So… color me confused. Disney’s releasing a “preview” of the new series on Friday December 2nd immediately following the Good Luck Charlie Christmas DCOM. Then they’re actually premiering the show on Sunday December 4th following a new So Random. (The Justin Bieber episode. Eww.) This is all so confusing… y’all might want to consider just downloading it for free from iTunes on November 22nd. That’s probably the easiest way to go.
November 1, 2011
“AUSTIN & ALLY,” A COMEDY ABOUT AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP,
PREMIERES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
– Talented Ensemble Cast is Ross Lynch, Laura Marano,
Raini Rodriguez and Calum Worthy –
– Leading up to the Premiere, Global Music Sensation
Justin Bieber Performs on the Hit Series “So Random!” –
Opposites rock in “Austin & Ally,” a new comedy series about an unlikely friendship, singing, songwriting and the adventures of trying to achieve one’s dreams, premiering SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The series follows polar opposites – an extroverted musician/singer, and a brilliant yet shy songwriter – who combine their talents in an attempt to create a true musical tour-de-force. Starring are newcomer Ross Lynch as Austin, Laura Marano (“Without a Trace,” “Back to You”) as Ally, Raini Rodriguez (Disney’s “Prom,” “I’m in the Band”) as Trish and Calum Worthy (“Psych,” “Good Luck Charlie”) as Dez. Prior to the premiere of “Austin & Ally,” music sensation Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his upcoming holiday album, in an all-new episode of the hit series “So Random!”
In the premiere episode, Austin is eager to release another music video, so he puts the pressure on Ally to quickly finish the lyrics. However, in her haste to complete the song, she scribbles down the lyrics in illegible handwriting, prompting Dez and Trish – who are collecting props for the music video – to gather some strange items which they think correspond to Ally’s lyrics. When the odd collection of musical props and items begins arriving, they piece together the handwriting debacle and quickly work together to resolve the mix-up.
The multi-platform schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
• DisneyChannel.com will launch the “Austin & Ally” super site featuring new videos, games and activities including “Rocking Out” posters, which fans can create to help showcase a surprise concert the gang is planning.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
• Free download of “Austin & Ally” preview episode available on iTunes.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
• Preview episode of “Austin & Ally” available via Disney Channel On Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of major affiliates including AT&T, Cablevision, Time Warner and Verizon customers.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
• Disney Channel preview of “Austin & Ally” with simulcast on Sprint TV and MobiTV (9:30 p.m., ET/PT), immediately following the Disney Channel Original Movie premiere of “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas.” In the pilot episode, unbeknownst to Ally, Austin and Dez “borrow” one of her songs, record it, create a video and post it on the internet, after which it and Austin become an overnight sensation. When Trish convinces Ally to tell the world she wrote the song, Austin pleads with her to write another hit for him.
• Kids and families can tour the Sonic Boom lounge, create music tracks of their own and learn more about the show and characters at DisneyChannel.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
• Preview episode of “Austin & Ally” available on DisneyChannel.com, Mobile VOD (AT&T, Sprint and Verizon) and Microsoft Xbox.
• Premiere episode of “Austin & Ally” available via Disney Channel On Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of major affiliates including AT&T, Cablevision, Time Warner and Verizon customers.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
• All-new episode of “So Random!” on Disney Channel starring global music sensation, Justin Bieber (7:30-8:00 p.m., ET/PT).
• Disney Channel premiere of “Austin & Ally” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) with simulcast on Sprint TV and MobiTV.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
• Premiere episode of “Austin & Ally” available on DisneyChannel.com, iTunes, Mobile VOD (AT&T, Sprint and Verizon) and Microsoft Xbox.
“Austin & Ally” was created and is executive-produced by Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert (“Good Burger,” “Kenan & Kel,” Disney Channel’s “Sonny With A Chance” and “JONAS”). The pilot was directed by Shelley Jensen (“Good Luck Charlie,” “Shake It Up”). The series is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc. It carries a TV-G parental guideline.
