OF
“AUSTIN & ALLY,” SUNDAY, MAY 20 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Filmmaking & Fear Breaking” – Dez is filming his first big movie and the whole gang jumps in to help. Austin nabs the starring role, Trish gets to play lots of characters and Ally offers to help out behind the camera. However, when it’s Austin’s turn for his big scene, something triggers a childhood fear and causes him to panic, in a new episode of “Austin & Ally,” premiering SUNDAY, MAY 20 (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Can you imagine Gunther and Tinka in normal clothes? I really can’t!
CECE AND ROCKY PLAN A WALK OUT IN A NEW EPISODE OF
“SHAKE IT UP,” SUNDAY, MAY 20 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
“Protest It Up” – When the school board institutes uniforms for all students, Rocky and CeCe do their best to overturn the ruling. Meanwhile, Gunther and Tinka have time for new hobbies now that they aren’t worrying about their clothes, in a new episode of “Shake It Up,” SUNDAY, MAY 20 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Good Luck Charlie season three kicks off on Sunday May 6th! It’s about time.
BABY DUNCAN IS ON THE WAY!
SEASON THREE OF DISNEY CHANNEL’S HIT FAMILY COMEDY
“GOOD LUCK CHARLIE” PREMIERES SUNDAY, MAY 6
WITH BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES
–Baby Name, Chosen by More Than 25 Million Votes, to be Revealed this Summer–
Season Three of the hit comedy series for the entire family “Good Luck Charlie” will premiere with back-to-back episodes SUNDAY, MAY 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. It’s more diapers, bottles and onesies for the Duncans as they prepare to welcome the newest member of their family. Baby Duncan, whose name was chosen by more than 25 million votes worldwide on www.DisneyChannel.com, will make its debut during a special one hour episode premiering this summer.
In the premiere episode, Amy Duncan, now in her third trimester, decides it’s time for her expanding family to move into a bigger house. Immediately following the premiere, in an all new episode, Gabe thinks he is being sent to a boarding school, PJ has a hard time letting go of his old hair salon, and everyone at school thinks Teddy is a jinx on Spencer.
“Good Luck Charlie” was TV’s #2 series in Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 across all television for 2011. [Source: NTI, 12/27/10-12/25/11, trackage data with minimum 10 telecasts].
In upcoming episodes, Amy uses her maternity leave as an opportunity to insert herself into her kids’ lives and activities. Finding the time at home liberating, Amy decides to quit her job permanently, start a mommy blog, and take a part-time job as a nurse at Gabe’s school. With Amy now at home, Bob decides to bring in additional income by taking on odd jobs. PJ prepares to graduate high school and attend the local college, while Teddy continues to juggle her studies, part-time jobs and her new spot on the school volleyball team. Meanwhile, Gabe embraces his position as the new middle child, while Charlie adjusts to not being the baby of the family anymore.
Starring are Bridgit Mendler, Jason Dolley, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Bradley Steven Perry, Mia Talerico and Eric Allan Kramer. Raven Goodwin, Shane Harper and Micah Williams return to reprise their roles as Ivy, Spencer and Emmett.
“Good Luck Charlie” was created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen (“Suddenly Susan” and “What I Like About You”) and is executive-produced by Baker, Vaupen and Dan Staley (“Cheers,” “Love & Money”).
New episodes of “Good Luck Charlie” air SUNDAYS on Disney Channel. The series is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc. and carries a TV-G parental guideline.
A little bit of corporate news regarding Disney Channel’s executive structure. Richard Loomis joined DC back in 2007 and was in charge of marketing. In his new role he’s still in charge of marketing… but he has a fancy new title (and I would presume a pay bump).
In related news, Karen K. Miller has also been promoted to Executive Director, Worldwide Programming Strategy which puts her in a very prominent position as far as the future direction of the channel.
So yeah… I guess that’s it. The full press releases follow.
RICHARD LOOMIS PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, DISNEY CHANNELS WORLDWIDE
Richard Loomis has been promoted to the newly created position of Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom Loomis reports. Loomis joined Disney in 2007 and most recently was the group’s Senior Vice President, Marketing and Creative. His role now expands further with the successful Disney Channels Worldwide portfolio, comprised of the kids TV ratings leader Disney Channel, the skyrocketing Disney XD channel, the fast growing programming block plus newly launched 24-hour channel, Disney Junior.
