Disney Channel Fans

Disney has just announced the renewal of the Disney XD original series Zeke and Luther for a third season.

Official press release follows…

SIDEWALK SURFING BUDDIES RETURN FOR THIRD SEASON OF
HIT DISNEY XD COMEDY SERIES, “ZEKE AND LUTHER”

Disney XD has ordered a third season of the hit comedy series “Zeke and Luther.” The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. New episodes of the buddy comedy about two best friends determined to achieve epic skateboarding status will begin production fall 2010 in and around southern California. Starring are popular teen actors Hutch Dano, Adam Hicks, Ryan Newman and Daniel Curtis Lee.

In making the announcement, Marsh said: “We have great comedic talent on camera and behind the scenes, and we join its growing fan base in looking forward to a third season of the unique and relatable storytelling that has made ‘Zeke and Luther’ so popular, especially among boys.”

Returning are creators and executive producers Matt Dearborn and Tom Burkhard, the team behind the Emmy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning Disney Channel series, “Even Stevens.”

Set in the mythical Northern California beach community of Pacific Terrace, the series follows the comedic adventures of best friends Zeke and Luther and their quest to become the world’s best skateboarders, while also navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. Quick to challenge the boys’ claim to being the best sidewalk surfers in the neighborhood is their friend and foe with a larger-than-life attitude, Kojo. Another thorn in their side is Zeke’s business-savvy little sister, Ginger, who finds her brother’s skateboarding dreams childish.

“Zeke and Luther” premiered in June 2009 on Disney XD in the U.S., and can be seen on Disney Channel’s worldwide. Starring are: Hutch Dano (The Disney Channel Original Movie “Den Brother” and the feature film “Ramona and Beezus”) as Zeke, Adam Hicks (“JONAS L.A.”) as Luther, Daniel Curtis Lee (“Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) as Kojo and Ryan Newman (“Hannah Montana”) as Ginger. “Zeke and Luther” is produced by Turtle Rock Productions, Inc. and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

“Zeke and Luther” is the #1 live-action original series on Disney XD this year across all key kid and boy demos.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, most current U.S. ratings, 2010 to date through 7/22/10. Program ranks based on 000s, then rating. Based on all play program averages.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 77 million households via its basic cable affiliates. Disney XD channels are in the UK, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Latin America and Japan.

Den Brother is this year’s “mid-summer” DCOM and stars Hutch Dano (Zeke and Luther) and G. Hannelius (Sonny With A Chance).

But even more exciting, my good friend and SWAC forum moderator, Chelsea was invited to visit the set and took a few pictures she gave me permission to share with you all!

I thought the cast list was one of the more interesting shots, as I’m looking forward to seeing Kelsey Chow (Pair of Kings) again.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the backstage peak!

What follows is the official Disney Press release about this DCOM.

HUTCH DANO STARS IN “DEN BROTHER,” A COMEDIC
DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 ON DISNEY CHANNEL

Hutch Dano (of Disney XD’s hit series “Zeke and Luther”) and G. Hannelius (“Sonny With A Chance”) star in the winsome comedy “Den Brother,” a Disney Channel Original Movie about a self-centered teen hockey star, who must swallow his pride, step in and become substitute leader of his little sister’s Bumble Bee troop. Filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, “Den Brother” premieres FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

In anticipation of the movie, DisneyChannel.com will present the opportunity for visitors to become Bumble Bee Scouts, play games and earn virtual badges through various tasks, as well as find information on pro-social activities to help their community, such as donating to charity and recycling.

The premiere schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
“Den Brother” preview available via Disney Channel on Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of affiliates including, Cablevision, Time Warner and Verizon FiOS TV customers.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13
Premiere of “Den Brother” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with simulcasts on Sprint TV, MobiTV and Flo TV.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17
Exclusive digital release of “Den Brother” on iTunes.