We’ve known about the Good Luck Charlie DCOM for a while now, but I’m very disapointed to see that it’s going to be a Christmas special. That will severly limit it’s potential and I was hoping it would be a good push for Bridgit’s career. Oh well.
Okay, did I did like the little bit there Teddy is dancing an her mom’s all “not the time!” So I still think it’s gonna be pretty good, just… not what I expected.
They’re also going to use the event as a lead in to a preview of their new show Austin & Ally with Laura Marano that we’ve also been talking about for a while now…
Anyway, Disney’s full press release follows:
‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE…CHARLIE!
“GOOD LUCK CHARLIE, IT’S CHRISTMAS!,”
A DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
– Preview of New Comedy Series “Austin & Ally” to Follow –
The cast of Disney Channel’s hit family sitcom “Good Luck Charlie”– Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Bradley Steven Perry, Mia Talerico, Eric Allan Kramer and Jason Dolley — star in “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). The story follows the Duncans as they scramble to reunite with each other in time for the holiday after they are separated en route to their family vacation in Palm Springs.
(Editors, please note: Images are available for downloading at www.disneychannelmedianet.com. Registration Required).
In “Good Luck Charlie It’s Christmas!,” it’s a holiday season the Duncans won’t soon forget. The adventure begins when the Duncans, who are en route to Palm Springs to celebrate the holidays with Amy’s parents, are separated after Teddy makes a snap decision to give up her seat on the flight for a free ticket. Unwilling to stand by and let her daughter travel alone, Amy also disembarks the plane only to discover the next flight to Palm Springs departs after Christmas. Meanwhile, the rest of the family arrive in Palm Springs, but things aren’t any easier as Bob tries to care for Charlie under the watchful eye of Amy’s mom Petunia; PJ learns the pros and cons of his grandparents’ pool and Gabe quickly realizes the downfalls of teaching grandpa Hank how to play his video game.
Leading up to the premiere, the cast of “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” will share inside scoops from the set, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. The hosted wraps begin airing Sunday, November 6 and continue every Sunday night up until the premiere.
Beginning Friday, November 4, kids and families can visit DisneyChannel.com and experience new games inspired by the movie, including “Christmas Fix It!,” where users can help spruce up grandma’s condo after Charlie has a bit too much fun playing with Christmas decorations, and “Vacation Vehicles,” where fans can travel with various vehicles to get the entire Duncan family together for the holidays.
Immediately following the movie is a special preview of the new comedy series “Austin & Ally,” which centers around the partnership between two polar opposites — Austin, an extroverted musician/singer, and Ally, a brilliant yet shy songwriter — and their two best friends, Trish and Dez.
The multiplatform premiere schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
• “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” exclusive preview available via Disney Channel On Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of major affiliates including AT&T, Cablevision, Time Warner and Verizon customers.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
• The premiere of “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with simulcasts on Sprint TV and MobiTV.
• Preview of “Austin & Ally” (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). In the pilot episode, unbeknownst to Ally, Austin and Dez “borrow” one of her songs, record it, create a video and post it on the Internet, after which it and Austin become an overnight sensation. When Trish convinces Ally to tell the world she wrote the song, Austin pleads with her to write another hit for him. Instead, the two combine their talents to create a true musical tour-de-force.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” is available on iTunes, Sony and Xbox Live.
Rounding out the cast is Debra Monk (“Damages,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Petunia and Michael Kagan (“Desperate Housewives”) as Hank.
Based on Disney Channel’s family sitcom “Good Luck Charlie,” “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” is executive-produced by Sheri Singer and television veterans Dan Staley, (“Cheers,” “Love & Money”), Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen (“Suddenly Susan” and “What I Like About You”). Baker and Vaupen are also the series creators. The movie was written by Geoff Rodkey (“R.V.,” “Daddy Day Care”) and directed by Emmy Award-nominee Arlene Sanford (“Ally McBeal,” “Boston Legal”). Bridgit Mendler co-wrote and performs the song “I’m Gonna Run to You,” which is featured in the movie.