Loomis is responsible for guiding the creative marketing vision for the kid-focused, family inclusive Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior channels and brands around the world. He also oversees creative marketing support for the Disney Media Sales and Marketing team and works closely with Programming, Global Brand Marketing and Franchise Management as well as the Affiliate Sales and Marketing and Research groups, and the Radio Disney national network and its over 30 owned radio stations. In addition to overseeing the Channel Marketing teams for each brand, Loomis manages the Off Air design, Marketing Strategy and Analytics and Marketing Operations functions.
Marsh said, “With unmatched creativity, knowledge and expertise, Richard has played a pivotal role in branding the creative expressions of Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior across the globe. Along the way, he has built a matrix of successful partnerships. This is a well-earned acknowledgement of not only the contributions he’s made to our TV and Radio platforms, but the expanding responsibilities he’s now taking on.”
Under Loomis’ leadership, the Disney Channel Marketing and Creative team received numerous PromaxBDA Awards, CTAM Mark Awards and Telly Awards for network packaging, marketing campaigns and interstitial series that air on the various Disney platforms.
Prior to joining Disney Channel, Loomis was Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy for MTV Networks’ Comedy Central from 2004-06, a role he was promoted to after serving as Vice President, Marketing and Advertising from 2000-04. He spent the previous seven years at Nickelodeon, most recently as Vice President, Marketing and Advertising.
Loomis’ agency experience includes Account Supervisor roles at Backer Spielvogel Bates, and McCaffrey & McCall Advertising in New York. He began his career as a Media Planner at Grant/Jacoby Advertising in Chicago.
A native of Ontario, New York, Loomis is a graduate of The College of Wooster where he earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in International Relations and Business. He is a member of Promax, BDA and CTAM.
Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of over 100 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 169 countries in 35 languages, spanning Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama and Radio Disney brands. Through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney-ABC-ESPN Television for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids’ programming across the globe, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.
KAREN K. MILLER PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WORLDWIDE PROGRAMMING STRATEGY, ACQUISITIONS AND CO-PRODUCTIONS, DISNEY CHANNELS WORLDWIDE
BURBANK, April 4, 2012 . . . Karen K. Miller has been promoted to Executive Director, Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide. Miller, who works across the owned Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior channels around the world, reports to Paul DeBenedittis, Senior Vice President, Programming, Scheduling, Multi-Platform, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide.
Miller joined Disney Channel in 2011 as Director, Acquisitions and Co-Productions.
In making this announcement, DeBenedittis said: “Karen is a true programmer and global partner, with a great eye for content and a drive for strategy.”
In her new role, Miller is responsible for directing the development of overall scheduling strategies to ensure regional and local programming plans are consistent with global priorities. She also oversees the global acquisitions process, sourcing live action and animated series and movies on a worldwide basis for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. In addition Miller steers co-production opportunities, from creative development and production, for Disney Channels Worldwide, and is Disney Channels’ lead representative at annual TV and entertainment markets.
Prior to Disney Channel, Miller worked in development, production and distribution for Atlantyca Entertainment and was Animation Associate Producer on the 20th Century Fox feature film, “The Simpsons Movie.” She spent the previous 18 years at Warner Bros., last serving as Vice President of Property Acquisitions for Consumer Products.
Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Miller graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. She is based in Burbank, California, at the headquarters of Disney Channels Worldwide.
Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of over 100 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 169 countries in 35 languages, spanning Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama and Radio Disney brands. Through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney-ABC-ESPN Television for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids’ programming across the globe, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.
We briefly talked about this new DCOM in the Upcoming Disney Projects post last month, but I wanted to share this press release which includes more information about the project which has now production.
I’m not 100% sold on the idea, but it could be good if done right.
Disney’s press release follows:
BLUE SKY, GENTLE BREEZE, SUNSHINE AND SWEET HARMONIES PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN ON “TEEN BEACH MUSICAL,” A DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE
Starring Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Garrett Clayton, Grace Phipps, John DeLuca, Chrissie Fit, Kevin Chamberlin and Steve Valentine
School’s out, surf’s up and Disney Channel is taking a dip into the teen beach party movie genre with “Teen Beach Musical,” a modern “no more complications, just good vibrations,” break into song and dance comedy in which surfer girl McKenzie and her boyfriend Brady literally go into a classic surf movie musical where it’s bikers versus surfers — and they’re in for trouble if they don’t back down. While they hatch a plan to get back home to present day, the duo try to blend in as everyone around them spontaneously breaks into song and dance. But when they interfere with the plot of the movie, their fate may be changed forever.