In the movie, 16-year-old hockey star Alex Pearson gets suspended from his team after showboating during a game, and to his dismay, finds himself filling in as a Bumble Bee Troop leader for his little sister Emily’s troop. He must pose as the troop’s elderly den mother from time to time but thinks it’s a small price to pay, especially since he can get Emily and the girls to do his chores and make him snacks in exchange for merit badges. Even more advantageous, Alex has the opportunity to get closer to the beautiful Matisse Burrows, leader of another Bumble Bee Troop. However, when his self-centered antics cost Emily and her friends an opportunity to participate in the long-anticipated Camporee, Alex finally sees how he has affected those he cares about and must devise a plan that will get his troop into the camp.

The movie stars Hutch Dano (“Zeke and Luther”) as Alex Pearson, G. Hannelius (“Sonny With A Chance,” “Leo Little’s Big Show”) as Emily Pearson, Kelsey Chow (of the upcoming Disney XD series “Pair of Kings”) as Matisse Burrows, David Lambert (Disney XD’s “Aaron Stone”) as Danny “Goose” Gustavo, Maurice Godin (“Wizards of Waverly Place,” “House M.D.”) as Professor Pearson, Vicki Lewis (“Sonny With A Chance,” “Til Death”) as Dina, and Debra Mooney (“Everwood”) as Mrs. Jacklitz. Starring as the Bumble Bees are Taylar Hender (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader”) as Abigail; Kiara Muhammad (“Steps”) as Ursula; Haley Tju (“Hannah Montana”) as Tina and Kelly Gould (“Rita Rocks”) as Rachel.

The story was written by Mike Horowitz and the teleplay was written by Jim Krieg. “Den Brother” was directed by Mark L. Taylor (“Hooking Up”); executive-produced by Jessica Horowitz (“Beauty and the Briefcase”) and Sandy Climan (“U2 3D”); and produced by Don Schain (“High School Musical” movies). “Den Brother” is a production of Salty Pictures, Inc. It carries a TV-G rating.

“Pair of Kings” is a new Disney XD original series staring Mitchel Musso and Doc Shaw.

The live audience taping for the first episode was yesterday, March 11th 2010, at the Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood and I was there, well, outside the studio at least.

Normally, they let the ticketed public in according to how soon they get there which is why I made sure to get there three hours early. But this time, there where Disney Execs there who wanted to see how the show played with their “target demographic.” So they cherry picked people from the line that had young boys with them. And of course, they keep the rest of us waiting and don’t tell us what they’re doing until thy’re ready to send us all home.

Dang it.

But you know what? It’s okay. I wanted to tell the cast and crew about Pair-of-Kings.com and I’ll get another chance.

Plus I still had fun in Hollywood.

I poked around a little while at Hollywood & Highland and went back to the Disney Soda Fountain & Studio Store

And I must say, there where a lot of posters for Miley’s “The Last Song”! Here’s another one, I must have seen at least a dozen.

Disney has just ordered the first season of a new DXD original series staring Mitchel Musso (“Hannah Montana,” “Phineas and Ferb”) and Doc Shaw (“The Suite Life on Deck,” “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”).

Pair of Kings is scheduled to begin production in March of 2010 with an expected premiere date in fall of 2010.

Debby Ryan writes (via twitter): “Congratulations to Doc Shaw & Mitchel Musso on Pair Of Kings! Stoked for y’all; it’s gonna be hilarious. Miss you boys!”

Ryan Newman adds (again via twitter): “What awesome news for Mitchel Musso and Ryan Ochoa ! Congrats!!!! Luv u guys…welcome to Disney XD…yay ”

Disney press release follows:

Disney XD orders “Pair of Kings” a live-action comedy series for kids and families about two fraternal twins who are living a typical teenage life in Chicago, but unbeknownst to them, are the successors to the throne of The Island of Kinkou. The multi-camera series will begin production in Hollywood in March 2010 and begin airing in Fall 2010 around the world.