Disney Channel has officially picked up the new series Austin & Ally, staring Laura Marano. We told you about the pilot back in January, but it’s official now. It should be interesting!
Official Press Release Follows…
DISNEY CHANNEL ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION ON
NEW LIVE-ACTION COMEDY SERIES, “AUSTIN & ALLY”
Disney Channel has ordered “Austin & Ally,” an original, live-action comedy series chronicling the friendship of an unlikely duo whose lives unexpectedly enliven when one becomes an overnight Internet musical sensation. The multi-camera series will begin production in Hollywood this summer for a scheduled late 2011 premiere on Disney Channel.
Starring are newcomer Ross Lynch as Austin, Laura Marano (“Without a Trace,” “Back to You”) as Ally, Raini Rodriguez (Disney’s “Prom,” “I’m in the Band”) as Trish and Calum Worthy (“Psych,” “Good Luck Charlie”) as Dez.
The series follows the partnership between polar opposites — Austin, an extroverted musician/singer, and Ally, a brilliant yet shy songwriter — and their two best friends, Trish and Dez. Unbeknownst to Ally, Austin and Dez “borrow” one of her songs, record it, create a video and post it on the Internet, after which it and Austin become a local sensation. When Trish convinces Ally to tell the world she wrote the song, Austin pleads with her to write another hit for him. Instead, the two combine their talents to create a true musical tour-de-force.
“Austin & Ally” was created and is executive-produced by Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert (“Good Burger,” “Kenan & Kel,” Disney Channel’s “Sonny With A Chance” and “JONAS”). The pilot was directed by Shelley Jensen (“Good Luck Charlie,” “Shake It Up”).
Now, it’s important to point out that they’re only filing a pilot for Austin & Ally at this point, which means that the series hasn’t been picked up yet. However, given the fact that Disney never announces pilots I think it’s safe to assume that they plan to follow through with this concept as the next new series after the previously announced ANT Farm.
I will say though that this new girl, Laura Marano, is pretty darn cute.
DISNEY CHANNEL CASTS COMEDY PILOT “AUSTIN & ALLY”
After a nationwide search, three talented teens — Ross Lynch, Laura Marano and Raini Rodriguez — have been cast in the comedy pilot “Austin & Ally,” to begin production next month in Hollywood. The pilot, in consideration for a Disney Channel series to premiere later this year, was created and executive-produced by Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert, whose credits include “Good Burger,” “Keenan & Kel,” Disney Channel’s “Sonny With A Chance” and “JONAS.”
The multi-camera comedy follows the unlikely partnership between two polar opposites — Austin, an extroverted musician/singer and Ally, a brilliant but shy songwriter — and their two best friends, Trish and Dex. Unbeknownst to Ally, Austin and Dex “appropriate” one of her songs, record it, create a video and posts it on the internet, after which it and Austin become a local sensation. When Trish convinces Ally to tell the world she wrote the song, Austin begs her to write another hit for him. Instead, the two combine their talents to create a true musical tour-de-force.
14-year-old singer, dancer and actor Ross Lynch was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, and has been seen in several national commercials, music videos and Disney XD’s short-form series, “Moises Rules.” He and his four siblings are members of the musical group R5. The part of Austin in “Austin & Ally” marks his first leading role.
15-year-old Laura Marano has the lead role of Ally. A singer and actress, the native Angeleno has been acting since she was age five, appearing in numerous commercials and series including “Without a Trace,” “Back to You” and “The Sarah Silverman Program,” and the animated features “Finding Nemo” and “Ice Age: The Meltdown.”
Raini Rodriguez, 17, is set to play Ally’s best friend, Trish. A native of Bryan, Texas, Rodriguez had a recurring role on Disney XD’s comedy “I’m in the Band” and a guest starring role on Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” Her feature film credits include “Paul Blart Mall Cop” and Disney Studio’s upcoming “Prom.” Her brother Rico stars in ABC-TV’s “Modern Family.”