Production has begun in Puerto Rico for a premiere in 2013 as part of the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise. 2011 was the fifth consecutive year a Disney Channel Original Movie was the year’s #1 cable TV movie in Total Viewers (the average delivery for the five movies is 12.5 million viewers) and the 10th consecutive year Disney Channel has delivered the #1 original movie telecast among Tweens 9-14.
Starring are Ross Lynch (“Austin & Ally”) as Brady, Maia Mitchell (Australia’s “Trapped,” “Castaway”) as McKenzie, Garrett Clayton (“Shake it Up”) as Tanner, Grace Phipps (ABC Family’s “The Nine Lives of Chloe King”) as Lela, John DeLuca (“Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Ugly Betty”) as Butchy, Chrissie Fit (“General Hospital”) as Chee Chee, Tony Award-nominated Kevin Chamberlin (“Jessie,” Broadway’s “The Addams Family”) as Dr. Fusion and Steve Valentine (“Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie,” Disney XD’s “I’m In The Band”) as Les Camembert.
The “Teen Beach Musical” soundtrack, influenced by surf rock, Motown R&B, rockabilly and comedic pop, features 10 original songs by acclaimed songwriters and producers Antonina Armato & Tim James, Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, Chen Neeman, David Lawrence & Faye Greenberg, Ali Dee, Mitch Allan and Jason Evigan.
The movie begins on the last day of summer, and McKenzie’s surf and sand life is about to be upturned when she departs for boarding school to fulfill her family’s dream to graduate from the elite institution. But when she and Brady find themselves literally transported into his favorite classic beach musical, set in the 1960s, about a rivalry between the surfers and bikers and a star-crossed teenage boy who likes a girl, he is ecstatic for endless summer while she is eager to get back home to keep her promise to her family about her schooling. While they hatch a plan to get back to present day, the duo try to blend in and understand 1960s teenagers, but it’s not so easy when everyone around them spontaneously breaks into song and dance. And when they accidentally interfere with the plot of the movie and the lead characters, surf guy Tanner and biker girl Lela, fall for them, instead of each other, Brady and McKenzie fear their fate may be changed forever.
The writers of “Teen Beach Musical” are Vince Marcello & Mark Landry (“Zombie Prom”) and Robert Horn (“Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure,” The Suite Life Movie”). The movie is directed by DGA-nominated Jeffrey Hornaday (“Geek Charming,” choreographer of “A Chorus Line,” “Flashdance”) and choreographed by Chris Scott (“Lemonade Mouth,” “Step Up 4,” “So You Think You Can Dance”). David Buelow (“Bring It On: Fight to the Finish”) serves as executive producer with Robert F. Phillips (“Teen Spirit,” “Valkyrie”) as producer. “Teen Beach Musical” is a production of Rainforest Productions, LLC.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
Disney has ordered a new pilot “Bits & Pieces” for consideration for a future series. The whole idea sounds like they want to do Life with Derek again. xD
So… I guess it could be good if done well. The press release follows:
DISNEY CHANNEL ORDERS FAMILY COMEDY PILOT “BITS & PIECES”
Disney Channel has ordered the comedy pilot “Bits & Pieces,” a unique re-imagining of the traditional multicamera family comedy. The series will showcase the bits and pieces of a family’s funniest moments using quick, dynamic storylines that unfold through a series of short comedic vignettes.
“Bits & Pieces” is executive-produced by Andy Fickman (“The Game Plan,” “Race to Witch Mountain”) and Betsy Sullenger (“You Again”) and written by John D. Beck & Ron Hart (“Shake It Up,” “According to Jim”). Production begins in June in consideration for a Disney Channel series to premiere in 2013.
In the story, the family tree gets a whole lot bigger when high school basketball coach Pete marries the school psychologist Jodie, much to the chagrin of their four kids. Willful teenager Alanna recounts all the family moments through comedic vignettes, while her awkward brother Sticky and their new step siblings Crystal and Brody help fill in the bits and pieces as they begin their journey together as a new family.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