Starring are popular actor and Walt Disney Records recording artist Mitchel Musso (“Hannah Montana,” “Phineas and Ferb”) as Brady and Doc Shaw (“The Suite Life on Deck” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”) as Boomer.

The series follows 16-year-old fraternal twins, Brady and Boomer, who lead a typical teenage life while being raised by their aunt and uncle in Chicago. But when Mason, the Royal Secretary to the Throne of the Island of Kinkou, arrives at their High School to inform the stunned boys of their extraordinary lineage, their lives are about to change drastically. Now, Brady and Boomer must relocate to the island to claim their throne as joint Kings of an island filled with odd superstitions and customs –while trying not to cause havoc at every turn. Their efforts are often helped and hindered by Mason’s adorable daughter, Mikayla, and a disgruntled cousin and wannabe king, Lanny, who’s out to sabotage them and steal the throne.

Rounding out the cast is Geno Segers (touring production of Disney’s “The Lion King”) as Mason, Kelsey Chow (“One Tree Hill”) as Mikayla and Ryan Ochoa (Disney’s “A Christmas Carol”) as Lanny.

The series was created and executive-produced by Dan Cross and Dave Hoge from Disney XD’s “Aaron Stone” and the UPN’s “One on One.” Matt Wickline (“Frank TV,” “The Hughleys”) will also serve as executive producer, Leo Clarke (“Frank TV,” “The Steve Harvey Show”) as producer and Don Beck (“Reba,” “8 Simple Rules”) as consulting producer. “Pair of Kings” is produced by It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc.

In other DXD news, their new series I’m in the Band, “a music-filled, live-action comedy series for kids and families about a teenager who realizes his wildest dream when he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band,” is set to premiere Monday January 18th.

Source: Animation Magazine

Walt Disney Television Animation has begun production on Kid Knievel, a 2D-animated comedy series about a 12-year-old boy who aspires to become the world’s greatest daredevil. Famed thrill seeker “Kaptain” Robbie Knievel will serve as a stunt consultant on the series, which is slated to premiere in the fall of 2009 on the soon-to-launch Disney XD channel. Kids will be able to catch a sneak peek when five 55-second original animated shorts debut on DisneyXD.com in advance of the television premiere.

Created by Sandro Corsaro, Kid Knievel centers on Francis Little, a boy who overcomes incredible obstacles in his quest to become famous for his death-defying acts. Inspired by the will and determination of daredevil Robbie Knievel, son of the legendary Evel Knievel, Francis pursues his daily dose of danger with his loyal friends Gunther and Sam by his side. His imaginative journey takes him speeding down a river in a rocket-powered kayak, jumping Dead Man’s Drop on a skateboard and riding a unicycle while blindfolded atop a herd of white rhinos.

Animation producer Chris Savino (Johnny Test, The Powerpuff Girls), who has twice been nominated for an Emmy Award, serves as exec producer and director on the series. The voice cast includes Chris Edgerly (Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law) as Francis Little, Matt Jones (Greek) as quirky best friend Gunther, and Danny Cooksey (Xiaolin Showdown, Pepper Ann) as obnoxious older brother Brad.

“As our first animated show for the new Disney XD platform, Kid Knievel sets the tone for the animated series to come,” says Eric Coleman, senior VP of original series at Walt Disney Television Animation. “It has break-out characters, fresh designs, big laughs and great action.”

Disney XD is a re-branding of Toon Disney. The basic cable channel will debut in February with a multi-platform setup that will showcase a mix of live-action and animated programming for kids 6-14, especially boys into discovery, sports, adventure and humor. Offerings will include sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD will be a 24-hour, advertiser-supported network reaching 72 million households.

I’m still not sure what I think of this whole Disney XD venture. If it takes off the way they’re hoping it will, then I’ll get behind it, but I have a feeling it’s gonna crash and burn. Especially if this new project is the best they have to offer.